San Clemente’s Hometown Heroes Storm into Quarterfinals

First Women’s Semifinalists Emerge After Elimination Round and Quarterfinal Battles

No Competition Thursday or Friday; Next Call: Saturday, June 14, at 7:45 AM for a Possible 8:00 AM Start

Competition will be OFF Thursday, June 12, and Friday, June 13. The next call will be Saturday, June 14, at 7:45 a.m. PDT for a possible start to Finals Day.

The event’s best performance so far was delivered courtesy of Jack Robinson (AUS) in a masterclass of aerial antics and power to post a 17.07 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The battle of CT mainstays witnessed Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) punch his way to an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) before Robinson found his form to best Fioravanti with a massive 8.87. Then, with an impressive lead already built, Robinson delivered a stunning blowtail before finding multiple maneuvers to finish the wave and post an 8.20. The 27-year-old secured a major win over Fioravanti to send him to the Quarterfinals for the first time since his victory at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy.

“I knew it was going to be a good one, a real fiery one. We grew up together and have been doing this since. It’s always a good battle and they always bring out the best,” said Robinson. “I see the rankings pop up on the screen and don’t pay any attention. It’s more about being focused on the event and having a good time down here. I’m just fighting for it, we’re at that point of the year so important events and just keep going.”

In a Heat of the Year nominee, current World No. 2 Italo Ferreira (BRA) faced Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS) in a wave-for-wave clash with both competitors showing their aerial prowess. Ferreira’s 7.83 kickstarted the heat before Vaughan answered back with a combination of power hacks leading into an off-axis air-reverse to post an excellent 8.57. But, 2019 World Champion Ferreira wasn’t done and took to the air again before a searing cutback that set him up to finish with another air-reverse to regain the lead with an 8.37. In the dying moments, Vaughan found himself on one last opportunity and punted a huge straight air before finishing the wave off to score an 8.30 and to win the heat. The 21-year-old earned a heat total of 16.87 to advance over Ferreira.

“I know Italo’s such a great competitor, and can never really tell what he’s going to do, so I thought I might as well try to go big and risk it, and yeah, a great performance,” said Vaughan. “I’d fallen on a straight air a few ways before it and I was a bit bummed, so I just wanted to just make it. I kind of missed the grab and bobbled a little bit, but then made it and got around and got another turn. I think because I caught the wave and paddle back out it was just kind of instincts and gave it a good crack.”

Immediately following that incredible showcase, San Clemente’s own perennial World Title contender Griffin Colapinto (USA) faced off with 2022 and 2023 World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA) in another impeccable showdown. Toledo’s no stranger to Lower Trestles earning both of his World Titles here. The 30-year-old’s lightning-fast start accrued a 15.50 heat total over Colapinto. Later, Colapinto found a response with 7.90 and put himself back in the heat. He made another attempt with a combination of an air-reverse with multiple on-the-face maneuvers that fell .04 short of the requirement. A dramatic finish witnessed Toledo launch himself to the flats on massive full rotation, while Colapinto found the wave behind him with just thirty seconds left. The 26-year-old Colapinto unleashed a variety of three major turns on the wave face to finish the heat and posted an 8.93 to advance over Toledo and move onto the Quarterfinals. San Clemente supporters erupted around Colapinto for his 100th CT heat win.

“I would say it’s a good omen, 100th heat win against Filipe [Toledo], I’ll take that all day,” said Colapinto. “I don’t know, I kind of had some PTSD from last year in the Finals. Standing on the beach and it didn’t go my way. So for some reason, I felt like because of that, I wasn’t going to get it. It was hard to tell because I didn’t watch Filipe’s wave and wasn’t sure what my score was going to be. It felt surreal to get the score. All the effort, all the hard work leading to that moment is beautiful with all my friends and family.”

“Jordy [Smith] got me in El Salvador, and we were 1-to-1 for head to head wins, so I was like whoever gets this one is on top. I grew up watching and I look up to Jordy [Smith],” said Houshmand. “I watched them when I was a kid. The opportunity to surf and see them in my backyard at home, like World No. 1 is what the Tour is about. I’m just living my dream. I started coming down here watching it before I even started surfing. Now to be in it, it’s like you aspire to be in it and then you kind of lose sight of it, but it’s why you work really hard. I worked my butt off my whole life for this. It’s pretty emotional. You see those photos and then now you’re living the dream. If I could give advice to any of the groms, it’s just invest in yourself. I just went all in on myself and with the support of sponsors, friends, family, parents. Chase your dreams.”

A brilliant showing for local wildcard Sawyer Lindblad (USA) pushed the scale to an excellent 8.00 on her signature backhand attack to disrupt current World No. 4 Isabella Nichols’ (AUS) recent streak of Finals Day showings. Lindblad narrowly missed the Mid-season Cut, but will rejoin the world’s best full-time in 2026 with the expanded women’s field as she looks to further dismantle proceedings at home heading into the Quarterfinals.

Crosby Colapinto (USA) nearly joined his fellow San Clemente competitors into Finals Day after posting a 9.33 over Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), but Igarashi’s last effort tipped the scale to an 8.93 to eliminate Colapinto.

Reigning World Champion and Oceanside phenom, Caity Simmers (USA), battled with fellow Elimination Round standout Erin Brooks (CAN). Brooks’ 8.83 (out of a possible 10) in her Elimination Round clash with Tyler Wright (AUS) set her up for more success heading into the Quarterfinals. A slow start had Simmers with a slim lead before Brooks found her opportunity to strike and took the lead heading into the final minutes. Simmers then showed her clutch form and delivered a 6.83 to secure the heat win and return to a Finals Day at Lower Trestles.

“It’s Lower Trestles. It’s so perfect and always fun. It’s one of the funnest waves in the world for me,” said Simmers. “It’s pretty special to even be here and be in this position to inspire people. It can be a lot of pressure but I just tell myself it’s all for a good reason and just try to do what I would do and follow my heart.”

“I felt like I was watching it all day and getting so inspired by the boys and they were ripping. I definitely felt we’d get more waves but I know at Lowers it can get slow,” said Picklum. “Unfortunately we had a long lull in the middle and then nothing toward the end to really fight it out. But, obviously happy I got on the better waves. I’d be stoked to beat Caity. It’s really fun when it’s her and I and it’s always more fun when there’s waves. I know what she’s capable of and know what I’m capable of and I really think I have a chance against her.”

Also heading into the Quarterfinals will be 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA), who held her ground in the Elimination Round. The 23-year-old showcased some of her world-class backhand attack to post a 7.83 over 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA).

Now, World No. 1 Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and wildcard Sawyer Lindblad (USA) await their Quarterfinal, Heat 3 matchup before Marks prepares to take on an in-form Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW).

The competition will be OFF on Thursday, June 12, and Friday, June 13. The next call will be on Saturday, June 14, at 7:45 a.m. for a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start to Finals Day.

For more information and highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Lexus Trestles Pro Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Joel Vaughan (AUS) 16.87 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.20
HEAT 2: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 16.83 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.30
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 11.66 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 9.33
HEAT 4: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.67 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 12.70
HEAT 5: Cole Houshmand (USA) 16.43 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 14.23
HEAT 6: Jack Robinson (AUS) 17.07 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 14.00
HEAT 7: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 15.93 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 15.00
HEAT 8: Connor O’Leary (JPN) DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW)

Lexus Trestles Pro Upcoming Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)
HEAT 3: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)
HEAT 4: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)

Lexus Trestles Pro Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 14.87 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 13.96
HEAT 2: Erin Brooks (CAN) 16.33 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 6.84
HEAT 3: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 14.17 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 13.20
HEAT 4: Caroline Marks (USA) 15.20 DEF. Luana Silva (BRA) 13.44

Lexus Trestles Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results (Heats 1-2):
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.10 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 11.66
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 11.47

Lexus Trestles Pro Remaining Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups (Heats 3-4):
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
Heat 4: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)

• PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
• Progression and Power on Display as Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown Kicks Off at Lowers
• World Title Frontrunners Shine in High-Performance Opening Day at Trestles
• Brazil’s World Champions Italo Ferreira and Filipe Toledo Turn On for Lowers Return
• California Collective Hold Down Home Waters
• North Shelly Boardriders Represent with Picklum’s and Vaughan’s Success on Opening Day
• Initial Eliminations Ensue, Men’s Top Seeds Salvage World Title Race Points

The first day of competition saw World Title contenders make stellar debuts at Trestles with the completion of the men’s and women’s Opening Round, including current World No. 1s Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Jordy Smith (RSA). Both continued their Margaret River Pro victory momentum to advance to the next rounds. While hometown heroes Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Cole Houshmand (USA), and Californian Lakey Peterson (USA) started strong with heat wins.

The next call will be tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11, at 7:45 a.m. for a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start.

A dominant display from World No. 1 Gabriela Bryan (HAW) put the field on notice in her CT debut at Lower Trestles. Bryan’s power on the wave face from start to finish posted an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and 7.00 for a total heat score of 15.17 (out of a possible 20) to overtake local wildcard Kirra Pinkerton (USA) and 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA).

“I think I’ve been telling myself that this Yellow Jersey and being No. 1 in the world is just a reward for all the hard work I’ve done, so if I continue to do that, I’m not going to change anything because it’s working,” said Bryan. “I saw the girls in my heat paddling for the first wave of the set, and I saw the second one out the back. I just knew that if I got a set and could do some big carves and it would be a pretty good score. I got a little bit caught on the second turn, but I think a big key for me on this wave is patience and quality over quantity.”

World-class performances went next level when current World No. 2 Italo Ferreira (BRA) stormed the lineup with his signature progression and aerial antics to post an impressive 15.17 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Ferreira is back with unfinished business after earning the World Title runner-up here at Lower Trestles in 2024. The 31-year-old made his presence known by overtaking 11-time World Champion and six-time Lower Trestles event victor Kelly Slater (USA) and 2025 CT Rookie standout Marco Mignot (FRA).

“For the goofy, it’s pretty good to surf both sides,” said Ferreira. “All the surfers are looking for their rights. Then I can get the left and the right, whatever I want, and then I can mix it with my surfing. So that is what I really like. I always have fun here. Especially when we surf against only two guys in the water because in a free surf, it’s one-hundred guys. It’s pretty hard to find good waves but just keep the flow. The last two events at Trestles, I got second-place, and that hurt, so I’m trying to do it differently this year.”

Hometown hero Griffin Colapinto (USA) found his winning form in home waters with the men’s best performance of a 15.40 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The 26-year-old overcame Australians Ethan Ewing (AUS) and Joel Vaughan (AUS).

“After being on the road in Australia for almost a month and a half, just being home and seeing all the friends and family feels amazing. Then to have a contest on top of it is the perfect storm,” Colapinto said. “We’ve just been having so much fun and the change of energy. Obviously, in Australia, you’ve got everyone going for the Aussies. It’s a hometown feeling and everyone on the beach is backing you. It definitely goes a long way, but I noticed that I was a bit more nervous with that. You want to perform for everyone so badly and I don’t know, it’s just Lowers is one of my favorite waves in the world, so a little more nerves, but yeah, I’m enjoying it.”

“Obviously I’m from Santa Barbara, but I grew up surfing down here so much,” said Peterson. “It’s so cool I can come back. I’ve surfed here in a CT before, but I don’t know, just being a little bit older now and just how special it is. It feels really, really good to be here, and just at home and enjoying it. You see so many huge moments in competitive surfing out here throughout the years. I think for the women, especially in the Final 5 the last few years, that progression has been pushed so much. I’m sure some girls will be doing some airs at this event. The wave offers so much variety and so much progression. It’s what makes it so fun for us surfers to be able to surf here because it’s a big open canvas.”

Following the Opening Round bout with Houshmand, Igarashi returned to the Lower Trestles arena in the Elimination Round against wildcard threat Dimitri Poulos (USA) to keep his current No. 4 ranking intact. Honing his talents just up the highway in Huntington Beach, Igarashi’s relentless forehand continued to impress and overpowered Poulos’ form to earn his spot into the Round of 16.

Perennial World Title threat Molly Picklum (AUS) joins Bryan into the Round of 16 as the only other Top 5 contender to do so. While reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), 2016 event winner Tyler Wright (AUS), and current World No. 4 Isabella Nichols (AUS) were all sent to the Elimination Round. Picklum’s timing and power on the familiar face of Lower Trestles clicked into an excellent 8.00. The 22-year-old looks for her first major breakthrough in Southern California and to push the requirement of points needed to overtake her.

“I wanted to kind of get a long ride at the start, and then it just didn’t really pan out that way. I really do like going left, and that wave presented itself. I was third priority so I just bounced over there, and I’m happy that it really walled up and gave me some opportunity on that wave. The vibe’s definitely different, the crowd was just mellower, the whole town’s a bit mellower. It’s nicer vibes, but it’s so cool to just come here. The girls’ level at the moment is insane and there’s some high scores to be done out there.”

Also finding success today was Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS), who is through to the Round of 16 after defeating Miguel Pupo (BRA) in Heat 2 in the men’s Elimination Round. Vaughan managed to advance with two six-point rides after falling short in his Opening Round heat against Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Ethan Ewing (AUS).

A massive turnaround for Barron Mamiya (HAW) kept his No. 5 ranking intact after besting the sport’s greatest, Kelly Slater (USA). A tough afternoon battle pushed Mamiya to near-elimination with the 11-time World Champion, six-time Lower Trestles winner, as Slater found his rhythm. But, Mamiya responded with under three minutes remaining to post the heat’s best score of a 6.10 to eliminate Slater from his wildcard run.

Ethan Ewing’s (AUS) connection with Lower Trestles is undeniable after monstrous performances in the 2023 WSL Finals, and he now looks to find that form after pushing through the Elimination Round. Ewing bested Brazil’s CT veteran Alejo Muniz (BRA) in signature form to post a and has his eyes set on a big result to ramp up his bid for another World Title chase.

“Alejo’s really like a veteran and knows the game and a super good surfer so I knew it was going to be a tough heat,” said Ewing. “This morning was kind of rough. I didn’t get as many opportunities as I liked, so I was kind of bummed on that, but I just wanted to just ride waves and do my thing. The last few years I’ve loved coming here, but it’s a different feel now, like mid-season coming here. I love this wave, and everyone’s been treating me really well. I just love being here and looking for a bigger result, so let’s get it going.”

For more information and highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

World No. 1s Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Look to Fend Off Field in Southern California

Kelly Slater Set to Play Ultimate Spoiler with California Wildcards

Current World No. 1s Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Jordy Smith (RSA) lead the field of remaining competitors vying for the 2025 World Title. Those who call San Clemente home look to make statements when competition kicks off including, Griffin Colapinto (USA), Crosby Colapinto (USA), and event wildcards Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Kirra Pinkerton (USA). Also joining as a wildcard is Dimitri Poulos (USA) and Kelly Slater (USA), who aims for a potential seventh CT win at Trestles.

This event marks a major return for San Clemente’s own, 2023 and 2024 World Title contender Griffin Colapinto (USA) and his younger brother Crosby Colapinto (USA), 2024 Rookie of the Year. Griffin had the community of San Clemente support by the masses during his World Title attempts, and now the city has multiple contenders to cheer on. The Colapinto brothers are joined by Cole Houshmand (USA), and wildcard threats Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Kirra Pinkerton (USA). Lindblad earned 2024 Rookie of the Year and fell just short of the Mid-season Cut, but will rejoin the Tour in 2026 with the expanded women’s field. Currently ranked No. 5 on the Challenger Series (CS), Pinkerton became the World Junior Champion in 2018. Now she looks to make a statement as a wildcard.

“It’s super special to be here because we grew up learning how to surf here, and watching this contest made us want to become pro surfers” said Colapinto. “Now we have the opportunity to do that for the next generation. I remember very vividly being down here for the Gudauskas brothers and cheering them on and just so many good memories here. Our whole childhood was here and the community is so rad and loves surfing so much. This wave belongs on the Tour with a perfect right and left. It suits everyone’s surfing really well. This wave just brings out the best surfing from everyone.”

A momentous year for 2022 Rookie of the Year Gabriela Bryan (HAW) has seen her at World No. 1 since the Gold Coast. Now, Bryan enters her first CT event at Lower Trestles in hopes of ramping up her bid for a 2025 World Title campaign.

“This being my first CT experience here is super exciting,” said Bryan. “After growing up and surfing here every summer for amateur events, it was a dream to maybe get the opportunity to surf here on the CT. It’s been a long time coming, so I’m excited. When I have the Yellow Jersey on I think of it as a reward for all the hard work I’ve done, and a reminder that what I’m doing is working. I like to fly under the radar, but why not embrace it and it’s pretty awesome to think I was the underdog growing up. Now I go home and everyone’s so proud of me. Everyone at home has done so much for me and been so supportive so I almost feel like it’s reward for all of us.”

With three-career CT victories to her name, Bryan looks to bring Kauaʻi its first World Title since the late Andy Irons (HAW) in 2004.

One of the Tour’s legacy contenders, Jordy Smith (RSA), returns to Lower Trestles for the first time since 2017 when he was also World No. 1. Now, Smith will compete once again at Trestles wearing the Yellow Leader Jersey. He will look to channel his previous Trestles event wins in 2014 and 2016 to continue his momentum going into Stop No. 8.

“As far as memories go, there’s been a lot of good ones. I lived here in San Clemente for a little bit and getting some surfs with my dad early in my career were special,” said Smith. “Watching Chris Ward and the Lost… tapes, I think they were the biggest inspirations for me growing up. I’ve put in the work. Everyone’s so different on what they classify as work. Everyone lives a different life and the environments are constantly changing. So you just adapt and you put best work you can in that day and hope that tomorrow brings a better one. It’s really hard to kind of and pinpoint what exactly it is. I’ve always said all the crumbs make up a loaf of bread and you just have to keep showing up.”

The world’s best will have their work cut out for them with 11-time World Champion and six-time Lower Trestles victor Kelly Slater (USA) back in the draw. The 53-year-old surfing GOAT has experience and knowledge of Lower Trestles that outmatches many on the CT as he looks for a 57th-career victory among the world’s best. Slater will be joined by wildcards Dimitri Poulos (USA), Kirra Pinkerton (USA), and Sawyer Lindblad (USA). Poulos and Pinkerton earn the wildcard spots as the highest ranked North Americans on the current 2025 Challenger Series.

For Ventura, California, competitor Poulos, this will be his first-ever CT appearance. Poulos’ surge in Newcastle pushed him past former World Title contender Morgan Cibilic (AUS) before finishing with a Quarterfinal result. He brings accolades all his own to Lower Trestles including, a 2018 ISA Gold Medal.

“I heard some rumors that they were going to give a wildcard to the highest North American finisher here [in Newcastle]. But I kind of just paid no mind to it but I got the text that I was the highest North American so I’m excited,” said Poulos. “I’ve surfed Lowers a lot. I’ve spent enough time out there and know I can figure it out. There’s a few flight options that get me there Sunday night and another one that gets me into LAX at 6:00 a.m. so it’d be straight from the airport into the jersey (laughs).”

Pinkerton’s experience among the CT elite goes back to the 2018 US Open of Surfing before the Surf Ranch Pro in 2021. The 22-year-old has become a perennial CT qualification threat as she looks to disrupt the World Title race at home. This will be Pinkerton’s second CT appearance in 2025, following a Round of 16 result at the Surf City El Salvador Pro earlier this year.

A special day for some of Southern California and North America’s rising talents provided inspiration through the WSL Rising Tides initiative. Since 2019, the Rising Tides has played a pivotal role in encouraging young women to get in the water through sharing waves with their idols on the CT.

“It feels really nice to be back home surfing Lowers. It was really cool seeing all the girls out there and it was perfect conditions out there for them,” said 2024 WSL Rookie of the Year, Sawyer Lindblad. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to compete at my home break this week. I’ve been coming down here since I was eight years old so it’s really special.”

A beautiful opening ceremony from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians / Acjachemen Nation provided the blessing to open the competition’s proceedings. Griffin and Crosby Colapinto (USA) joined Cole Houshmand (USA) and more in the blessing ahead of the competition window opening Monday, June 9.

Event organizers will convene at 7:45 a.m. PDT to for a possible start to the competition at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Monday, June 9.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.