The Surf City El Salvador Pro is set to commence on April 2, 2025, at the renowned Punta Roca, promising an exhilarating competition featuring the world’s top surfers. With high-performance waves and a competitive field, this event is a highlight of the World Surf League Championship Tour.
Key Takeaways
- Event Dates: April 2 – April 12, 2025
- Location: Punta Roca, El Salvador
- Notable Competitors: Italo Ferreira, Bryan Perez, Caroline Marks
- Wildcards: Six wildcard surfers will compete, including Bryan Perez, who previously defeated Ferreira.
- Forecast: Good surf conditions expected, with waves reaching up to head high.
Event Overview
The Surf City El Salvador Pro marks the fourth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, following the MEO Rip Curl Pro in Portugal. This event is crucial as it comes just before the Mid-Season Cut, where surfers will be vying for points to secure their positions in the rankings.
Punta Roca is celebrated for its long, right-hand point break, providing ideal conditions for high-performance surfing. The event will feature a mix of established stars and emerging talent, with six wildcards eager to make their mark.
Wildcard Competitors
The inclusion of wildcard surfers adds an exciting dynamic to the competition. These athletes are often known for their ability to upset the rankings, and this year’s wildcards include:
- Bryan Perez (SLV): Known for his stunning upset against Italo Ferreira in 2024.
- Alyssa Spencer (USA): A rising star in women’s surfing.
- Levi Slawson (USA): Another promising talent from the Challenger Series.
- Ian Gentil (HAW): An experienced competitor looking to make an impact.
- Kirra Pinkerton (USA): A strong contender stepping in for Tatiana Weston-Webb.
- Nadia Erostarbe (ESP): A fierce competitor from Spain.
Competition Format
The competition will feature both men’s and women’s heats, with matchups designed to showcase the best talent in surfing. Each heat will be judged based on criteria including speed, power, and flow, ensuring that only the most skilled surfers advance.
Men’s Opening Round Matchups
- Heat 1: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
- Heat 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Edgar Groggia (BRA)
- Heat 3: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
- Heat 4: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
- Heat 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Levi Slawson (USA)
- Heat 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS) vs. Bryan Perez (SLV)
Women’s Opening Round Matchups
- Heat 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)
- Heat 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA)
- Heat 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
- Heat 4: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
- Heat 5: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
- Heat 6: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)
Surf Conditions
The forecast for the event indicates favorable conditions, with waves expected to reach heights of 5-6 feet during the opening days. As the competition progresses, a solid swell is anticipated, potentially leading to overhead waves by the end of the event window. This combination of conditions is expected to provide thrilling action for both competitors and spectators alike.
The Surf City El Salvador Pro promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing the best of surfing talent against the stunning backdrop of El Salvador’s coastline. Fans can catch all the action live on the World Surf League’s platforms.
Sources
- WSL Surf City El Salvador Pro Wildcards Gearing Up for Tough Competition, Sports Illustrated.
- City Life Org – Surf City El Salvador Pro Brings World’s Best Back to Punta Roca, City Life Org.
- Surf City El Salvador Pro Official Forecast, Surfline.
