WHITEBUFFALO OMAEZAKI PRO 2024 Kicks Off on September 4th
Exciting Start to the Three-Event QS Series: “whitebuffalo OMAEZAKI PRO 2024” Kicks Off on September 4th
On September 4th, 2024, the “whitebuffalo OMAEZAKI PRO 2024” will take place in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture. This marks the first of three events in Japan’s QS series, where surfers compete for the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 WSL/CS. The event will see top talents like Paris Olympic representatives Shino Matsuda and Reo Inaba, making it a highly anticipated homecoming for these athletes.
Key Competitors to Watch:
In the men’s division, eyes will be on Reo Inaba, who secured 5th place at the Paris Olympics, and Hiroto Ohhara, who finished 5th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and currently ranks 15th in the CS standings, close to CT qualification. Up-and-coming stars like Riaru Ito, a leading figure in the next generation of Japanese surfers, and Keisuke Nishi, last year’s JPSA Grand Champion, will also be competing. Internationally, surfers from Indonesia and California, including Made Arriana, Mega Oltana, and Kei Kobayashi, will join the event.
In the women’s division, standout competitors include Shino Matsuda, who showcased impressive barrel skills at the Paris Olympics, and Amuro Tsuzuki, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist. Young talents like An Matsuoka, the 2023 ISA Junior Champion, and Mirai Ikeda, who recently achieved dual victories in Indonesia, are also expected to perform well. Local star Rika Sato, last year’s event champion, will also be in the mix, with many of these athletes aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Access:
Due to the popularity of the event, parking around the venue will be regulated. However, a temporary parking lot, located 15 minutes on foot from the venue, will be available. Additionally, shuttle buses will run from Omaezaki Marine Park during the weekend.
Special Events:
The event will feature creative collaborations, including posters and promotional videos with NFT artist NIKO24 from the “NEO TOKYO PUNKS” collective. The theme song, “Surfer’s High,” integrates AI technology and is performed by voice actress Hyangri Kim. Tomoaki Kozuji, the representative of the main sponsor, White Buffalo, aimed to blend surfing with unique cultural elements to attract new audiences.
Event Details:
Event Name: whitebuffalo OMAEZAKI PRO 2024
Dates: September 4th (Wed) to September 8th (Sun), 2024
Venue: Omaezaki Long Beach, Shizuoka Prefecture
Categories: Men’s Qualifying Series 3000 (88 participants) and Women’s Qualifying Series 3000 (40 participants)
Organized by: WSL Omaezaki Pro Executive Committee
Sponsored by: White Buffalo (K’s Project Co., Ltd.)
Contest Website: https://www.omaezakipro.com/