Australia’s Tyler Wright has made surfing history by becoming the first woman to win Hawaii’s iconic Pipe Pro event twice. In a thrilling final held at Banzai Pipeline, Wright defeated reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers, marking a significant comeback after a challenging previous season.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Wright wins her second Pipe Pro title, first since 2020.
- Defeated defending champion Caitlin Simmers in a low-scoring final.
- Wright’s victory signifies her return to form after a tough 2024 season.
- Barron Mamiya wins the men’s final, becoming the first to win back-to-back titles since Andy Irons.
Wright’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. After finishing 10th in the previous year’s rankings and struggling with injuries, she entered the competition with renewed vigor. The final against Simmers was a tense affair, with both surfers facing difficult conditions. Wright managed to secure a score of 7.70, while Simmers could only muster a 3.94.
Wright reflected on her experience, stating, "The whole off-season, spending a lot of time just figuring out how to get the joy back a little bit – last year I was injured a lot more than I feel people thought. So to come back and have a really nice off-season with my wife, it’s so special, this is such a special win. It means so much."
The Final Showdown
The final was characterized by a series of wipeouts and challenging waves. Wright’s only significant wave score of 6.00 came after a slow start, where both competitors struggled to find their rhythm. Simmers, who is still under 20, faced the pressure of defending her title but ultimately fell short against the seasoned Wright.
Wright’s path to the final included victories over Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks and American surfer Lakey Peterson, showcasing her resilience and skill.
Men’s Final Highlights
In the men’s final, local favorite Barron Mamiya made headlines by becoming the first surfer to win consecutive Pipe events since the legendary Andy Irons in 2005-06. Mamiya faced Italian Leo Fioravanti in a closely contested final, with both surfers scoring 17.97 points. Mamiya’s top wave score of 9.80 secured his victory.
Looking Ahead
As the Championship Tour moves to the Middle East for the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Wright’s victory has positioned her as a strong contender for the season. However, there are discussions surrounding her participation due to the UAE’s stance on LGBTQ rights, which may influence her decision to compete.
Wright’s triumph at the Pipe Pro not only marks a personal victory but also sends a message to the younger generation of surfers that she is back and ready to reclaim her place at the top of the sport. With her sights set on future competitions, fans eagerly await her next moves on the tour.
