As the swell finally delivered in full force at Punta Roca, the stage is now set for an electric Finals Day at the Surf City El Salvador Pro. With six-to-eight-foot waves rolling through and the world’s best surfers rising to the challenge, Friday’s action-packed schedule saw both men’s and women’s Quarterfinals wrap up, leaving just a handful of heats between now and the crowning of the 2025 event champions.
Let’s break down how we got here and who’s still in the running, with a look at both the women’s and men’s draws heading into Finals Day.
Simmers Stays on Top, Bryan Brings the Fire
The women’s Quarterfinals didn’t disappoint, with standout performances across the board and familiar names continuing to dominate. World No. 1 Caity Simmers (USA) opened the action with a stylish performance that reaffirmed why she’s wearing the yellow jersey. Her matchup against 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) was a solid contest, but Simmers sealed the deal with a 7.57 ride followed by a critical closing wave.
“It feels nice to surf against Sawyer,” Simmers said. “Since we kind of grew up surfing together, that was the ideal situation… To beat Sawyer, you have to surf good, and I’m happy I was able to do that.”
Gabriela Bryan (HAW) followed with a head-turning performance that left little doubt about her Finals Day credentials. Against rookie Bella Kenworthy (USA), Bryan posted a 9.23 and ended the heat with the highest total of the event so far: 17.40. Even Kenworthy’s impressive 8.50 wasn’t enough to overcome the Hawaiian’s power and timing.
“That wave was the best present ever,” Bryan shared. “As soon as I went over the first wave I saw it had the most perfect line. I’m so glad I completed it… You do want to impress the judges, but I also like to put a show on for everybody.”
Australia’s Isabella Nichols also made headlines, eliminating Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) to secure her best result of the season. Nichols will now surf her first Semifinal of the year, all while missing her twin sister’s wedding back home — a sacrifice not lost on her.
“I’m dedicating this one to you, Helena,” Nichols said emotionally. “I was sitting out there when there was a big lull… I’m gonna be there in spirit.”
Rounding out the Semifinals is Molly Picklum (AUS), who kept her streak alive with a fourth consecutive Semifinal showing. Despite a slow start against Brisa Hennessy (CRC), Picklum’s 6.17 was enough to turn the heat, and she moves one step closer to another big result.
Smith and McGillivray Surge, San Clemente Duo Impress
The men’s side of the draw saw its own share of drama, upsets, and rising stars. South African pair Jordy Smith and Matthew McGillivray both punched their tickets to Finals Day at Punta Roca with composed, powerful surfing.
Smith, now back inside the Top 10, took out Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and followed up with a statement-making win over 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA). Smith opened his Quarterfinal with an 8.67 and never looked back.
“I started with an 8.67 and that’s what you have to do,” Smith explained. “You have to put pressure on them… if I could put up big scores that was going to add pressure.”
McGillivray also had a day to remember. First, he knocked out rookie Marco Mignot (FRA), then followed that up with a composed win over 2024 El Salvador runner-up Yago Dora (BRA).
“It was really cool to surf with [Dora] in a heat,” said McGillivray. “It was a little bit slow out there… I knew I had to be super selective and I'm just grateful that I was in rhythm with the ocean.”
Then came the San Clemente wave. Californians Crosby Colapinto and Cole Houshmand each advanced to their first Finals Day of the season. Colapinto’s victory over World No. 3 Ethan Ewing (AUS) was a standout — especially given that he sat out the first two events of the season due to injury. Colapinto held his nerve in the final moments, choosing not to use priority, and Ewing wasn’t able to capitalise.
Meanwhile, Houshmand delivered a commanding performance against tour veteran Miguel Pupo (BRA), staying in control throughout the heat and securing his best result of the year.
With these results, Colapinto jumps up nine spots on the rankings, and Houshmand vaults into the World No. 12 position.
Finals Day Incoming at Punta Roca
With pumping Punta Roca delivering the goods and momentum building across both draws, Finals Day is shaping up to be a thrilling finish to Stop No. 4 of the WSL Championship Tour. The final call will be made Saturday, April 12 at 6:45 a.m. CST for a possible 7:30 a.m. start. Whether it’s the precision of Caity Simmers, the power of Gabriela Bryan, or the late-season charge of surfers like McGillivray and Colapinto — it’s all to play for in El Salvador.
Watch all of the action at worldsurfleague.com
