Why Sunset Beach is a crucial stop on the surfing calendar
The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach is a premier event in the world of professional surfing, held annually at Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Sunset Beach is renowned for its powerful and challenging waves, which test the skills of surfers in one of the most iconic and demanding locations in the sport. For surfers who want to showcase their skills on a grand stage, this is it!
Key Points about the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach surf competition:
Event Overview: as part of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), it attracts top surfers from around the globe, competing for valuable points in the WSL rankings and a significant prize purse.
Location: Sunset Beach, located on Oahu’s North Shore, is one of the most famous surf spots in the world. Its waves can reach up to 20-30 feet during the winter months, providing a very challenging environment.
Historical Significance: Sunset Beach has a rich history in surfing culture and has been a pivotal location for many iconic surfing events over the years. Hosting its first Championship Tour event in 1976, Sunset Beach is considered a rite of passage for professional surfers. The Hurley Pro continues the tradition.
Inclusivity
This event features both men's and women's competitions, attracting top surfers from around the globe. This inclusivity ensures that the best talents from both genders have the opportunity to compete and showcase their abilities on the same iconic waves.
Age Range of Competitors
In the 2024 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, the youngest competitors include 17-year-old Eli Hanneman, who is known for his impressive performances and youthful energy. On the other end of the spectrum, the legendary Kelly Slater, at the age of 52, continues to compete at the highest level, demonstrating his enduring skill and experience (World Surf League).
Competition Format
The event follows a heat-based format, where surfers compete in timed heats and their best waves are scored by judges* based on difficulty, innovation, and execution of maneuvers. The competition progresses through several rounds, culminating in the finals where the event champions are determined.
Preparing for the Event
Surfers must prepare extensively for the unique conditions at Sunset Beach, often arriving weeks in advance to acclimate and practice. The combination of wave size, power, and variable conditions demands a high level of skill, fitness, and mental prep.
The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach not only highlights the talents of the world's best surfers but also underscores the dramatic and unpredictable nature of surfing, making it a must-watch event for fans of the sport. Ride on!
*Wave Scoring
The wave scoring is done with five quality levels in mind: 0-1.9 (Poor), 2-3.9 (Fair), 4-5.9 (Average), 6-7.9 (Good), 8–10 (Excellent). The judges analyze the following major elements when they are evaluating a surfer’s wave:
1. Commitment and degree of difficulty
2. Innovative and progressive maneuvers
3. Combination of major maneuvers
4. Variety of maneuvers
5. Speed, power and flow
