The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, the second stop on the World Surf League championship tour, drew to a close with six to eight-foot waves firing across the lineup at the iconic Sunset Beach in Hawaii.
Australian Molly Picklum wins her first Championship Tour event and finds herself tied as world number one with the five-time world champion Carissa Moore, as they head into Portugal, where both of them will wear the coveted yellow Jeep Leaders Jersey.
20yo Picklum clenched the final against American Caroline Marks with an impressive performance and was chaired up the beach by Tyler Wright and Brisa Hennesey in a sensational display of respect, with both competitors eliminated by the youngster en route to the final.
“It is just a jersey colour, but I’m stoked to be on the top because that’s where I want to be, it’s where I feel I believe I can be, and it’s just a jersey color for now because the endgame is Trestles,” said Picklum. “I’m so stoked to take it out and this event is so challenging. I think it’s just never losing your confidence and really believing in yourself the whole way, no matter what it looks like. The level of women’s surfing is insane. You can be on the Challenger Series one year then win a CT event, so I’m definitely proud of myself for just chipping away even though there are so many setbacks. Moments like these make it all worth it. Picklum said”
Defending WSL world champion Filipe Toledo continued a successful start to the season and is in a good position as we head towards the mid-season cut.
Toledo had a strong start at Pipeline the first stop of the season, finishing in fifth, but his win now makes it clear that he is out to prove that he can defend his World Surf league title in 2023. The 27-year-old now has 13 CT victories to his name and sits at World No. 2 on the men’s rankings heading into the next round.
“I’m grateful to be here and in the position I am,” said Toledo. “It is special to share cool moments with all these surfers. Hawaii is always one of those places where you want to get better, evolve, and win events, and this means a lot to me ” Toledo said.
The men’s Final witnessed a rematch of the 2022 Surf City El Salvador Pro Final and got underway with fireworks straight out of the gates. A massive exchange between Toledo and Colapinto, showed how powerful their respective forehand attacks could be. Colapinto’s astonishing effort earned a near-perfect 9.17, showing total commitment to a heavy section. Toledo posted a 7.83 for his multiple, powerful manoeuvres.
The next stop on the World Surf League Tour is the MEO Rip Curl Pro, Portugal
