Both surfers secure second wins at Ala Moana Bowls as Ahina III joins WSL Longboard Tour.
ALA MOANA BOWLS, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi (Monday, June 9, 2025) – Hawaiian longboarders Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kai Sallas claimed victory at the 2025 Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home In The Hawaiian Islands, held at the iconic Ala Moana Bowls in ideal three-to-five-foot conditions. The event, a Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000 stop for the Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui region, concluded with strong performances from several top surfers, including runner-up finishes by Sophia Culhane and Nelson Ahina III.
Sallas and Sive Jarrard were also crowned 2024/2025 Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Regional Longboard Champions. Jarrard’s title earns him a return to the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, while Ahina III’s consistent performances secured his own spot on the 2025 Tour.
A Second Victory at Ala Moana for Kaleopa’a and Sallas
Kaleopa’a and Sallas once again proved their dominance at Ala Moana Bowls, each earning their second title at this event.
For Sallas, a three-time regional winner and the reigning 2023 WSL Longboard World Champion, this marks another milestone in a stellar run over the past three years.
“I’m super stoked to compete in these WSL regional events, and it’s always nice to surf at home,” said Sallas. “The waves were absolutely firing. That was a stacked final, and I’m stoked to get the win. Winning both the Haleʻiwa event and this one gives me confidence heading back onto the Tour. I feel good, I feel confident, and I’m just stoked.”
High-Level Showdown in Men’s Final
The men’s final featured a tight contest among top-level competitors, including Sallas, Kaniela Stewart, John Michael Van Hohenstein, and Nelson Ahina III. The final saw a world-class display of nose riding and technical footwork. Sallas opened strong with a 7.90, while Stewart earned a 7.17. Ahina III responded with a 7.00, and Van Hohenstein delivered a standout 8.17.
Sallas maintained momentum, posting another 7.90 before Ahina III surged with an 8.77, briefly reclaiming the lead. However, Sallas closed the door with a near-perfect 9.33—the highest single-wave score of the day—securing the win in dominant fashion.
Sophia Culhane and Ahina III Take Runner-up Finishes
On the women’s side, Sophia Culhane finished second behind Kaleopa’a, showing strong form ahead of her 2025 World Title campaign set to begin later this summer.
Nelson Ahina III’s performance in the men’s final was more than just a strong showing—it was enough to earn him qualification for the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour. Ahina III last competed for a World Title in 2016 and now makes his return with renewed determination.
His back-to-back runner-up finishes have placed him firmly back on the global radar. Known for his smooth flow and powerful style, Ahina III will now take on the world’s best as he rejoins the WSL Longboard Tour.
Jarrard Earns Regional Title and Tour Reentry
Sive Jarrard’s victory in the regional rankings also secured her place on the upcoming WSL Longboard Tour. The win reflects her consistency throughout the season and marks her return to competing against the elite in longboarding.