Sunset Beach, the wave of many faces. Photo: WSL/Mike Chlala
If you’re a pro surfing fan, you’re aware by now that the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach is just around the corner. The waiting period kicks off on Friday, February 11, and if the last little while on the North Shore is anything to judge by, Sunset is going to be a banger of a contest. The World Surf League recently announced the wildcards and injury replacements.
First and foremost, Moana Jones Wong. She, as you know, won the historic first full-length women’s event at Pipeline, beating world champion Carissa Moore to do so. It was an inspiring performance, given the fact that she was a wildcard in that event — and now, she’s been awarded another one into the Sunset contest. Caroline Marks has withdrawn, citing medical reasons. She’ll be replaced by Australian phenom Bronte Macaulay.
On the men’s side, the wildcards have been awarded to a couple of Maui big-wave guys that you might’ve heard of: Kai Lenny and Billy Kemper. Since Gabriel Medina recently pulled out of WSL events for the foreseeable future, citing health concerns, Brazil’s Caio Ibelli gets to compete.
“I had every intention of competing for the full season, had made all the preparations medically (I took my COVID vaccination during my holidays) and mentally and physically,” Medina said when he withdrew from Pipeline. “But I’m not in a place where I believe I can perform against the world’s best surfers right now and I need to focus on my well-being.”
Ibelli is fresh off a semifinal finish at Pipeline, and he’s in fine form to do some serious damage at Sunset Beach. Brazilian Yago Dora is still sitting on the sidelines with an injured foot. His injury came after his best year on tour, and he’s likely devastated that he can’t continue the momentum into the start of 2022. South Africa’s Matthew McGillivray will be taking his spot.
Two others, Liam O’Brien and Carlos Munoz, both sustained injuries at the Billabong Pro Pipeline. Their spots will be taken by Jordan Lawler and Barron Mamiya, the latter of whom made quite the splash when he nearly knocked out Kelly Slater in the Pipeline finals. Speaking of Mr. Slater, he’s currently in the draw, scheduled to surf in Heat 3 against Callum Robson and Barron Mamiya.
The waiting period for the 2022 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach kicks off on Friday, February 11. Watch it live on Worldsurfleague.com.
