Wilmot rebounds to dominate qualifier two as surf standings heat up

The Jamaica Surfing Association’s second qualifier of the 2026 season is in the books, and if Sunday’s action at Copacabana Beach proved anything, it’s that the island’s surf scene is firing on all cylinders.

Despite gusty winds that tested the mettle of every competitor, JSA President Inilek Wilmot declared the event a success.

“The waves were good throughout the day, very consistent, but it was very windy, which forced the surfers to overcome some challenges,” Wilmot said. “However, the level of surfing was high.”

The national qualifier two at ‘Copa’ drew a field thickened by the return of a couple of top surfers, who missed the season opener. 

Veterans Icah Wilmot and Javaun Brown, both absent from the opening MAKKA event, made their presence felt immediately, joining a men’s division already headlined by the previous finalists.

In the men’s division, Ivah Wilmot delivered a statement performance. After securing a runner-up finish in qualifier one, he went one better this time, taking top honours at Copacabana.

Wlmot was dominant in the final against Ronald Hastings, racking up a score of 13.13 after his two top waves tallied 6.60 and 6.53.

Hastings had rides that scored 5.00 and 3.50 for an 8.50 total.

Elishama Beckford, who won qualifier one at MAKKA, had to settle for third place in Bull Bay with 730 points, while Hastings climbed to second in the event following his 860 points.

With that victory, Ivah Wilmot now sits atop the men’s national standings with 1,860 total points, edging Beckford (1,730) and Hastings (1,530).

Ackeam Phillips (1,220) holds fourth, while a tie at fifth sees Peter Ogilvie and Kevin Rickets locked on 1,055 points each.

The junior ranks delivered their own drama. After a forgettable first event, Corey Valentine rebounded emphatically.

Valentine’s victory, worth 1,000 points, launches him to 1,670 total points, just behind leader Menakem Wilmot, won qualifier one, finished second on Sunday with 860 points, and remains atop the junior standings with 1,860 points.

Mikias Wilmot (1,400) sits third, while Gabrielle Chung (860) and Tariq Davis (730) round out the top five after competing in only one qualifier apiece.