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 Stellar Performance
Gabriela Bryan, 23, showcased her talent throughout the competition, maintaining momentum from her previous successes. In the final, she faced off against Australia’s Isabella Nichols. The match was intense, with both surfers exchanging leads.
- Final Scores:
- Gabriela Bryan: 14.33
- Isabella Nichols: 11.74
Bryan opened strong with a score of 6.50, but Nichols quickly responded with a 6.57. A critical moment came when Bryan’s board buckled, forcing her to switch equipment. Despite this setback, she regained her composure and scored a 7.83, securing her victory as the waves calmed towards the end of the heat.
Bryan expressed her excitement, 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 at Surf City follows her previous victory at the 2024 Margaret River Pro, solidifying her status as a top contender in the sport.
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 for Smith, as it is his first Championship Tour win in nearly eight years.
- Final Scores:
- Jordy Smith: 14.26
- Matthew McGillivray: 9.33
Smith’s journey to the final was not without challenges. He initially struggled in the opening rounds but demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the final, he quickly established a lead with a score of 7.33, followed by a solid 6.93, which ultimately secured his win.
Reflecting on his victory, Smith said, "I can’t believe it, to be honest. This means a lot for South Africa. I wanted to ride my father’s board in this Final and win on it, and to do it is incredible." His emotional response highlighted the significance of this win in his long and storied career.
Looking Ahead
Both Bryan and Smith are now looking forward to the next event on the Championship Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which begins on April 18, 2025. With Bryan ranked World No. 2 and Smith aiming to maintain his momentum, fans can expect more thrilling performances from these talented surfers.
The Surf City El Salvador Pro showcased not only the skill and determination of its competitors but also the beauty of Punta Roca, a premier surfing destination. As the season progresses, the excitement continues to build for the upcoming events in the World Surf League.
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.
