San Clemente’s own Sawyer Lindblad has once again claimed the prestigious US Open of Surfing title in Huntington Beach, marking her second victory at the iconic event. The 19-year-old surfer delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, August 3rd, navigating challenging yet rewarding waves to secure the win against a competitive field.
A Champion’s Redemption
Lindblad’s triumph comes as a significant boost after facing a mid-season cut on the World Championship Tour. This victory not only reaffirms her prowess but also guarantees her return to the elite tour for the 2026 season, thanks to an expansion of the women’s field.
- Lindblad secured her second US Open title, overcoming a tough year on the Championship Tour.
- The win guarantees her spot on the 2026 Championship Tour.
Dominant Performance on Finals Day
Despite mixed conditions throughout the week, finals day at Huntington Beach delivered powerful, overhead surf. Lindblad showcased her exceptional skill, connecting sections with ease and executing powerful turns. She defeated Sophie McCulloch of Australia in the quarterfinals and Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy in the semifinals before facing France’s 14-year-old prodigy, Tya Zebrowski, in the final. Lindblad clinched the title with a narrow victory over Zebrowski, scoring 13.17 to 12.57.
Local Talent Shines
The US Open also saw strong performances from other San Clemente surfers. In the women’s division, Bella Kenworthy and Eden Walla tied for 25th, while Kirra Pinkerton reached the Round of 16. On the men’s side, Kade Matson made a strong showing, reaching the quarterfinals and finishing fifth. Longboarder Kai McPhillips competed in the elimination round.
Looking Ahead
Following her victory, Lindblad announced plans to take the remainder of the year off to focus on improving her surfing and embarking on surf trips. "It feels really, really good," Lindblad shared after the event. "I haven’t won an event since I won this event in 2023, especially after having a hard year on tour."
Sources
- San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad Wins 2nd US Open Title | SC Surf, Picket Fence Media.
- San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad, San Diego’s Levi Slawson win US Open of Surfing – Orange County Register, Orange County Register.
