The Surf City El Salvador Pro is set to commence on April 2, 2025, at the renowned Punta Roca, promising an exhilarating competition among the world’s top surfers. This event marks the fourth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, running until April 12, and is expected to showcase high-performance surfing in ideal conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Event Dates: April 2 – April 12, 2025
- Location: Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador
- Wildcards: Six standout surfers, including Bryan Perez and Alyssa Spencer, will compete against top-ranked athletes.
- Forecast: Initial surf conditions are expected to be fun to good size, with potential for larger waves mid-week.
Event Overview
The Surf City El Salvador Pro has quickly become a favorite on the WSL Championship Tour, attracting elite surfers and fans alike. Punta Roca, known for its perfect right-hand point break, offers warm waters and consistent waves, making it an ideal venue for high-stakes competition. This year, the event will feature a mix of seasoned competitors and wildcards eager to make their mark.
Wildcard Competitors
The inclusion of wildcard surfers adds an exciting dynamic to the competition. Notable wildcards include:
- Bryan Perez (El Salvador) – Known for his upset victory over Italo Ferreira in 2024.
- Alyssa Spencer (USA) – A rising star in women’s surfing.
- Levi Slawson (USA) – Another promising talent.
- Ian Gentil (Hawaii) – An experienced competitor.
- Kirra Pinkerton (USA) – A strong contender in the women’s category.
- Nadia Erostarbe (Spain) – A fierce competitor looking to make an impact.
These wildcards will face off against top-ranked surfers, including current leader Italo Ferreira, who is looking to defend his title.
Competition Format
The event will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, with heats structured to maximize excitement and showcase talent. Each heat will be judged based on criteria such as speed, power, and flow, ensuring that only the best performances 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 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)
Surf Conditions Forecast
The initial forecast for the event window indicates favorable surf conditions:
- April 2: 5-6 feet, with potential for larger waves.
- April 3: Similar conditions expected, with light winds.
- April 4: 4-6 feet, with some fun surf.
- April 5-6: Gradual decrease in wave size, but still enjoyable conditions.
As the event progresses, a solid swell is anticipated, promising exciting action for both competitors and spectators.
Conclusion
The Surf City El Salvador Pro is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of surfing culture and community. With its stunning location, thrilling matchups, and the potential for spectacular surf, this event is poised to be a highlight of the WSL Championship Tour. Fans can look forward to watching live on the WSL website and app, as the world’s best surfers battle it out for glory in El Salvador.
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.
- Why El Salvador’s Surf City Pro is a WSL must-watch, Red Bull.
