A remarkable event unfolded this past weekend at the 2024 SLO CAL Open in Morro Bay, California, where 15-year-old Eden Walla showcased her extraordinary talent by clinching victory in a highly competitive field. This win marks another significant milestone in her burgeoning surfing career, solidifying her status as a rising star in the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Eden Walla, 15, won the 2024 SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay.
- This victory adds to her recent wins at the International Rip Curl Grom Search and the Supergirl Pro.
- Walla is now ranked third in the WSL North American Qualifying Series.
- The event highlights a growing trend of young surfers making waves in professional surfing.
Eden Walla’s Journey
Eden Walla, hailing from San Clemente, California, has quickly made a name for herself in the surfing world. Her recent triumph at the SLO CAL Open is not just a standalone achievement; it is part of a series of impressive performances that have set her apart from her peers.
In her own words, Walla expressed her desire to focus on her best surfing, stating, "I just wanted to come in here and do my best surfing and show everyone what I can do." This mindset has clearly paid off, as she has consistently delivered outstanding results in various competitions.
Recent Achievements
Walla’s victory in Morro Bay follows her success in other prestigious events:
- International Rip Curl Grom Search in Indonesia
- Supergirl Pro in Oceanside, California – where she became the youngest champion in the event’s history.
These accomplishments have propelled her to the number three spot in the WSL North American Qualifying Series, putting her in a strong position to qualify for the 2025 Challenger Series.
The Youth Movement in Surfing
Eden Walla is part of a larger trend of young surfers emerging from California, particularly San Clemente. Other notable young talents include:
- Sawyer Lindblad (18) – Rookie of the Year on the Championship Tour in 2024.
- Bella Kenworthy – Runner-up on the 2024 Challenger Series, set to join the Championship Tour in 2025.
- Caity Simmers – Youngest WSL world champion last year.
- Erin Brooks – Qualified for the Championship Tour next year.
This influx of young talent is reshaping the landscape of professional surfing, with many of these athletes poised to make significant impacts in the coming years.
Men’s Competition Highlights
In the men’s division at the SLO CAL Open, Taro Watanabe emerged victorious, defeating Ryan Huckabee. This win marks Watanabe’s third QS victory, reinforcing his position at the top of the North American rankings.
Watanabe emphasized the importance of consistency in his performance, stating, "To make three Finals in a row, I just want to be consistent. I do want to win but consistency is important and today I got the win and I’m just happy."
Looking Ahead
The next event on the WSL North America Qualifying Series is the Pacifico Surf Open in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, scheduled for December 12-15, 2024. As the surfing community eagerly anticipates this event, all eyes will be on the young talents like Eden Walla, who continue to inspire and elevate the sport to new heights.
Sources
- 15-Year-Old Eden Walla Wins Big On California Central Coast, SURFER Magazine.
