Barron Mamiya: speed, power and flow at Sunset Beach | Photo: WSL

Barron Mamiya and Brisa Hennessy have taken out the 2022 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hawaii.

The finals got underway in highly contestable six-to-eight-foot waves and wrapped up with two unexpected surprises.

Hawaii's Mamiya was the first men's event wildcard to win a competition since 2008, while Hennessy became the first Costa Rican surfer to win a Championship Tour (CT) contest.

Moreover, both athletes celebrated their maiden CT trophies.

Barron Mamiya defeated seasoned CT competitor Kanoa Igarashi in the men's final despite making a priority mistake earlier in the heat.

The North Shore local only caught his first wave with 17 minutes to go.

But on his second ride, he earned himself an 8.17, followed by an excellent 8.87-point wave with four minutes on the clock.

In the end, Igarashi was left chasing a near-perfect ride.

"I can't believe it. I expected to do well at Pipe and wasn't really prepared for this contest. So, in my mind, I knew I had to adapt to the conditions," explained the 2022 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach champion.

After struggling to make a Qualifying Series (QS) heat at the end of last season, Mamiya got a wildcard into the Pipeline Masters.

He only fell in Round of 16 at the hands of the champion, Kelly Slater.

"I want to thank everyone, and especially Shaun Ward, who has been with me ever since and has helped me through the tough times," added the 22-year-old surfer.

Brisa Hennessy: spreading Pura Vida in the waves of Sunset Beach | Photo: WSL

The Victory of Pura Vida

In the women's final, Brisa Hennessy made history for her country after defeating local talent and CT veteran Malia Manuel.

The duo was battling it out for the event win and the number-one spot in the world rankings.

The Costa Rican opened the hostilities, but the Hawaiian was quick to answer back with a good score.

However, after a priority error halfway through, Manuel struggled to find her rhythm and the best waves.

Confident that she could seal the deal, Hennessy found one last opportunity and locked in a 7.00 en route to a historic victory.

"I dreamed about this moment, and I never thought I could do it. I'm honored to have surfed against Malia. She has an amazing connection out here," concluded Brisa Hennessy.

"I barely made it into the CT. I had to go to the Challenger Series, which was an emotional rollercoaster. It's the people that are behind you that make you who you are."

"Glen Hall has seen me grow and has seen me at my lowest. Costa Rica has also given me so much. I hope to inspire people around the world by carrying the love of Pura Vida."

2022 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach | Finals

Men
1. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 17.00
2. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.33

Women
1. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 12.83
2. Malia Manuel (HAW) 7.46

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