WSL Abu Dhabi Pro Day 1 recap: Bunch stuns Mamiya, Aussies shine

Rookie Jackson Bunch Stuns World No. 1 Mamiya

Rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW) caused a major upset, defeating World No. 1 Barron Mamiya (HAW) and CT veteran Miguel Pupo (BRA).

Bunch, one of the youngest surfers in the draw, showed remarkable composure under pressure and proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on the Tour.

Mamiya landed the first air of the day, an alley-oop, which was met with roars of approval from the crowd.

However, Bunch immediately answered with a loftier, cleaner execution of the same manoeuvre, sending a statement to his competition.

On his final run, the 21-year-old from Maui locked in a massive score, demonstrating impeccable control and technique as he seamlessly linked his turns and aerials.

“I’ve been going left this whole time and kind of doing somewhat of an exact run I just did,” Bunch said.

“I had the confidence that I was putting in the work already. And yeah, I mean obviously the wave came together but it’s just getting that timing right and hitting the section at the right time.”

His bold and fearless approach not only earned him the heat win but also solidified his reputation as one to watch as the competition progresses.

Surf Ranch Standouts Find Early Success

Experience in wave pools paid off handsomely for 2023 Surf Ranch Pro winner Griffin Colapinto (USA), who posted the highest heat total of the Qualifying Round.

His mastery of point-break-style surfing was on full display as he seamlessly combined sharp rail work with stylish aerial manoeuvres, proving why he is one of the most well-rounded surfers on Tour.

Colapinto’s 14.57 two-wave heat total (7.40 right, 7.17 left) reflected his calculated approach, where every turn and transition was executed with precision.

“I feel like it just gives us all equal opportunity, and you got to perform on the right and the left,” Colapinto said.

“Ever since I was little, I always put a lot of emphasis on being as well-rounded as possible.”

His composure and experience in man-made waves allowed him to make quick adjustments when needed, a skill that proved crucial as conditions fluctuated throughout the day.

Colapinto’s victory meant Imaikalani deVault (HAW) and Kauli Vaast (FRA) had to fight for survival in the Night Session, while 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) followed suit by sending Joel Vaughan (AUS) and wildcard Bronson Meydi (INA) into the elimination round.

WSL Abu Dhabi Pro Day 1 Day Session Highlights

Waida and Igarashi Thrive Under Pressure

Rio Waida (INA), coming off a top-10 finish in 2024, continued his rise with a dominant Qualifying Round victory over Ryan Callinan (AUS) and Alejo Muniz (BRA).

Waida’s sharp, powerful turns and ability to carry speed across the wave earned him some of the best scores of the day.

As a surfer who has steadily built his confidence and reputation over the past few seasons, his commanding performance was a reflection of the hard work he’s put in.

“I love moments like this,” Waida said.

“Everybody’s got the same opportunity and it’s almost equal. In the ocean, experience plays a huge role, but in this format, I feel like I can just focus on myself and do my best.”

Meanwhile, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) needed a 6.81 on his final wave to advance and delivered a 7.57, narrowly edging out Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) by just 0.21 points.

The heat was an emotional rollercoaster, as both surfers delivered high scores in their final rides, leaving the crowd in suspense until the last moments.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking,” Igarashi said.

“Leo and I were looking at each other knowing it was a crucial moment. It could have gone either way.”

WSL Abu Dhabi Pro Day 1 Night Session Highlights

Australian Powerhouses Charge Through

Jack Robinson (AUS) and Ethan Ewing (AUS) showcased their technical prowess and consistency, securing direct entries into the Round of 16 with strong performances.

Ewing’s 7.50 opening score highlighted his signature smooth rail work, while Robinson capitalised on his previous wave pool experience to dominate his heat.

“I’ve had a fair bit of practice in the pool,” Robinson said.

“It’s good getting the confidence up here. You never know, conditions can change with the wind, but I’m feeling good.”

Liam O’Brien (AUS) added to the Australian success, outmanoeuvring Joao Chianca (BRA) and Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) in a closely contested heat.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Qualifying Round Results

• HEAT 1: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 10.87 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 9.83, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 4.96
• HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 13.10 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.30, Barron Mamiya (HAW) 11.06
• HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) 12.96 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 10.73, Ian Gentil (HAW) 8.17
• HEAT 4: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 13.73 DEF. Mateus Herdy (BRA) 12.17, Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 11.10
• HEAT 5: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.57 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 10.27, Kauli Vaast (FRA) 9.03
• HEAT 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.90 DEF. Bronson Meydi (INA) 11.30, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 10.50
• HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) 12.20 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.00, Cole Houshmand (USA) 11.94
• HEAT 8: Jordy Smith (RSA) 11.77 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.97, Deivid Silva (BRA) 8.57
• HEAT 9: Rio Waida (INA) 14.34 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 10.63, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.94
• HEAT 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.50 DEF. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.03, Marco Mignot (FRA) 8.77
• HEAT 11: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.87 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.66, Alan Cleland (MEX) 6.20
• HEAT 12: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 12.70 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 11.87, Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.83

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Elimination Round Results

• 1: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.77
• 2: Joel Vaughan (AUS) 7.60
• 3: Deivid Silva (BRA) 7.40
• 4: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 7.37

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• 5: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 7.07
• 6: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 6.87
• 7: George Pittar (AUS) 6.80
• 8: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 6.50
• 9: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 6.37
• 10: Jake Marshall (USA) 6.33
• 11: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 6.17
• 12: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 5.77
• 13: Cole Houshmand (USA) 5.57
• 14: Ian Gentil (HAW) 5.40
• 15: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 5.33
• 16: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5.23
• 17: Joao Chianca (BRA) 5.03
• 18: Edgard Groggia (BRA) 5.00
• 19: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 4.93
• 20: Bronson Meydi (INA) 4.87
• 21: Alan Cleland (MEX) 4.83
• 22: Seth Moniz (HAW) 4.70
• 23: Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 4.60
• 24: Marco Mignot (FRA) 4.43

WSL Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Matchups & Odds