The 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro concluded with thrilling performances from Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith, who both claimed victory in their respective finals. Bryan, a rising star from Hawaii, secured her second Championship Tour win, while South African veteran Smith celebrated a remarkable comeback after several years.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriela Bryan won the women’s final against Isabella Nichols, scoring 14.33 to Nichols’ 11.74.
- Jordy Smith triumphed in the men’s final, defeating Matthew McGillivray with a score of 14.26.
- Bryan’s victory marks her second CT win, moving her to World No. 2 in the rankings.
- Smith’s win is his first in eight years, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Gabriela Bryan’s Impressive Performance
Gabriela Bryan, 23, showcased her talent throughout the competition, building on her previous successes. After a strong start, she faced off against Isabella Nichols in the final. The match was intense, with both surfers exchanging leads.
- Final Scores:
- Gabriela Bryan: 14.33
- Isabella Nichols: 11.74
Bryan’s journey to victory included:
- Semifinal Win: Defeated reigning World Champion Caity Simmers with a score of 10.16 to 9.67.
- Final Heat: Initially fell behind due to a board malfunction but recovered with a stunning 7.83 wave, securing her lead.
Bryan expressed her excitement post-victory, stating, "That was such an insane rollercoaster Final. I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, ‘Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.’" Her win solidifies her position as a top contender in the World Surf League.
Jordy Smith’s Comeback Victory
Jordy Smith, 37, marked a significant milestone in his career by winning the men’s final against fellow South African Matthew McGillivray. This victory is particularly special as it is his first Championship Tour win in nearly eight years.
- Final Scores:
- Jordy Smith: 14.26
- Matthew McGillivray: 9.33
Smith’s path to victory included:
- Semifinal Performance: He showcased his skills with a strong score of 15.67 against Cole Houshmand.
- Final Heat: Smith took an early lead with a score of 7.33 and maintained control throughout the heat.
In his post-competition remarks, Smith dedicated his win to his family and expressed gratitude for the support he received. "I can’t believe it, to be honest. It’s just so hard to take it all, it’s been so long. And I’m just happy to do it with another fellow South African."
Looking Ahead
Both Bryan and Smith are set to continue their campaigns in the World Surf League, with the next event being the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, scheduled from April 18 to April 28, 2025. Bryan, now ranked World No. 2, aims to secure a spot in the Final 5, while Smith looks to build on his recent success.
The Surf City El Salvador Pro not only highlighted the incredible talent within the surfing community but also set the stage for an exciting season ahead in the World Surf League. With both winners demonstrating resilience and skill, fans can expect more thrilling performances in the upcoming events.
Sources
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, CardBiz.ca.
- Jordy Smith and Gabriela Bryan Clinch Finals at Surf City El Salvador Pro, Sports Illustrated.
- Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan wins Surf City El Salvador Pro, Spectrum News.
