The Finals Day of the SumatranSurfariis Hamamatsu Open, encompassing the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2000 and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) events, concluded today at Nakatajima Beach. Four winners were determined across the two divisions. The competition was characterized by challenging wave conditions, which led to several notable comebacks and significant first-time victories.

In the Men’s QS 2000 Final, Ikko Watanabe (JPN) secured his first WSL event victory, defeating Yuji Nishi (JPN). Nishi, aged 24, established an early lead with a 7.17 score. However, Watanabe, 18, responded with a 7.67, achieved through two well-executed turns on a right-hand wave. He further solidified his position in the final minutes with a strong backside turn, earning a 7.60. With these two high-scoring rides, Watanabe achieved a combined total of 15.27, claiming his inaugural WSL title. “I’m really happy – it’s as simple as that,” Watanabe stated. “All I could do was pray the waves would hold up for those two rides.”

Hamamatsu Open QS Finalists - WSL / Y Kanai
Hamamatsu Open QS Finalists WSL Y Kanai

The Women’s QS 2000 Final between Kana Nakashio (JPN) and Minami Nonaka (JPN) was a lower-scoring heat, as both competitors found it difficult to secure high-quality waves. Nakashio obtained a score of 6.67 early in the final, which proved sufficient to maintain her lead until the conclusion of the heat. “It was a really tough event,” Nakashio commented. “The waves changed a lot throughout the competition, from small to big and tricky. But I got a good score early in the final, and that helped me stay in control. It’s a great confidence boost going into the Challenger Series.”

In the Men’s LQS Final, Jomarie Ebueza (PHL) maintained control for the majority of the heat. However, in the final 90 seconds, Taka Inoue (JPN) executed a critical ride. Requiring a score of 7.33 for the win, Inoue achieved an 8.33, his highest-scoring wave of the heat, thereby securing the victory. “I’ve been on the WSL for about nine years, including shortboard events, and I’ve never won before,” Inoue said. “To finally do it, and to earn qualification for the upcoming World Longboard Tour. It feels amazing.”

The Women’s LQS Final featured Natsumi Taoka (JPN), Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN), and sisters Sakura and Kaede Inoue (JPN). Yoshikawa established an early lead. Taoka, however, remained patient. With less than two minutes remaining and needing a score of 6.17, Taoka secured a wave that yielded a 6.50, allowing her to move into first place with a total score of 10.83. “It was all about endurance out there,” Taoka remarked. “I could have gone for inside waves, but I was determined to go out the back and get something excellent. That last wave came just in my time, and I’m grateful for it.”

The 2025 SumatranSurfariis Hamamatsu Open was held from May 21 to May 25, 2025. Further information can be found at WorldSurfLeague.com.