The 2026 Siheung Korea Open World Surf League Qualifying Series 6000 and Longboard Qualifying Series concluded at Siheung Wave Park in South Korea on July 5, with Kana Nakashio of Japan, Kobi Clements of Australia, Natsumi Taoka of Japan and Edgar Calvo Jr. of the Philippines winning their respective divisions.
Nakashio won the women’s QS 6000 title, her sixth QS victory, and moved to the top of the Bonsoy Asia Super Series rankings. She posted an 8.83 in the final and a two-wave total of 16.16. Kokoro Baba of Japan finished second, with Shino Matsuda of Japan third and Sara Wakita of Japan fourth.
“I was really disappointed to finish second here last year, so I’m really happy to have won this year,” said Kana Nakashio. “I want to keep surfing with confidence and do my best on the Challenger Series, which starts next week. I’m also really happy to be back in the Bonsoy Asia Super Series Yellow Leaders Jersey. I want to keep getting good results on the QS and carry that into the Challenger Series.”
Baba, competing outside Japan for the first time, recorded an 8.83 and a 16.53 heat total in the quarterfinals, the highest women’s QS 6000 heat total of the event.
Clements secured his first QS victory after posting an 8.33 and a 7.80 in the men’s final. Kei Kobayashi of Japan finished runner-up for the second consecutive year, while Rinta Oooto of Japan placed third and South Korea’s Kanoa Hee-Jae finished fourth.
“It feels amazing to get a win in the first comp,” said Kobi Clements. “I’ve surfed my whole life and this is what I really want. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, but I’m stoked. It’s good to have a good start and hopefully keep it going. I was just trying to stay positive the whole comp. There’s such sick vibes here, everyone’s so nice. I was just having fun and trying my best.”
In the women’s Longboard Qualifying Series, Taoka defeated Hiroka Yoshikawa of Japan by 0.06 points in the final. Taoka combined scores of 8.33 and 7.93 to secure the win. Dhea Novitasari of Indonesia finished third after posting the highest single-wave score of the final, an 8.60. Kanon Otsuka of Japan placed fourth.
“Oh my god, I feel so good,” said Natsumi Taoka. “Last year, I lost it, but every time I lose, I learn from it. I watched the video from last year so many times, and this year I got the win. I’m so happy to take it back. I’m so happy to be back here in Korea. The people are always so nice, I have a lot of friends here, and everyone has been cheering me on. I’m just so happy.”
Calvo won the men’s LQS title in an all-Philippine final featuring Jomarie Ebueza, Crisanto Villanueva and Rogelio Jr. Esquievel. Calvo became the first surfer to defeat Esquievel in LQS competition after Esquievel’s run of seven consecutive victories. Calvo recorded the highest heat total of the event, 17.40, and an event-best score of 8.90.
“I can’t explain my feeling right now,” said Edgar Calvo Jr. “I’m so happy, I’m so proud of myself, that I did it, and there’s so many more coming. It’s an honor to beat Jay-R [Rogelio Jr Esquievel] and all the Philippine team. I’m so stoked, I can’t explain.”
The Siheung Korea Open QS 6000 and Longboard Qualifying Series events were held at Siheung Wave Park from July 3-5 by the World Surf League.
Men’s QS 6000
- Kobi Clements (AUS)
- Kei Kobayashi (JPN)
- Rinta Oooto (JPN)
- Kanoa Hee-Jae (KOR)
Women’s QS 6000
- Kana Nakashio (JPN)
- Kokoro Baba (JPN)
- Shino Matsuda (JPN)
- Sara Wakita (JPN)
Women’s LQS
- Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
- Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN)
- Dhea Novitasari (INA)
- Kanon Otsuka (JPN)
