Our friends at Stab are re-igniting the wave pool version of Stab High – the air-only surf contest. After the initial two live events at the Waco Surf, Texas in 2018 and 2019, the competition shifted to an episodic series in the ocean, with contests in the Mentawai Islands in 2020, Central America in 2021, and Lakey Peak in 2022. In 2024, the event will return to the live format, this time taking place at Japan’s PerfectSwell Shizunami wavepool. 

Three divisions have been announced for this year’s event: Mens, Ladybirds (15-and-under girls), and Bottle Rockets (15-and-under boys). Additionally, the prestigious Monster Air Award will be presented to the surfer who delivers the most impactful air of the competition, regardless of division.

Chippa Wilson, Ian Crane, Harry Bryant, Noah Beschen, Julian Wilson, Matt Meola, Mikey Wright, Noa Deane, Robbie McCormick, Luke Swanson, Mason Ho, and Kaito Ohashi are among the notable headliners set to compete in the 2024 Stab High event. The full 36-surfer Men’s field will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.

The event will also showcase the talented Ladybirds presented by YETI, featuring the world’s top 15-and-under female surfers vying for victory in Japan. Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of past champions Caity Simmers, Erin Brooks, and two-time winner Sierra Kerr, these young flygirls will be looking to make their mark in the competition.

In a first for Stab High, the new Bottle Rockets division presented by YETI will be introduced, highlighting the explosive skills of the 15-and-under male surfers who will be competing alongside their Ladybirds counterparts.

Stab High Japan, Presented by Monster Energy, is scheduled to take place over two days. Each day will feature approximately five hours of surfing, running from 9 AM to 2 PM local time (JST). 

For those looking to tune in from different time zones, here is the schedule:

• Los Angeles: 5 PM – 10 PM (-1 day), Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd

• Rio de Janeiro: 9 PM – 2 AM (-1 day), Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd

• Sydney: 10 AM – 3 PM, Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd

• Paris: 2 AM – 7 AM, Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd

To watch Stab High Japan, Presented by Monster Energy live, viewers have two options: have a Stab Premium account. The live event will be exclusively broadcast there at no extra cost to members; Or watch the action firsthand on site.