In a thrilling showdown at Punta Roca, Gabriela Bryan from Kauai emerged victorious at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, marking her second career win on the World Surf League Championship Tour. The event showcased exceptional talent as Bryan defeated Australia’s Isabella Nichols in a dramatic final, solidifying her position as a top contender in the surfing world.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriela Bryan won her second WSL Championship Tour title, defeating Isabella Nichols.
- Bryan scored 14.33 to Nichols’ 11.74 in the final.
- She is now ranked World No. 2 in the CT standings.
- Bryan’s journey included a semifinal victory over reigning champion Caity Simmers.
- Jordy Smith also claimed victory in the men’s final, defeating Matthew McGillivray.
Gabriela Bryan’s Path to Victory
Gabriela Bryan, 23, showcased her surfing prowess throughout the competition, culminating in a nail-biting final against Isabella Nichols. The final was marked by intense moments, including a board malfunction that temporarily put Bryan at a disadvantage. However, her resilience shone through as she regained her footing and delivered a stunning 7.83 wave score, sealing her victory.
Bryan’s performance in the final was characterized by:
- Strong Start: She opened with a solid 6.50, setting the tone for the heat.
- Mid-Heat Drama: After her board buckled, she had to switch boards, allowing Nichols to take the lead momentarily.
- Final Surge: Bryan’s powerful maneuvers on her final wave secured her win just before the heat concluded.
Reflecting on her experience, Bryan expressed her excitement: "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.’" She also praised the El Salvador surf conditions, stating, "Right-hand point breaks are my favorite, and this is one of the best in the world."
The Semifinal Showdown
Before reaching the final, Bryan faced reigning World Champion Caity Simmers in the semifinals. The heat was fiercely contested, with Simmers initially taking the lead. However, Bryan’s consistency and power allowed her to edge out Simmers, scoring 10.16 to Simmers’ 9.67.
Men’s Final Highlights
In the men’s final, South African surfer Jordy Smith delivered a masterclass performance, defeating fellow countryman Matthew McGillivray with a score of 14.26 to 9.33. Smith’s experience was evident as he took control early in the heat, securing his seventh career CT win.
Smith’s victory not only boosts his ranking to No. 5 but also reinforces his status as a formidable competitor in the ongoing season. He dedicated his win to his family, highlighting the emotional significance of the moment.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Gabriela Bryan is now positioned as a strong contender for the WSL Final 5, aiming for her first world title. The next event on the tour is the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, starting April 18, where Bryan will look to continue her impressive momentum.
As the surfing season progresses, both Bryan and Smith have proven their mettle, leaving fans eager for what’s next in the world of competitive surfing.
Sources
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 El Salvador Pro, Gold Coast Magazine.
- Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan wins Surf City El Salvador Pro, Spectrum News.
