Four incredible athletes etch their names in surfing history as Korea’s premier wave facility delivers the most electrifying finale of the season.
SIHEUNG, South Korea – The surfing world witnessed pure magic as the 2025 Siheung Korea Open World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 6000 and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) events concluded with breathtaking performances and history-making moments at the state-of-the-art Siheung Wave Park.
TSUZUKI’S MASTERCLASS: Perfection in Motion
Nanaho Tsuzuki (Japan) delivered the performance of a lifetime, dominating every single round with the highest single-wave and two-wave totals of the entire competition. The lightning-fast natural footer was absolutely unstoppable, combining razor-sharp rail work with explosive transitions that left spectators speechless.
In a Final that will be remembered for years, Tsuzuki opened with pure fireworks – a massive backside air-reverse that earned her an incredible 8.50, immediately putting her rivals on notice. She followed up with surgical precision, unleashing a series of critical snaps for an 8.43, building a commanding 16.93 two-wave total that proved insurmountable.
“I’m so happy right now,” Tsuzuki beamed. “It was actually a mistake to have that air on the first wave. I got caught up on my turns, so I just went big on the last section, and to make it was a massive surprise. Winning this event means a lot after a slow few events – I’m feeling confident and excited for the rest of the year.”
Her victory propelled compatriot Kana Nakashio (Japan) to the top of the WSL Asia Regional Rankings and the lead in the 2025 Bonsoy Asia Super Series, despite finishing runner-up. Sara Wakita (Japan) and Charli Hately (Australia) rounded out the podium in third and fourth.
AGUS UNLEASHES BACKSIDE BRILLIANCE
Ketut Agus (Indonesia) was equally spectacular in the men’s division, arriving hungry for redemption after recent disappointing results. From his opening wave, Agus surfed with championship intensity, posting excellent scores and massive heat totals in every single round.
The Final showcased Agus at his absolute peak – his first two rides featured an incredible display of backside performance surfing that culminated in a tournament-high 17.77 two-wave total. The victory catapulted him to the top of the 2025 Bonsoy Asia Super Series standings.
“I feel incredible,” Agus declared. “It’s really cool to be competing at an event of this size in Korea. To win it with all of my friends here is amazing – I feel super grateful and excited to keep this momentum going.”
California-based Japanese surfer Kei Kobayashi (Japan) pushed Agus throughout the Final but couldn’t match the Indonesian’s near-excellent range, finishing second ahead of Bronson Meydi (Indonesia) and semifinal standout Reef Heazlewood (Australia).
HISTORY MADE: Korea’s First WSL Champion
In the most emotional moment of the weekend, Kanoa Hee-Jae (Korea) made surfing history, becoming not only the first Korean surfer to reach Finals Day at a QS 6000 event but also the first to win a WSL event outright with his LQS 1000 victory.
Hee-Jae’s remarkable 16.07 two-wave total edged out Filipino competitor Crisanto Villanueva, with Ryohei Taoka (Japan) and Shohei Akimoto (Japan) completing the podium.
“This is a really big day for me and my family,” an emotional Hee-Jae said. “Having all these surfers in Korea showing how it’s done, and to be in there with them feels incredible. I was super bummed to get knocked out in the QS Semifinals, so to win the longboard is super special.”
Indonesian Excellence Continues
Dhea Novitasari (Indonesia) capped off a perfect weekend for Indonesian surfing, claiming the women’s LQS title with a clutch 15.87 heat total that just edged defending champion Natsumi Taoka (Japan). The victory marked Novitasari’s biggest career win as she chases qualification for the WSL World Longboard Tour.
“I’m so speechless right now,” Novitasari said through tears of joy. “This is my first WSL event win, so it’s a super special day. I’m so, so happy to be here surfing perfect waves at this incredible wave park.”
Hiroka Yoshikawa (Japan) and Korea’s own Soojin Park rounded out the women’s LQS Final in third and fourth.
A Weekend That Changed Everything
The 2025 Siheung Korea Open delivered on every promise – world-class competition, breakthrough performances, and moments that will define careers. As the surfing world looks ahead to the remaining events of the season, one thing is sure: the bar has been set impossibly high.
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