The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour is heating up with two major upcoming events: the Surf City El Salvador Pro and the VIVO Rio Pro in Brazil. These stops are crucial for surfers aiming to secure their positions for the mid-season cut and ultimately, the World Title.
Surf City El Salvador Pro: A Test of Skill
The Surf City El Salvador Pro, held at the renowned Punta Roca, is the fourth stop on the 2025 Championship Tour. Scheduled from April 2nd to April 12th, this event features a perfect right-hand point break known for its warm waters and consistent waves, ideal for high-performance surfing. The judging criteria will focus on maneuvers, commitment and difficulty, big airs, combinations, and flow.
- Key Takeaways:
- Punta Roca offers ideal conditions for progressive surfing.
- Six wildcard athletes, including Bryan Perez, will challenge the top seeds.
- The event is a pivotal moment in the World Title race.
Wildcards like Bryan Perez, who previously defeated Italo Ferreira, are set to make an impact. These athletes are judged by the same standards as full-time tour surfers and have a history of upsetting top competitors. Bryan Perez is slated to face Italo Ferreira in the opening round, a highly anticipated matchup.
VIVO Rio Pro: Brazil’s Passionate Surf Scene
Following El Salvador, the Championship Tour heads to Saquarema, Brazil, for the VIVO Rio Pro presented by Corona Cero, the ninth stop on the tour, running from June 21st to June 29th. Praia de Itaúna, known as the "Maracanã of Surfing," will host the event, celebrated for its powerful waves and passionate fan base. This location is deeply ingrained in Brazilian surf culture, producing legendary surfers.
- Key Takeaways:
- Saquarema’s Praia de Itaúna is a cultural hub for Brazilian surfing.
- Defending champion Italo Ferreira and two-time winner Caity Simmers are expected to perform strongly.
- The event coincides with the inaugural Sun, Sound & Soul music festival.
Defending champion Italo Ferreira is in strong form, aiming for another victory in his home country. Caity Simmers is also looking to secure her third consecutive win in Brazil. The event will be complemented by the Sun, Sound & Soul music festival, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the competition.
Championship Tour Outlook
With these events, the 2025 Championship Tour is nearing its halfway point. Surfers are battling for crucial points to qualify for the mid-season cut and advance towards the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji. The tour continues with stops in Australia, the United States, South Africa, and French Polynesia before the finals.
Sources
- WSL Surf City El Salvador Pro Wildcards Gearing Up for Tough Competition, Sports Illustrated.
- Inside Pro Surfing: Surf City El Salvador Pro 2025, World Surf League.
- Championship Tour Heads to Brazil’s Surfing Capital for the VIVO Rio ProPresented by Corona Cero, World Surf League.
