The 2024 Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 2 of the WSL Longboard Tour, concluded earlier this month with riveting performances and memorable moments. The event, held in Huntington Beach, California, has been a historic fixture since 1959, highlighting the finest and emerging longboard talents from around the world. This year was no exception, with the competition providing thrilling high-performance action and elegant longboarding styles for a beach packed with enthusiastic fans.
The nine-day festival was a blend of intense competition and fun activities suitable for the entire family. The Huntington Beach Longboard Classic is the second stop on the path to the 2024 WSL Longboard World Title. Reigning WSL Longboard Champions, current World No. 1 Soleil Errico (USA) and Kai Sallas (HAW), continued their title defenses after a strong start at Bells Beach. Errico secured a victory at Bells Beach, while Sallas reached the semifinals.
The event also marked the fourth stop for Challenger Series contenders aiming to qualify for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT). The high-performance showcase began on August 7 with notable performances by current Challenger Series leaders Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Ian Gouveia (BRA), who sought to extend their dominance in the rankings.
Several athletes delivered remarkable performances throughout the event:
- Sawyer Lindblad (San Clemente, CA): Pushed her way toward becoming a CT rookie following her win in 2023.
- Eli Hanneman (HAW): Aiming to return to the CT in 2025, Hanneman showcased his competitive edge.
- Soleil Errico (USA): Defending World Champion and current World No. 1, Errico displayed her skills against a strong field.
- Taylor Jensen (USA): Alongside Errico, Jensen aimed to return the event titles to California.
- Rachael Tilly (USA): The 2016 WSL Longboard Champion aimed to claim the title against reigning champions and new stars.
They faced tough competition from defending event winners Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) and Kaniela Stewart (HAW), who had swept the Waikiki event last season. Other competitors included reigning WSL Longboard Champion Kai Sallas (HAW), three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW), Ben Skinner (GBR), Alice Lemoigne (FRA), and rising star Rogelio JR Esquivel (PHL).
The finals day saw top-tier performances, with Rachael Tilly (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) emerging victorious. In an all-Southern California showdown, Tilly earned a hard-fought win against reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA). Tilly’s performance was a testament to her skill and determination, as she navigated through the heats with precision and style, ultimately securing her title.
Taylor Jensen claimed his title by besting event standout Rogelio JR Esquivel (PHL). Jensen’s experience and strategic wave selection were key to his victory, demonstrating why he remains a prominent figure in the longboarding world.
For more information on the event and future competitions, visit WorldSurfLeague.com and USOpenofSurfing.com.
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