• Nichols Goes Back-to-Back at GWM Sydney Surf Pro
• Lawler Claims Biggest Career Win on Home Soil
• 16-Year-Old Erin Brooks Finishes Runner-Up in Third-Consecutive Challenger Series Final
• Former Championship Tour Competitor Alejo Muniz Earns Second-Place Result

Pictured: Finalists at the 2024 GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy at the awards presentation today.  [Left to Right] Alejo Muniz (BRA), Erin Brooks (CAN), Jordan Lawler (AUS) and Isabella Nichols (AUS). Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar 

North Narrabeen local Jordan Lawler (AUS) has claimed a famous victory today in front of a huge home crowd, winning the 2024 GWM Sydney Surf Pro, the biggest result of his career. Having missed qualifying for the Challenger Series in 2024, Lawler came into the event this week as a wildcard. With low expectations on himself, he was able to cruise through the draw and claim the memorable win.

“Honestly, the last few months have been a real rollercoaster,” Lawler said. “After not qualifying for the Challenger Series this year, I was honestly thinking about calling it quits, so I’m just stoked I stuck with it. I was pretty low there for a while, and I hadn’t had a good result for a while, so I’m just so stoked right now. To make it to the Championship Tour has been my goal for so long and to win an event of this size can really help with that, I just can’t believe it.”

In the 35-minute Final, Lawler came up against former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Alejo Muniz (BRA) in a classic frontside versus backside battle on the North Narrabeen lefts. Muniz had been in solid touch all week but it was the local knowledge and hometown support that got Lawler an early lead. Local boy Lawler was then able to build momentum throughout the matchup, eventually posting a 15.75 (out of a possible 20) two-wave total, his highest of the event and enough to put Muniz in a combination situation. In the dying minutes, Muniz found a 7.20 (out of a possible 10) to break the combination but was unable to back it up, leaving Lawler to claim victory.

“Winning at home in front of all of these familiar faces is so amazing, I’m speechless,” Lawler said. “Growing up, I looked up to so many of these surfers, and to be competing against them and getting the win is like a dream come true, especially at home. I’ve worked so hard to be here, and I’m keen to get it done this year qualifying for the Championship Tour.”

Only three weeks after falling short of the Mid-season Cut and being relegated from the Championship Tour to the Challenger Series, Isabella Nichols (AUS) has bounced back with a massive win at North Narrabeen, her second at this location in as many years. Nichols looked on point all week, posting solid scores and taking down some of the event’s big names, including Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), in the Semifinals. Nichols’ win today has locked her in a second on the Challenger Series rankings and, along with her third-place finish on the Gold Coast, has put her in a great position to find her way back to the CT by the year’s end.

“There’s a lot going through my mind right now,” Nichols said. “I came into this event feeling really positive and good about things, which has worked for me. Last year, I came into this event feeling super down, and that obviously worked for me, but it is nice to have less pressure and emotion being in the same position and still getting a result. It’s been so good being in such a good headspace compared to last year. It just shows, regardless of your headspace, if you go through the process, you can get it done.”

Nichols saved her best performance for last when she came up against the form surfer of the Challenger Series, Erin Brooks (CAN). Nichols surfed a smart heat, holding on to priority for long stretches and executing on the best-set waves of the matchup. Brooks was left needing a solid score and almost got it with a huge frontside full-rotation air-reverse but fell, leaving Nichols to take the win with a two-wave total of 15.27 (out of a possible 20). Today’s result locks Nichols in at second on the rankings ahead of the next event in South Africa, the Ballito Pro.

“I want to give a shout-out to Erin Brooks,” said Nichols. “She inspires me so much, and I feel so fortunate to have spent time with her over the last few years. She is so dedicated, so driven, and so incredibly talented. She’s like a little sister to me, and I’ve really enjoyed spending time with her over the last few weeks. I also just want to thank Matt (Grainger), who has been coaching me this week. The energy he brings is amazing, and it obviously works for me with two wins now.”

Today Erin Brooks (CAN) made her third Challenger Series event Final in as many events. The 16-year-old has been the form surfer of this season, and it showed today, especially in the Semifinal, when she almost posted another perfect score. Unlike last week, where she went perfect for a huge, backside tube ride, today, Brooks landed a super quick frontside air-reverse to earn a near-perfect 9.57 (out of a possible 10). This runner-up finish consolidates Brooks’ position on top of the rankings as she pushes for CT qualification in 2025.

“To make another Final feels really good,” Brooks said. “I want to thank Bella (Nichols) for giving me a run for my money. I got her in Snapper, so she got one back on me here, but it’s all good. Making the CT is definitely my goal, but there are a lot of events left this year and so many amazing girls competing, so we will just have to wait and see. If I get there, I’ll definitely take up that opportunity.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA) has had a challenging few years recovering from different injuries whilst trying to navigate re-qualification and find results on the Challenger Series. The 34-year-old veteran has had success on the Northern Beaches before, having finished runner-up at Manly in 2018. Muniz fell short of the win today, but his runner-up finish, coupled with a 9th on the Gold Coast, is enough to see him move to second on the rankings as he continues to fight for a spot on the CT in 2025.

“I’m really happy to be here standing on this podium,” Muniz said. “I’ve been working so hard for so long to get back to the top level. I’ve been through two surgeries and have missed out on qualifying by a small amount twice, so to be back in the Finals means so much to me. When I left home, I promised my son I’d bring him home a trophy from one of the events in Australia, so daddy has kept his promise.”

For highlights from the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Final Results: 
1. Jordan Lawler (AUS) 15.76
2. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.33

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Final Results: 
1. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 15.27
2. Erin Brooks (CAN) 12.43

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.10 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.87
HEAT 2: Jordan Lawler (AUS) 13.90 DEF. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) 13.20

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Erin Brooks (CAN) 16.57 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 6.16
HEAT 2: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 12.63 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.16

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Quarterfinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 14.40 DEF. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 9.54
HEAT 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.43 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 11.33
HEAT 3: Jordan Lawler (AUS) 16.43 DEF. Eli Hanneman (HAW) 15.90
HEAT 4: Gatien Delahaye (FRA) 13.00 DEF. Taro Watanabe (USA) 10.70

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

• Quarterfinalists Decided at GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy
• Hanneman and Fitzgibbons Find Diamonds in The Rough at Narrabeen
• Brazilian Contingent Dominate Round of 16
• Championship Tour Hopefuls Breakthrough to Quarterfinals
• Northern Beaches Icons Wind Back The Clock in Bonsoy Legends Heat

Pictured: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) put on one of the best performances of the event today at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy to book a spot in the Quarterfinals. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar 

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) has continued to separate herself from the pack at North Narrabeen, putting on an excellent performance in tough conditions to post a 16.10 two-wave total (out of a possible 20) to convincingly beat fellow former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Bronte Macaulay (AUS) in the Round of 16. Having already earned a third-place finish on the Challenger Series this year, Fitzgibbons is in the hunt for another big result here on her quest for CT requalification. Fitzgibbons’s heat total is the highest for the event so far.

“It’s great to have so many people on the beach and swell on a Sunday, there’s such good energy here,” Fitzgibbons said. “It was good to come up against my good mate Bronte in the heat. She’s incredible and capable of big scores so I know I had to go hard. When I saw that big section and hit it then rode out it felt amazing, especially with the energy coming from the beach.”

Similar to Fitzgibbons, young Hawaiian Eli Hanneman (HAW) is looking to get back to the CT after falling off just a few weeks ago in Margaret River. After a major buzzer-beater comeback yesterday, Hanneman got busy early today, throwing multiple airs and progressive maneuvers early to take control of the heat with a 16.06 two-wave total, the second-highest of the event so far.

The first four heats of the morning saw Brazilian winners, which set up back-to-back all-Brazilian Quarterfinals when competition resumes Ian Gouveia (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Alejo Muniz (BRA), and Samuel Pupo (BRA) were all victorious in their Round of 16 matchups. With all four surfers landing on the same side of the draw, we are guaranteed to see a Brazilian competitor in the Final when it runs.

One of the most impressive performances of the morning came from Samuel Pupo (BRA), who has guaranteed his best-ever finish at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro. Pupo came up against form surfer Dimitri Poulos (USA) and knew that with a heat win, he’d be close to taking a rankings lead by the end of the week here in Sydney. Pupo posted a 7.33 with one turn to end up with a two-wave total of 13.83, which was enough to take the heat win.

“We’ve (the Brazilian group) had a good Australian leg on the Challenger Series so far, which has been cool to see that we’ve got something good going on,” Pupo said. “I feel like I’ve been surfing well in all of my heats and making the right decisions. I have been focussing on being really present, which has been key – always expecting the best out of my opponents, which helps to push me and my surfing,”

Former World Junior Champion Vahine Fierro (FRA) is a competitor who has been knocking on the door of CT qualification for a number of years now but hasn’t quite been able to string a number of results together at the Challenger Series level. After a runner-up finish in Ballito last year, the hard-charging Tahitian hasn’t found her way back to Finals Day until today, when she overcame former CT competitor Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) to book a spot in the Quarterfinals, where she will take on Nadia Erostarbe (EUK).

“I asked my mum this morning what she wanted for Mother’s Day, and she told me she just wanted me to win that heat,” Fierro said. “I was like, okay, I’ll try. The conditions were super tough out there. It was hard to find the waves with opportunity, and I think that was reflected in the scores. I felt like I was behind for the whole time in that heat, but I had to keep reminding myself I had priority and to stay on my feet.”

After a knee injury hampered his 2023 Challenger Series season, Gatien Delahaye (FRA) has come into 2024 fighting fit and keen to string some good results together. Today, he got his campaign off and running, overcoming former CT competitor Caio Ibelli (BRA) to book a spot in the Quarterfinals. Delahaye surfed a smart heat, using priority well and capitalising on the few opportunities he had, winning the heat with a two-wave total of 12.10.

“This feels really good; I’ve dedicated so much time to this. I had a knee injury last year and missed a lot of events. I’ve been working hard to get back, and I’m glad I can put last year behind me now. Coming up against Caio was always going to be tough as he is a CT surfer and always so solid. I really needed to stay calm and keep to my plan, and I’m just so stoked I made it into the Quarterfinals.”

Heat 7 of the men’s Round of 16 saw Californian duo Taro Watanabe (USA) and Kade Matson (USA) go head-to-head. Matson looks to find his way back to the Championship Tour level, and Watanabe looks to earn a career-best result. It was a close back-and-forth all heat, but in the end, it was Watanabe who found a spot in the Quarterfinals and the best finish of his career at a Challenger Series event.

In a repeat of the 2023 GWM Sydney Surf Pro Quarterfinal, Heat 6 of the Round of 16 saw Bella Kenworthy (USA) face former CT competitor Macy Callaghan (AUS). Both surfers had moments throughout the matchup, but it was Kenworthy who walked away with the win once again at North Narrabeen.

Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) had her good run of form brought to an end at the hands of Yolanda Hopkins (POR) who has been looking right at home in the chunky beach-break peaks on offer this week. After six equal 9th-place finishes at the Challenger Series level, Hopkins has guaranteed her best result with a Quarterfinal berth here in Sydney.

The last heat of the day saw a group of Northern Beaches surfing icons take over the lineup at North Narrabeen for a 40-minute spectacle to see who still rules the roost and entertain the solid Sunday crowds that lined the shore.

Surfers included 2018 Grand Masters World Champion Rob Bain, Two-time World Champion Tom Carrol, Former CT competitor and big wave world record holder Laura Enever, two-time World Champion and North Narrabeen Boardriders Club President Damian Hardman, and CT event winner Nathan Hedge.

All five surfers traded waves and had their moments, but it was Laura Enever who earned the biggest highlight of the session for a long left-hander with multiple turns completed on the sand.

The next call will be tomorrow, Monday, May 13, at 7:15 a.m. AEST for a possible 7:35 a.m. start.

For highlights from the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Round of 16 Results: 
HEAT 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 11.66 DEF. Jordy Maree (RSA) 11.50
HEAT 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 10.93 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 9.26
HEAT 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.60 DEF. Alister Reginato (AUS) 13.34
HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 13.83 DEF. Dimitri Poulos (USA) 9.80
HEAT 5: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 16.06 DEF. Joan Duru (FRA) 9.93
HEAT 6: Jordan Lawler (AUS) 13.60 DEF. Levi Slawson (USA) 12.24
HEAT 7: Taro Watanabe (USA) 9.67 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 8.23
HEAT 8: Gatien Delahaye (FRA) 12.10 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 10.84

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Round of 16 Results: 
HEAT 1: Vahine Fierro (FRA) 12.37 DEF. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 11.17
HEAT 2: Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 13.83 DEF. Zoe Benedetto (USA) 7.06
HEAT 3: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 13.56 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 13.00
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) 14.67 DEF. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 12.17
HEAT 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.10 DEF. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 10.44
HEAT 6: Bella Kenworthy (USA) 10.67 DEF. Macy Callaghan (AUS) 10.17
HEAT 7: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 13.03 DEF. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 7.00
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 9.66 DEF. India Robinson (AUS) 5.90

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)
HEAT 4: Taro Watanabe (USA) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA)

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK)
HEAT 2: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 4: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Pictured: Reigning GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy event winner Isabella Nichols (AUS) has booked herself a spot in the Round of 16 at North Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar 

Challenger Series newcomer Taro Watanabe (USA) put on one of the most entertaining performances of the event, earning a 15.33 two-wave total (out of a possible 20) for his unique approach to turns and airs. His first score came from one critical snap in the pocket with a similar turn followed by a superfast air reverse, earning him an 8.00 on his next wave. Watanabe will be hoping for more of the same when he takes on fellow Californian Kade Matson (USA) in the Round of 16.

“That was so fun. After I got a couple of scores, I just started to have fun,” Watanabe said. “The rights are so rippable with the wind coming into them. Sometimes, things go your way in a heat, and the waves come to you. I feel like the waves were coming to me but I’m glad I was able to surf them well when they did come to me. I’m stoked to be into the Round of 16 and have a man-on-man heat and want to keep surfing the way I want.”

Spanish representative Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) has shown she is one of the most consistent surfers on the Challenger Series over the last 12 months, only missing Finals Day once in five events. After a solid showing on the Gold Coast, the exciting goofy-footer showed she can do it frontside as well as backside today, posting an excellent 8.00 point ride to move into the Round of 16.

“I’m really happy to be here,” Erostarbe said. “I’m not that confident on my forehand, and after being on the Gold Coast going right for a few weeks, it means a lot to come here and post an excellent score on my front side. I’m feeling more confident going into the next round, which is good. Last year, I almost qualified just from doing four events and so I know I have it in me and with a good seed this year, this is the season I am going to go for it.”

The opening heat of the day saw former Championship Tour surfer Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) claim a solid heat win to progress into the Round of 16 with Zoe Benedetto (USA), who narrowly took second spot over Luana Silva (BRA). Just a week after finishing runner-up on the Gold Coast, Silva’s 17th place finish will need to be a throw-away by the year’s end if she’s to find her way back onto the CT.

Unlike Silva’s disappointing result, current Challenger Series rankings leader Erin Brooks (CAN) found her way into the Round of 16 with another solid performance in 2024. Having won the last event of 2023 and the first of 2024, she will be looking for a third straight Challenger event win here at North Narrabeen this week.

Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) continued her impressive run of performances in 2024, booking a spot in the Round of 16 with another heat win today at North Narrabeen. Other women who found their way into the Round of 16 included Aussie trio India Robinson (AUS), Macy Callaghan (AUS) and Bronte Macaulay (AUS).

Californian Dimitri Poulos (USA) has continued to turn heads at North Narrabeen with his solid and powerful brand of surfing. He is now in the Round of 16 as he hunts for a career-best result at Stop No. 2 on the Challenger Series. If he is to advance to the quarterfinals, he will need to get past Samuel Pupo (BRA) when competition resumes.

Young Hawaiian Eli Hanneman (HAW) has had a tough few weeks of competition, having fallen off the CT at the Mid-season Cut and then suffering an early-round elimination at stop 1 on the Challenger Series. Hanneman looked destined for another Round of 32 loss until, with 20 seconds left, he took off on a chunky closeout and went straight up into the thick lip, smashing it, then riding out of the explosion to earn a 9.00-point ride and moving from fourth place to first. It could be the buzzer-beater moment Haneman needed to kickstart his requalification campaign.

“There were 30 seconds left, and I needed a score, but for some reason, I felt this deep sense of calmness,” Hanneman said. “I was feeling really relaxed and no nerves and just thought if it comes, it comes, and it is what it is. I felt some divine touch out there. We have a really good crew, draw a lot of inspiration from one another, and keep really good vibes going. I just fell off the CT and had an early exit at Snapper, and I feel like I’ve come here and need to stop expecting results and just do Eli.”

Reigning GWM Sydney Surf Pro runner-up Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) had her competitive experience on full daily in the shifting peaks of North Narrabeen, posting an impressive 14.40 two-wave total to cruise to victory in her first appearance at this year’s event. Fitzgibbons’ backhand was looking sharp as she progressed into the Round of 16 off the strength of two one turn waves.

“It’s so good to be here,” Fitzgibbons said. “I’ve been watching a lot of good surfing over the last two days so I was really excited to surf. I kind of wanted to control my adrenaline and be ready for some of those big end sections. I feel like my time on tour has prepared me well for sections like that.”

Reigning GWM Sydney Surf Pro event winner Isabella Nichols (AUS) picked up where she left off at Narrabeen, earning a comfortable heat win in the Round of 32. Nichols looked right at home on her way to posting a 13.40 to progress with Portugal’s Yolanda Hopkins (POR).

“It’s like Deja Vu being back here this year,” Nichols said. I’ve got a lot of support here at North Narrabeen and up at North Avalon, which is so nice. I love this place so much, and it does feel like home. I’ve been working a lot on my backhand over the last few years, and it’s nice to put it to the test in heat and at this event in general.”

Caio Ibelli (BRA) found himself on back-to-back deep tube rides to claim a heat win in the last matchup of the day and progress into the Round of 16 with Kade Matson (USA). Both competitors look to return to form after early struggles on the Gold Coast.

The next call will be tomorrow, Sunday, May 12, at 7:15 a.m. AEST for a possible 7:35 a.m. start.

For highlights from the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Round of 32 Results: 
HEAT 1: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 12.43 DEF. Zoe Benedetto (USA) 9.87, Luana Silva (BRA) 9.20, Maud Le Car (FRA) 6.47
HEAT 2: Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 14.80 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 13.14, Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 9.56, Anne Dos Santos (BRA) 4.30
HEAT 3: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 11.73 DEF. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 11.43, Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 5.76, Rosie Smart (AUS) 2.10
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) 14.00 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 12.27, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 7.40, Francisca Veselko (POR) 6.57
HEAT 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.40 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 10.60, Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 9.43, Tessa Thyssen (FRA) 9.23
HEAT 6: Macy Callaghan (AUS) 11.90 DEF. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 11.80, Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 10.67, Laura Raupp (BRA) 9.33
HEAT 7: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 13.67 DEF. India Robinson (AUS) 9.44, Ellie Harrison (AUS) 8.30, Sierra Kerr (AUS) 7.30
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 13.40 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 12.50, Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 10.83, Sarah Baum (RSA) 7.73

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.86 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 10.33, Owen Moss (USA) 9.90, Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.37
HEAT 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.17 DEF. Jordy Maree (RSA) 12.33, Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 9.77, Adin Masencamp (RSA) 8.33
HEAT 3: Alister Reginato (AUS) 13.73 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 13.47, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 12.33, Riaru Ito (JPN) 4.86
HEAT 4: Dimitri Poulos (USA) 13.17 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.60, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 11.36, Jett Schilling (USA) 8.27
HEAT 5: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 13.33 DEF. Jordan Lawler (AUS) 12.40, Luel Felipe (BRA) 11.06, Callum Robson (AUS) 9.20
HEAT 6: Levi Slawson (USA) 14.77 DEF. Joan Duru (FRA) 11.40, Ian Gentil (HAW) 7.57, Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 6.17
HEAT 7: Taro Watanabe (USA) 15.33 DEF. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) 11.86, Cody Young (HAW) 9.00, Lucca Mesinas (PER) 7.60
HEAT 8: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 13.77 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 13.20, Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 12.94, Dylan Moffat (AUS) 9.20

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 2: Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA)
HEAT 3: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR)
HEAT 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
HEAT 6: Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 7: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR)
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. India Robinson (AUS)

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Jordy Maree (RSA)
HEAT 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 3: Alister Reginato (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 4: Dimitri Poulos (USA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 5: Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Joan Duru (FRA)
HEAT 6: Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)
HEAT 7: Taro Watanabe (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA)
HEAT 8: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA)

Pictured: Local Trials winner Axel Curotta (AUS) claiming a heat win in the Round of 80 at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy today. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar 

Kirra Pinkerton (USA) has come to North Narrabeen hoping to bounce back from a disappointing result on the Gold Coast last week, where she was eliminated in her first heat of the event. The former World Junior Champion was on the ropes for the majority of her matchup today as she was left needing a score in the dying minutes of the heat. Eventually, Pinkerton found a set that offered two big sections that she unloaded on, posting an excellent 8.00-point ride to move into the top spot and win the heat. Pinkerton’s score was the highest single-ride of the event so far.

“After losing in my first heat at Snapper, I was a little bit heartbroken,” Pinkerton said. “I really wanted to come here and kick it back into gear. When I was in third place with three minutes to go, I was like, ‘There is no way I’m going out in the first heat two events in a row.’ I knew when I got a wave, I was going to have to complete it. I’m feeling really good and confident in my surfing but sometimes heats don’t go your way I just wanted to connect on something and now that I have I hope the confidence can keep me going. My friend from home is with me, and we did the road trip down from the Gold Coast and stopped at so many beautiful places, which has been so nice.”

Young Californian Levi Slawson (USA) was one of the form surfers of the opening rounds of competition at Snapper Rocks and continued that run today at North Narrabeen, posting the highest two-wave total of the event so far to win his Round of 80 heat. Slawson’s 14.26 (out of a possible 20) heat total included a 7.33 (out of a possible 10) for two massive backside snaps on a chunky lefthander. Slawson was able to get the win and progress with former Championship Tour (CT) surfer Carlos Munoz (CRC).

“It’s always nice to start a contest that way with some big scores,” Slawson said. “I’m keen to bring some fire in this event after dropping out at Snapper earlier than I hoped. The waves are really similar to some spots around home so I was feeling really comfortable out there. I kept to myself, went out and did my surfing, and put up some scores. I’ve got a really magic board which I had shaped here in Australia, and I will stay on it all week.”

Former CT competitor Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) is renowned for her strong backhand surfing and has an approach perfectly suited for North Narrabeen. The super quick natural footer matched up with Philippa Anderson (AUS), Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) and Local Trials winner Anne Dos Santos (BRA) in the opening heat of the women’s Round of 48. Van Dijk surfed a busy heat, surfing more waves than her opponents but didn’t lock in her two-wave total of 13.13 until her last two rides.

“It’s super fun out there, I was loving it on those lefts,” Van Dijk said. “I feel really healthy and strong in my body at the moment, so it’s nice to be in rhythm again after a couple of years of injury. I’m stoked to be back and healthy, and I’m really enjoying competing.”

Another impressive backhand display came from competitive veteran Luel Felipe (BRA) in Heat 5 of the men’s Round of 80, who took a narrow win over local hopeful Jordy Lawler (AUS). Felipe’s experience showed as he picked off the best waves of the 30-minute matchup to post a two-wave total of 12.17. Felipe took the top spot while Lawler progressed in second, and form surfer from the Gold Coast Charly Quivront (FRA) was eliminated from the competition.

“I love to be here in Narrabeen; it’s such a great place,” Felipe said. “I know Jordy (Lawler) knows this place so well, and coming up against him would be tough, so I just needed to be on the best waves, and that’s the plan I stuck to. I didn’t have a great result at Snapper so I really need a big one here.”

French competitor Tessa Thyssen (FRA) posted a buzzer-beater to move from third to first in her Round of 48 heat, posting a 7.33 for a huge lay-back snap on the first section. The single maneuver was enough to move her into a progressing position and push Taina Hinckel (BRA) into third, which eliminated her from the event.

Pictured: Former CT competitor Nikki Van Dijk progressing into the Round of 32 at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy today. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers 

North Narrabeen favorite Dylan Moffat (AUS) was the standout local competitor on Day 1, taking a solid heat win in Heat 8 of the Round of 80. Moffat’s local knowledge was evident as he banked a 12.74 heat total to progress with the stylish Taro Watanabe (USA), while Kai Paula (HAW) and Cauã Costa (BRA) were eliminated from competition.

“I’m feeling good,” Moffat said. “I’m feeling a lot of love from the local crowd down here. It’s a passionate bunch, and you can always feel it when the event is on here, and everyone is getting around one another, and it definitely helps, as you could even see with Jordy’s heat earlier. I can’t believe the teachers pulled the kids out of school to come down and watch my heat. It feels amazing, and I’m feeling the love from everyone, which is nice. The waves were tricky in that heat but looked so nice earlier, I feel like we will have some really fun waves over the window which is exciting.”

It was a mostly successful day for the Northern Beaches contingent, with Local Trials winners Anne Dos Santos (BRA) and Axel Curotta (AUS) both progressing through their heats. Curotta had to take time off work crew duties to surf his heat, which he won over form surfer Josh Burke (BRB).

Unfortunately, the one local surfer who was unable to progress into the Round of 64 was Manly competitor Winter Vincent (AUS), who was narrowly overcome by South African competitor Jordy Maree (RSA).

The next call will be tomorrow, Friday, May 10, at 7:15 a.m. AEST for a possible 7:35 a.m. start.

For highlights from the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Round of 80 Results: 
HEAT 1: Kai Odriozola (ESP) 12.24 DEF. Jordy Maree (RSA) 9.97, Winter Vincent (AUS) 9.70, Oscar Berry (AUS) 4.50
HEAT 2: Owen Moss (USA) 10.47 DEF. Rinta Oooto (JPN) 10.24, Daniel Emslie (RSA) 9.80, Leo Casal (BRA) 9.44
HEAT 3: Robert Grilho (HAW) 13.07 DEF. Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 12.40, Jarvis Earle (AUS) 11.60, Leo Paul Etienne (FRA) 7.77
HEAT 4: Axel Curotta (AUS) 13.00 DEF. Josh Burke (BRB) 9.40, Tully Wylie (AUS) 8.36, Ryan Huckabee (USA) 7.43
HEAT 5: Luel Felipe (BRA) 12.17 DEF. Jordan Lawler (AUS) 12.00, Charly Quivront (FRA) 8.77, Guilherme Ribeiro (POR) 8.67
HEAT 6: Levi Slawson (USA) 14.26 DEF. Carlos Munoz (CRC) 10.63, Kyuss King (AUS) 10.27, Tide-Lee Ireland (RSA) 6.97
HEAT 7: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 13.13 DEF. Cody Young (HAW) 9.67, Kai Martin (HAW) 9.44, Joh Azuchi (JPN) 9.24
HEAT 8: Dylan

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Round of 48 Results: 
HEAT 1: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.13 DEF. Anne Dos Santos (BRA) 10.00, Philippa Anderson (AUS) 7.00, Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) 6.83
HEAT 2: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 12.66 DEF. Maud Le Car (FRA) 10.00, Sol Aguirre (PER) 9.10, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 4.47
HEAT 3: Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 10.50 DEF. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 9.23, Sara Wakita (JPN) 9.13, Sophia Medina (BRA) 7.94
HEAT 4: Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 12.83 DEF. Rosie Smart (AUS) 12.23, Paige Hareb (NZL) 8.20, Nyxie Ryan (AUS) 7.86
HEAT 5: Tessa Thyssen (FRA) 12.67 DEF. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 12.40, Taina Hinckel (BRA) 10.27, Mia Huppatz (AUS) 9.10
HEAT 6: Laura Raupp (BRA) 9.00 DEF. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 8.90, Nora Liotta (HAW) 8.64, Saffi Vette (NZL) 8.37
HEAT 7: Sierra Kerr (AUS) 13.14 DEF. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 10.53, Daniella Rosas (PER) 9.33, Anastasia Venter (RSA) 3.73
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 12.63 DEF. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 11.17, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) 8.50, Talia Swindal (USA) 6.80

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Round of 64 Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA) vs. Kai Odriozola (ESP)
HEAT 2: George Pittar (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Kian Martin (SWE) vs. Jordy Maree (RSA)
HEAT 3: Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Luke Slijpen (RSA) vs. Owen Moss (USA)
HEAT 4: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Rinta Oooto (JPN)
HEAT 5: Frederico Morais (POR) vs. Dimitri Poulos (USA) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Robert Grilho (HAW)
HEAT 6: Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA)
HEAT 7: Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Riaru Ito (JPN) vs. Axel Curotta (AUS)
HEAT 8: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Dakoda Walters (AUS) vs. Josh Burke (BRB)
HEAT 9: Ian Gentil (HAW) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Luel Felipe (BRA)
HEAT 10: Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Heitor Mueller (BRA) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)
HEAT 11: Callum Robson (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. Levi Slawson (USA)
HEAT 12: Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRC)
HEAT 13: Kade Matson (USA) vs. Mihimana Braye (PYF) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
HEAT 14: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Nat Young (USA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA) vs. Cody Young (HAW)
HEAT 15: Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Nolan Rapoza (USA) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS)
HEAT 16: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Tiago Carrique (FRA) vs. Taro Watanabe (USA)

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Round of 32 Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Maud Le Car (FRA)
HEAT 2: Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Anne Dos Santos (BRA)
HEAT 3: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Rosie Smart (AUS)
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW)
HEAT 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC)
HEAT 6: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Laura Raupp (BRA) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN)
HEAT 7: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Sierra Kerr (AUS) vs. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW)
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, is the second stop on the 2024 Challenger Series. The competition window opens on Thursday, May 9, and closes on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Check out the full 2024 Challenger Series schedule. All competitions will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

The 2024 GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy is proudly sponsored by GWM, Destination NSW, Bonsoy, Northern Beaches Council, NRMA, Vaikobi, Boost Mobile, Coopers, Oakberry, Bioglan, Bailey Ladders, Bond University, and Weatherguard.

Challenger Series #2 Lands at Narrabeen Ahead of 2024 GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy

Possible Start Thursday May 9th (competiton window through Thursday, May 16) (20 hours ahead of Hawaii…So it could begin 110am Wednesday in Hawaii)

• Pittar, Fitzgibbons, Pupo and Brooks Look to Continue Challenger Roll at North Narrabeen
• Axel Curotta and Anne Dos Santos Win Local Trials
• Sierra Kerr and Leo Casal Win Sydney Surf Pro Junior

Pictured: Competitors and the Northern Beaches Mayor at North Narrabeen today ahead of the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 2 of 6 on the 2024 Challenger Series. [Left to Right] Erin Brooks (CAN), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), George Pittar (AUS), and Mayor Sue Heins. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

Hailing from just down the road in Manly, Northern Beaches local George Pittar (AUS) is finally back on home soil after a whirlwind few months of competition. Pittar was awarded wildcards into two Championship Tour (CT) events, putting on an incredible performance that saw him earn an equal third-place finish at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, even taking down world No. 1 Griffin Colapinto (AUS) along the way. Pittar then commenced his Challenger Series season last week with a solid showing and Semifinal finish on the Gold Coast and will hope to continue that form here in Sydney as he looks for a full-time spot on the CT in 2025.

“It’s amazing to be back home and competing at an event of this size whilst sleeping in my own bed and enjoying mum’s home-cooked meals,” Pittar said. “It’s amazing to see all of the world’s best lighting up the Northern Beaches. I know it means a lot to the local surfing community. The last month has been amazing. It’s been great to get some results and scores at the CT level and show myself I can belong there and it definitely gives me so much confidence ahead of the CS season. It’s given me incentive to qualify and compete at the CT level full-time.”

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) returns to North Narrabeen in 2024 as the reigning event runner-up and fresh off an equal third-place finish on the Gold Coast last week. With more than 12 years of experience competing at the elite level, Fitzgibbons will be hopeful of locking in another Finals Day finish in Sydney this week as she aims to land back on the Championship Tour at the beginning of 2025.

“I’m stoked to be back at Narrabeen to compete,” Fitzgibbons said. “It’s a place with a lot of history, good waves, and it’s been a place I’ve had success in the past. I had a good start to the CS season with a solid result on the Gold Coast, but with such a small amount of qualification spots up for grabs, I need to go again this week and get some more solid work done. Every event counts. It looks like we will have some good east swell, which is a good direction for Narrabeen, so it should be a fun event.”

Pictured: The high-performance A-frame of North Narrabeen will play host to 120 Challenger Series competitors this week for the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar

Less than a week after her groundbreaking performance at Snapper Rocks, winning her second Challenger Series event and earning a Perfect 10 along the way, 16-year-old Erin Brooks (CAN) has very quickly shifted her focus to the left of North Narrabeen. Brooks has shown her ability on long, barreling righthand point but is keen to remind the world of her ability going to the air on her frontside.

“I’m so excited to be here at Narrabeen and competing on lefts because that is my frontside,” Brooks said. “This wave is a bit like Snapper in that it has opportunity for everything: barrels, turns and airs. I like going for frontside airs, so I’m keen to push myself at this event and go for some more big scores. It sounds like there will be plenty of lefts all week, which is great news. My goal is to qualify this year so I need another big result here to take the pressure off heading into the rest of the season.”

Brazilian young gun Samuel Pupo (BRA) finds himself in a similar position to that of this time last year. Pupo has just been relegated from the CT, bounced back with a Final berth on the Gold Coast, and now comes to Sydney, hoping to back up his great start to the CS season and lock in a spot inside the top 10 to take the pressure off when the CS leaves Australia.

“Last year, I had a great first event, then came here and lost in my first heat,” Pupo said. “I am really focused on getting through that first heat because I don’t want to need a result in the last event of the year. I want to qualify early and not have stress on me all season. It’s good to be back here, and I’m excited to surf some different waves. It’s a great location, and it should be an exciting week of competition.”

Axel Curotta and Anne Dos Santos Win Local Trials  

Over the weekend, the Local Trials event was run at North Narrabeen in wild conditions for a group of Northern Beaches and New South Wales surfers. In the end, Manly duo Axel Curotta (AUS) and Anne Dos Santos (BRA) won and will now compete in their first-ever Challenger Series event.

Curotta will take on form surfer Josh Burke (BRB) as well as Tully Wylie (AUS) and Ryan Huckabee (USA). Brazilian-born Dos Santos will do battle with former CT competitor Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) as well as veteran Philippa Anderson (AUS) and Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA).

North Narrabeen livewires Dylan Moffat (AUS) and Jordy Lawler (AUS) have also been awarded wildcards into the main event and will be looking for big results on home soil after both competitors missed Challenger Series qualification in 2024.

The weekend at North Narrabeen also witnessed Sierra Kerr (AUS) and Leo Casal (BRA) claim impressive wins at North Narrabeen for the 2024 Sydney Surf Pro Junior. The pair overcame massive fields in their respective divisions.

Kerr continued her incredible start to 2024, claiming a fifth WSL event win in less than five months. The win made it back-to-back victories at the Sydney Surf Pro Junior for Kerr. Brazilian Casal has come to North Narrabeen with his main focus being on the Challenger Series event, but he thought the Pro Junior would be the perfect way to get some reps in under the pressure of a heat.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men’s Round of 80 Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Oscar Berry (AUS) vs. Kai Odriozola (ESP) vs. Winter Vincent (AUS) vs. Jordy Maree (RSA)
HEAT 2: Owen Moss (USA) vs. Rinta Oooto (JPN) vs. Leo Casal (BRA) vs. Daniel Emslie (RSA)
HEAT 3: Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Robert Grilho (HAW) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA) vs. Leo Paul Etienne (FRA)
HEAT 4: Josh Burke (BRB) vs. Tully Wylie (AUS) vs. Ryan Huckabee (USA) vs. Axel Curotta (AUS)
HEAT 5: Charly Quivront (FRA) vs. Guilherme Ribeiro (POR) vs. Luel Felipe (BRA) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tide-Lee Ireland (RSA) vs. Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRC) vs. Kyuss King (AUS)
HEAT 7: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) vs. Joh Azuchi (JPN) vs. Kai Martin (HAW) vs. Cody Young (HAW)
HEAT 8: Dylan Moffat (AUS) vs. Cauã Costa (BRA) vs. Kai Paula (HAW) vs. Taro Watanabe (USA)

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Round of 48 Matchups: 
HEAT 1: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Philippa Anderson (AUS) vs. Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) vs. Anne Dos Santos (BRA)
HEAT 2: Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Maud Le Car (FRA) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER)
HEAT 3: Sophia Medina (BRA) vs. Sara Wakita (JPN) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK)
HEAT 4: Kirra Pinkerton (USA) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Rosie Smart (AUS) vs. Nyxie Ryan (AUS)
HEAT 5: Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Taina Hinckel (BRA) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Mia Huppatz (AUS)
HEAT 6: Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Laura Raupp (BRA) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW) vs. Saffi Vette (NZL)
HEAT 7: Daniella Rosas (PER) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Anastasia Venter (RSA) vs. Sierra Kerr (AUS)
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, is the second stop on the 2024 Challenger Series. The competition window opens on Thursday, May 9, and closes on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Check out the full 2024 Challenger Series schedule. All competitions will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

The 2024 GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy is proudly sponsored by GWM, Destination NSW, Bonsoy, Northern Beaches Council, NRMA, Vaikobi, Boost Mobile, Coopers, Oakberry, Bioglan, Bailey Ladders, Bond University, and Weatherguard.