The Surf City El Salvador Pro concluded with thrilling performances from Jordy Smith and Gabriela Bryan, who emerged victorious in their respective finals at Punta Roca, El Salvador. This event marked a significant moment in the World Surf League Championship Tour, showcasing elite surfing talent and dramatic competition.
Key Takeaways
- Winners: Jordy Smith (RSA) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) claimed victory in the men’s and women’s finals, respectively.
- Men’s Final: Smith defeated fellow South African Matthew McGillivray with scores of 14.26 to 9.33.
- Women’s Final: Bryan secured her win against Isabella Nichols (AUS) with a score of 14.33.
- Rankings Impact: Smith moved up to No. 5 in the world rankings, while Bryan climbed to No. 2.
Event Overview
The Surf City El Salvador Pro, part of the World Surf League Championship Tour, took place at the renowned Punta Roca, known for its right-hand point breaks. The competition spanned several days, culminating in finals that highlighted the skill and determination of the surfers.
Gabriela Bryan’s Journey to Victory
Gabriela Bryan, a rising star in women’s surfing, showcased her prowess throughout the event. Her path to the final included:
- Quarterfinals: Defeated Alyssa Spencer (USA).
- Semifinals: Narrowly beat reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) with a score of 10.16 to 9.67.
- Finals: Faced Isabella Nichols, where she initially struggled with a board malfunction but recovered to score a 7.83, securing her victory.
Bryan expressed her excitement post-win, stating, "I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, ‘Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.’" This victory marks her second Championship Tour win, solidifying her status as a top contender.
Jordy Smith’s Emotional Comeback
Jordy Smith, a veteran of the sport, achieved a remarkable comeback by winning his first Championship Tour event in eight years. His journey included:
- Quarterfinals: Defeated 2019 champion Italo Ferreira (BRA).
- Semifinals: Beat Cole Houshmand (USA) with a strong performance.
- Finals: Competed against Matthew McGillivray, where he maintained a lead with scores of 7.33 and 6.93.
After his win, Smith dedicated his victory to his family and expressed gratitude for the support he received. "I can’t believe it, to be honest. This means a lot for South Africa," he said, reflecting on the significance of his win.
Rankings Update
Following the Surf City El Salvador Pro, the World Surf League rankings saw notable changes:
- Men’s Top 5:
- Women’s Top 5:
Looking Ahead
The next stop on the Championship Tour is the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, scheduled from April 18 to April 28, 2025. As the competition heats up, both Smith and Bryan will look to build on their successes and continue their pursuit of the World Title.
Sources
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, CardBiz.ca.
- Jordy Smith, Gabriela Bryan Win Surf City El Salvador Pro, The Inertia.
- Jordy Smith and Gabriela Bryan Clinch Finals at Surf City El Salvador Pro, Sports Illustrated.
- Jordy Smith Wins First Event in 8 Years at Surf City El Salvador Pro, SURFER Magazine.
- World Surf League’s Surf City El Salvador Pro Stuns with Elite Performances, Sports Illustrated.
