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 at Punta Roca, La Libertad. Bryan’s win marks her second Championship Tour victory, while Smith’s triumph is a significant 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 secured his seventh CT victory by defeating Matthew McGillivray with a score of 14.26.
- Bryan’s win elevates her to World No. 2 in the rankings, while Smith climbs to No. 5.
- The event showcased elite surfing talent, with both winners expressing gratitude and excitement for their performances.
Gabriela Bryan’s Journey to Victory
Gabriela Bryan, a 23-year-old from Kauai, Hawaii, demonstrated her prowess throughout the competition. After a strong start, she faced off against Australian Isabella Nichols in the final. The match was intense, with Bryan initially trailing after a board malfunction. However, she regained her composure and scored a 7.83 on her final wave, securing her victory.
Bryan’s path to the final included:
- Semifinal Win: Defeated reigning World Champion Caity Simmers with a score of 10.16 to 9.67.
- Final Performance: Overcame a slow start to post a total of 14.33 points against Nichols.
- Ranking Impact: Her victory propelled her to the second position in the World Surf League standings, just behind Caitlin Simmers.
Bryan expressed her joy, 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.’"
Jordy Smith’s Remarkable Comeback
Jordy Smith, the 37-year-old South African surfer, showcased resilience and skill in the men’s final. After a modest start in the opening rounds, he fought his way to the final against fellow countryman Matthew McGillivray. Smith’s powerful surfing style shone through as he scored 14.26, defeating McGillivray, who managed 9.33.
Key highlights of Smith’s performance include:
- Semifinal Success: Smith advanced through the heats with a strong showing, ultimately leading to his final match.
- Historic Final: This final marked a significant moment as it was an all-South African showdown, highlighting the depth of talent in the country.
- Emotional Victory: Smith dedicated his win to his family and expressed gratitude for their support, stating, "I’m proud to be South African. Your support means the world. This one’s for you."
Looking Ahead
With the Surf City El Salvador Pro now concluded, the next stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour is the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, scheduled from April 18 to April 28, 2025. Both Bryan and Smith will look to build on their momentum as they compete against the world’s best surfers.
As the season progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with rankings likely to shift after each event. Fans eagerly await the next thrilling chapter in the world of competitive surfing.
Sources
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, CardBiz.ca.
- Results – Surf City El Salvador Pro 2025, World Surf League.
- 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.
- World Surf League’s Surf City El Salvador Pro Stuns with Elite Performances, Sports Illustrated.
