In a remarkable display of skill, Taylor Jensen secured his fourth Longboard World Title at El Sunzal, El Salvador, defeating reigning champion Kai Sallas, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in the finals. Jensen, a veteran of the Longboard World Tour, delivered a stellar performance, earning the highest wave score of the event—9.33—in the decisive heat.
Jensen, who first clinched the World Title in 2011 and repeated the feat in 2017, has demonstrated his versatility and mastery of longboarding by adapting his style to meet evolving judging criteria. With this latest victory, he joins the ranks of Nat Young, the inaugural world champion and Jensen’s father-in-law, as the only other longboarder to achieve four World Titles. Jensen’s success solidifies his position as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, having entered the finals in the coveted yellow jersey and performing exceptionally across two heats.
“A lot went into this one,” Jensen remarked, expressing his satisfaction with the win. “It feels good.”
Reflecting on the competition format, he added, “That was a crazy format for sure, to sit at the top and watch everybody surf amazing all day, hoping they run out of steam. I just wanted to get out there and get busy.”
Rachael Tilly, entering the 2024 World Tour with renewed vigor, continued her winning streak from the US Open to El Sunzal. Demonstrating impressive skill, she navigated the challenging waves with finesse, showcasing her ability to position herself in the steepest sections and execute flawless maneuvers. Tilly, who has recently returned to her roots in San Clemente after spending time on Australia’s Gold Coast, appeared fully in tune with her equipment.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” an ecstatic Tilly exclaimed, acknowledging the hard work required to reach this milestone. “I knew it would be hard work to get here, especially with incredible surfers like Honolua and Soleil in the mix.”
Throughout the competition, Tilly focused on staying present, allowing herself to enjoy the experience. “I fell a couple of times but was able to shake those things off and just trust that it can happen, and it happened,” she said.
The event concluded a thrilling year for longboarding, which included its competitive debut in Abu Dhabi, exciting conditions at Bells Beach, and clean waves at Huntington. Despite the emergence of a new generation of talent pushing the boundaries of longboarding, seasoned veterans like Jensen and Tilly continue to dominate the World Titles.
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