The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series kicked off in style today at the Burton Automotive Newcastle Surfest Presented by Bonsoy. In clean two-to-three foot surf, competition got underway with the men’s Round of 80 and women’s Round of 48, showcasing a blend of emerging talent and former Championship Tour (CT) stars eager to reclaim their place among the sport’s elite.
Veterans Lead Strong Opening Day Performances
Former CT competitor and event wildcard Julian Wilson (AUS) launched his 2025 campaign with a commanding performance, posting a 13.50 two-wave total. Wilson, eyeing a full-time return to the CT in 2026, showcased sharp rail work and experience in the tricky four-man heat format.
“You’re only as good as your last heat,” said Wilson. “The Challenger Series has that intensity—you can feel how badly everyone wants it. I’m enjoying that battle.”
Another CT veteran, Kolohe Andino (USA), also impressed in his Newcastle Surfest debut. Gaining late entry into the event, the Californian advanced with the help of a standout barrel ride that anchored his heat win.
“I wasn’t originally in this event, but I’m stoked to be here,” said Andino. “The waves on tour have been incredible, and I definitely miss being part of that.”
Peterson Crisanto (BRA) added to the highlight reel with one of the day’s top performances, scoring an excellent 8.00 for a full-rotation air-reverse en route to a heat total of 13.50. He eliminated Olympic gold medalist Kauli Vaast (FRA), who still advanced in second place.
Former CT names Frederico Morais (POR) and Josh Kerr (AUS) also moved through to the Round of 64. Kerr’s daughter Sierra Kerr, however, was eliminated in the women’s draw despite a solid showing.
Aguirre and Reginato Post Day’s Top Scores
Peruvian standout Sol Aguirre (PER) led the women’s field with a 13.90 heat total, blending power and style in a dominant performance. Japanese competitor Minami Nonaka also impressed, progressing with a 13.23 score.
“I was nervous but focused on waiting for the right waves,” Aguirre said. “I want to prove I belong here.”
On the men’s side, Alister Reginato (AUS) posted the highest two-wave total of the day—14.10—utilizing local knowledge and advice from fellow competitors Julian Wilson and Morgan Cibilic.
“I’ve got a lot of great memories here,” Reginato said. “It was a bit slow out there, but when the waves came, it was really fun.”
Wildcard Winners Make Strong First Impressions
Trial winners Natalie Fensom (AUS) and Dane Henry (AUS) carried their momentum into the main draw. Competing in their first Challenger Series event, both surfers won their opening heats.
Fensom’s dramatic last-second victory came after she needed a score with just one second remaining. She delivered three critical turns on a set wave to leap from third to first.
“That was wild,” Fensom said. “I tried to treat it like a freesurf and just enjoy the support from my local crew.”
Meanwhile, Henry continued to impress with speed and aerial prowess, earning his spot in the Round of 64.
Wildcard Philippa Anderson (AUS) also delivered a crowd-pleasing win at her home break. After missing Challenger Series qualification, Anderson said the relaxed mindset helped her succeed.
“This is the least nervous I’ve ever been in a heat,” she said. “It felt great to compete with no pressure.”
However, it was a bittersweet day for Newcastle locals as Sarah Baum (RSA), a resident of the city, was eliminated from competition.
Men’s Round of 80 Results
Heat 1: Ryan Huckabee (USA) 9.86 def. Joh Azuchi (JPN) 7.50, Shohei Kato (JPN) 7.34, Josh Burke (BRB) 6.03
Heat 2: Dylan Moffat (AUS) 12.00 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.60, Jose Francisco (BRA) 8.17, Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 7.80
Heat 3: Kolohe Andino (USA) 13.43 def. Afonso Antunes (POR) 10.27, Tully Wylie (AUS) 10.16, Luke Tema (HAW) 7.30
Heat 4: Dane Henry (AUS) 11.27 def. Adur Amatriain (EUK) 10.04, Oliver Zietz (NLD) 9.70, Billy Stairmand (NZL) 8.54
Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.50 def. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) 11.27, Connor Slijpen (RSA) 10.50, Wesley Leite (BRA) 9.36
Heat 6: Luke Slijpen (RSA) 9.77 def. Frederico Morais (POR) 9.47, Lucas Cassity (MEX) 9.06, Justin Becret (FRA) 5.50
Heat 7: Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 13.50 def. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 11.30, Thomas Lindhorst (RSA) 8.43, Igor Moraes (BRA) 6.66
Heat 8: Alister Reginato (AUS) 14.10 def. Yago Dominguez (EUK) 11.60, Daiki Tanaka (JPN) 10.24, Luke Swanson (HAW) 9.66
Women’s Round of 48 Results
Heat 1: Natalie Fensom (AUS) 12.07 def. Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) 11.70, Zoe Benedetto (USA) 9.97, Mirai Ikeda (JPN) 7.10
Heat 2: Sol Aguirre (PER) 13.90 def. Minami Nonaka (JPN) 13.23, Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 7.83, Louise Lepront (RSA) 5.87
Heat 3: Noah Klapp (DEU) 12.87 def. Jahly Stokes (AUS) 11.67, Sierra Kerr (AUS) 11.30, Kiara Goold (PYF) 8.63
Heat 4: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 12.76 def. Sumomo Sato (JPN) 12.44, Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 8.73, Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) 7.26
Heat 5: Philippa Anderson(AUS) 12.06 def. Arena Rodriguez (PER)…
Up Next: The Burton Automotive Newcastle Surfest Presented by Bonsoy continues tomorrow with the men’s Round of 64 and women’s Round of 32. Forecasts point to improving conditions later in the week, promising high-performance surfing as top seeds enter the water.