The Surf City El Salvador Pro 2025 concluded with thrilling performances from elite surfers, culminating in victories for Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith. The event, held at Punta Roca, La Libertad, showcased the best of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, with athletes delivering breathtaking displays of skill and determination.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriela Bryan claimed her second Championship Tour victory, scoring 14.33 in the final.
- Jordy Smith marked his return to form with a win, scoring 14.26 in the men’s final.
- The event significantly impacted the WSL rankings, with both winners climbing the leaderboard.
Event Overview
The Surf City El Salvador Pro ran from April 2 to April 12, 2025, attracting top surfers from around the globe. The competition featured intense heats, with both men and women showcasing their talents in challenging conditions. Bryan and Smith emerged as champions, each demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the event.
Women’s Final Highlights
Gabriela Bryan, a 23-year-old from Kauai, faced off against Australian Isabella Nichols in a closely contested final. Bryan’s journey to victory included:
- Opening Round Performance: Bryan scored a combined 12.90, setting the stage for her success.
- Final Heat Scores: In the final, Bryan scored 6.50 and 7.83, totaling 14.33, while Nichols scored 11.74.
- Final Moments: Bryan’s board buckled during the heat, but she managed to recover and secure the win just before the final buzzer.
Bryan expressed her excitement post-victory, 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 places her second in the WSL standings, just behind Caitlin Simmers.
Men’s Final Highlights
Jordy Smith, a seasoned competitor at 37, showcased his experience and determination in the men’s final against Matthew McGillivray. Key moments included:
- Opening Round Performance: Smith scored 12.87, which was below expectations but set the stage for a comeback.
- Final Heat Scores: Smith’s final score of 14.26 outclassed McGillivray’s 9.33, marking a significant victory for the South African.
- Emotional Win: This victory was particularly meaningful for Smith, marking his first Championship Tour win in nearly eight years. He reflected on his journey, stating, "It feels like yesterday I was the youngest on tour… and now, I’m the oldest."
Impact on Rankings
The results from the Surf City El Salvador Pro have reshuffled the WSL rankings:
- Gabriela Bryan: Climbed to second place with 26,495 points.
- Jordy Smith: Moved up to fifth place with 17,970 points.
- Current Leader: Italo Ferreira remains at the top with 28,630 points.
As the Championship Tour progresses, the next event will be the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Australia, where athletes will have another opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially alter the rankings further. The excitement continues as surfers prepare for the challenges ahead, aiming for the coveted world title.
Sources
- 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.
- The WSL’s Full List of Competitor Replacements for the 2025 Tour, The Inertia.
- 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.
