The opening day of the 2024 La Union International Pro brought glassy waves and fierce competition to the Philippines. Surfers from around the world battled it out in the Qualifying Series (QS) and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS), vying for points and a chance to climb the rankings.

Local hero June Esquivel stole the show, scoring an impressive 8.00 for a smooth nose-ride in his first heat. This was redemption for the talented Filipino who suffered a tough loss in the 2023 event. Esquivel’s dream of joining his brother, the reigning Asia Regional LQS Champion, on the Longboard Tour seems closer than ever.

Local knowledge proved valuable, with 11 Filipinos advancing to the Men’s Round of 16. While top-ranked Kai Hamase from Japan cruised through his heat, veteran surfer Taka Inoue surprisingly got knocked out, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.

The action promises to heat up even further in the coming days, as surfers battle for glory and ranking points on the lush waves of La Union. Can Esquivel maintain his momentum? Will another surprise upset rock the competition?

2023 LQS runner up Hiroka Yoshikawa JPN had a strong return to competition posting the highest heat total of the day for the womens division Credit WSL Leeroy Guzman UPSA

Daisy Valdez, riding the crest of momentum after overcoming illness, carved a 7.00 wave early in her Round of 16 heat and cruised into the Quarterfinals. The La Union local, aiming to break through her Semifinal jinx from 2023, faces a familiar gauntlet in 2024 finalists Hiroka Yoshikawa and Natsumi Taoka.

Speaking of familiar faces, Yoshikawa, the 2023 runner-up, roared back with the day’s highest score (15.50) in the women’s division. The former Longboard Tour surfer is determined to reclaim her lost spot after narrowly missing qualification last year.

But surprises weren’t in short supply. 11-year-old Ginger Caimi (ITA) surfed like a seasoned pro to advance, while sisters Kaede and Sakura Inoue (JPN) kept their family rivalry alive by progressing together. Sheila Mae Convicto (PHL) and Soojin Park (KOR) complete the Quarterfinal picture.

Meanwhile, the Women’s QS 3000 saw Aussies Tru Starling and Logan Dalton dominating their heats. Local hope Mara Lopez and Amy Gore (AUS) joined them, setting the stage for an exciting Round of 16 showdown.

So, stay tuned for Day 2! Can Valdez conquer her nemesis? Will Yoshikawa reclaim her throne? And which rising star will shine brightest? It’s all happening at the La Union Pro. Watch it live, here!