Southern California’s Stars Shine: Lindblad and Slawson Rewrite the Record Books at 2025 Lexus US Open of Surfing

The sun-soaked shores of Huntington Beach, California witnessed southern California surfers Sawyer Lindblad and Levi Slawson making history at the 2025 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico. Both surfers capitalized on pulsing summer swells to claim breakthrough victories on Finals Day, cementing their status among surfing’s rising elite.

Key Takeaways

• Sawyer Lindblad claims her second US Open of Surfing title, joining an elite group of repeat champions.
• Levi Slawson earns his maiden Challenger Series win in a dramatic men’s final.
• 14-year-old Tya Zebrowski becomes No. 1 in the Challenger Series rankings after a runner-up performance.
• Mateus Herdy of Brazil moves to the No. 2 spot in the Challenger Series rankings after an impressive run.

Lindblad’s Redemption: A Second Crown at Huntington

19-year-old Sawyer Lindblad delivered a composed and powerful performance to secure her second US Open of Surfing victory, edging past prodigy Tya Zebrowski in the women’s final. This win propels Lindblad into surfing’s rarified air, joining icons with multiple US Open crowns—a testament to her development after her 2023 debut triumph.

Lindblad’s road to glory saw her overcome former Championship Tour surfer Sophie McCulloch and 2026 CT qualifier Brisa Hennessy before a tense final showdown. Despite Zebrowski’s rapid early scores, Lindblad’s critical turns and strategic surfing allowed her to claw back the lead and shut down a late aerial attempt by her 14-year-old rival.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a surfer. Winning in front of my family again, under more pressure this time, means a lot,” Lindblad shared after her win. With her spot on the 2026 Championship Tour already secured, Lindblad’s latest victory is both a statement and a springboard for further success.

Slawson’s Breakthrough: Triumph Amid Drama

Encinitas’ Levi Slawson capped an emotional week with a breakthrough Challenger Series win in the men’s division. Slawson outlasted Brazil’s Mateus Herdy in a heart-stopping final that went down to the wire. Launching a massive air-reverse, Slawson set the tone before Herdy’s valiant late charge fell just short, ensuring the Southern California sweep.

After years of grinding through qualifying events, Slawson’s composure and technical mastery under pressure brought him well-deserved recognition and propelled him to No. 4 on the Challenger Series leaderboard—firmly in contention for Championship Tour qualification next season.

Future Stars And Series Implications

France’s Tya Zebrowski continued her meteoric rise, becoming the youngest current Challenger Series leader with her runner-up finish. Posting some of the event’s highest scores and showcasing fearless modern maneuvers, Zebrowski underscores the depth of emerging talent in women’s surfing.

Herdy’s captivating aerial displays, including an event-best 9.50 score, reinforced his reputation as a perennial threat on the men’s side. With both runner-up finishers surging up the rankings, all eyes now turn to the Challenger Series’ next stop: the Ericeira Pro in Portugal.

What’s Next In The World Surfing League

The Challenger Series resets its stage at the Ericeira Pro in Portugal from September 29 to October 5, where hopefuls will continue their quest for 2026 Championship Tour spots. With Southern California now boasting the event’s latest champions, Huntington Beach’s iconic pier remains the proving ground for the sport’s next generation.

Sources

• Sawyer Lindblad, Levi Slawson stake their claim in US Open of Surfing history w/ Southern California Sweep I
  805 Post Show Finals Day, World Surf League.
• Sawyer Lindblad and Levi Slawson Win Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, World Surf League.
• Southern California surfers secure spots in WSL championship, FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.