United States' Kevin Skvarna enjoyed a strong opening day ©ISA

United States' Kevin Skvarna and Hawaii's Honolua Blomfield led the way with strong performances on the opening day of the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Longboard Surfing Championships on Riyue Bay in Wanning.

Skvarna produced a set of consistent performances to finish on a score of 18.27 points after the opening heats.

Hawaii's Kai Sallas finished in second place with 17.93 points. 

England duo Ben Howey and Ben Skinner were a distant third and fourth on 14.93 and 14.33 points. 

China’s Guo Shujuan pictured competing on the opening day of competition ©ISA
China’s Guo Shujuan pictured competing on the opening day of competition ©ISA

Blomfield also excelled with a heat score of 17.73 points in the corresponding women's event.

Brazil's Chloe Calmon posted 16.83 points for second place while American contender Tory Gilkerson managed 16.47 for third.

Hosts China also enjoyed a good day as Guo Shujuan won her heat in the women's competition.

Competition is due to continue until Thursday (January 25).

Repechage action is scheduled for tomorrow as the hunt for qualification place to the final round continues.