Competition kicked off today in the Manokwari Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2000 and Pro Junior event. A glassy, two-to-three foot swell provided fun conditions for the first two rounds of the men’s QS event to be completed, Round of 40 and Round of 32.

Last year’s event saw Ketut Agus (INA) place runner-up in his first QS after a six month recovery from injury. This year, the 24-year-old is looking to go one better, today earning both the highest single-wave score, 7.33 (out of a possible 10), and heat total, 13.66 (out of a possible 20), thanks to his powerful railwork and deep gouging turns on both forehand and backhand. Currently sitting at No. 4 on the Asia region QS rankings, Agus downplayed his committed run for the Challenger Series.

“It’s just my goal to go out there, catch a couple of waves, and have fun,” Agus said. “The waves were pretty good, and so I had fun. I got a six on the left, and a 7 on the right, so it was a good balance, as I like both the right and the left. I didn’t have a plan or strategy, I just went on the good waves when it was my priority. Both directions gave me the opportunity to do some good turns, and the judges gave me some good points, so I’m happy I get to advance and surf again.”

The defending winner of both the QS and Pro Junior in 2024, I Made Ariyana (INA), threw down some spicy turns on his forehand to post an 11.44 heat total and move into the Round of 16. Ariyana was measured when asked about the competition, having been on the road for back-to-back events for some time already.

“I think it’s a pretty level field really,” Ariyana said. “There are a lot of good surfers here, so let’s see what happens. I feel really good, even after being on the road for a long time, my boards are good, the waves are good, this place is good, so I’m pretty confident now.”

Ikko Watanabe (JPN) claimed a Round of 32 win in the final heat of the day. Currently ranked No. 7 on Asia region QS and No. 2 on the Junior Tour, Watanabe is enjoying his first trip to Manowkari, taking to the air multiple times in his 25-minute heat.

“This is my first time here,” Watanabe said. “This wave is really fun, going both the right and left. The wind came up this afternoon, which was great for airs going right, so I took off and waited for a ramp. I’m traveling with Anon [Masuoka], and we’re both hoping to do well in the QS and the Pro Junior at this event.”

“I’m really excited about being here, and can’t wait to get out there in a heat,” Masuoka said. “I only competed in two Pro Juniors so I need a result in another event so I can go to La Union in January for the World Junior Championships. I’m fifth in the rankings, so with a good result here I can move up and get a spot.”

Kalani Ryan (INA), Riki Sato (JPN), I Nyoman Artana (INA), I Made Mahendra (INA), and Raul Bormann (BRA) also won their Round of 32 heats to advance into the Round of 16.

A qualification for the West Papua surfers, the Round of 40, opened the day. Though none advanced out of the Round of 32, those who progressed were able to surf with the international field, as well as their fellow Indonesian competitors. An Opening Ceremony was also held during the day to formally begin the event, with local dancers and speeches from the Vice Regent of West Papua, Asia Surf Co.’s Tipi Jabrik, and others.

The 2025 Manokwari Pro QS 2000 and Pro Junior will run at Amban Beach in West Papua, Indonesia, from November 26 – 30.