The World Surf League’s (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) has long been regarded by surfers as a grueling path to the elite Championship Tour (CT), affectionately known as “the grind.” Traditionally, the QS was a 10-month slog through lesser-known surf zones, testing the perseverance of competitors as they moved from one unremarkable wave to another. However, in recent years, significant changes to the QS structure have transformed it into a more regionally focused competition, offering surfers more rewarding opportunities and access to some of the world’s best breaks.
These changes have breathed new life into the QS, with surfers now finding themselves in some of the most iconic and exciting surf destinations around the globe. A standout example is the Taiwan Open of Surfing, currently being held at Jinzun Harbor. Known for its idyllic pointbreak, Jinzun is Taiwan’s most famous wave and has helped cement the country’s status as a surf destination. This year’s event has attracted top-tier talent from Asia and Australia, with standout competitors like Josh and Sierra Kerr, Japan’s Reo Inaba, and New Zealand’s Billy Stairmand vying for victory. The event runs through November 16, offering some high-caliber action for surfers and fans alike.
The end of October saw the Kerr family continue their surf journey to the Philippines, where they competed in the Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9. The surf on Siargao is world-renowned, with Cloud 9’s powerful, hollow reef breaks delivering some of the best waves in Asia. Meanwhile, on the North Shore of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro showcased early-season conditions at Sunset Beach, one of the most legendary breaks on Oahu’s west coast. Over in Puerto Rico, the WSL made its long-awaited return to the island for the La Marginal Surfing Pro—its first event there in nearly 15 years. Across all these locations, the QS proved that even lesser-known spots could offer some truly spectacular surf.
These events highlight how the QS has evolved, moving beyond the typical circuit of predictable stops to include diverse and thrilling new locations. Cloud 9, while not universally recognized, is a powerful reef break that offers challenging conditions, while Sunset Beach, though no longer part of the Championship Tour, reminded the surfing world just how epic its waves can get under the right conditions.
Looking ahead, the QS calendar remains packed with exciting events. At the end of November, the Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro will return to the North Shore, maintaining a vestige of the traditional Triple Crown format. In Mexico, the Pacifico Surf Open Cerritos will take place in southern Baja, followed by the Pacifico Surf Open Puerto Escondido in December. These contests are just the latest examples of the global reach of the QS.
Perhaps the most intriguing stop on the horizon is the Manokwari Pro in West Papua, Indonesia. Not officially part of the QS, this event is more of a surf trip than a typical competition. Located in the capital of West Papua, Manokwari is quickly becoming a key surfing destination, with a number of consistently good surf spots nearby. The event promises to showcase a region still relatively unknown to the international surf community.
With just three months left before the 2025 Championship Tour kicks off at Pipeline, the QS has continued to keep things fresh and exciting during the “offseason.” More than ever, surfers are getting the chance to compete in new and unique locales, expanding the global surfing map beyond the well-worn paths of the CT. It turns out that the grind isn’t quite as grueling as it once was, thanks to a rich variety of waves and a broader international focus. The surfing world is proving that there is much more to explore than just the usual hotspots.
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