The Surf City El Salvador Pro, part of the World Surf League Championship Tour, concluded with exhilarating performances from Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith, who both secured their spots at the top of the rankings. The event, held from April 2 to 12, 2025, at Punta Roca, La Libertad, showcased the best of surfing talent, with dramatic heats and nail-biting finishes.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriela Bryan won the women’s final against Isabella Nichols with a score of 14.33 to 11.74.
- Jordy Smith triumphed over Matthew McGillivray in the men’s final, scoring 14.26.
- Bryan’s victory marks her second Championship Tour win, while Smith’s win elevates him to No. 5 in the rankings.
- The next event, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, is set to take place on April 18, 2025.
Gabriela Bryan’s Remarkable Journey
Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan, 23, faced a tense final round but emerged victorious, adding to her previous win at the 2024 Margaret River Pro. Her performance in El Salvador was marked by resilience, especially after her board buckled during the heat, forcing her to switch equipment. Despite the setback, she managed to score a crucial 7.83 wave just before the end, securing her win.
"That was such an insane rollercoaster Final," Bryan reflected. "I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, ‘Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.’"
Bryan’s journey to the final included a semifinal victory over Caity Simmers, where she scored 10.16 against Simmers’ 9.67. With this win, Bryan is now ranked No. 2 in the Championship Tour standings, just behind Caitlin Simmers.
Jordy Smith’s Emotional Victory
On the men’s side, South African Jordy Smith delivered a powerful performance, defeating fellow countryman Matthew McGillivray with a score of 14.26. This win was particularly emotional for Smith, who expressed gratitude for his family and supporters on social media.
"It feels like yesterday I was the youngest on tour… and now, I’m the oldest. Being older comes with its challenges—none harder than leaving my young family at home," he shared.
Smith’s victory has propelled him up the rankings, now sitting at No. 5 with 17,970 points. His win at Punta Roca is a testament to his enduring talent and determination.
Impact on Rankings
The Surf City El Salvador Pro has significantly reshuffled the WSL rankings:
| Position | Surfer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italo Ferreira | 28,630 |
| 2 | Gabriela Bryan | 26,495 |
| 3 | Caitlin Simmers | 27,000 |
| 4 | Molly Picklum | 25,000 |
| 5 | Jordy Smith | 17,970 |
As the Championship Tour progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, especially with the upcoming Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Surfers will have another opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially alter the rankings further.
Looking Ahead
With the excitement of the Surf City El Salvador Pro behind them, athletes are now gearing up for the next challenge at Bells Beach. Fans and competitors alike are eager to see how the rankings will shift as the season unfolds, making every event crucial in the race for the world title.
Sources
- Results – Surf City El Salvador Pro 2025, World Surf League.
- 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.
