Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) and Yago Dora (BRA) clinched memorable victories at the 2025 Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 8 on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). With a building swell peaking at five-to-seven-foot perfection at Lower Trestles, Finals Day delivered high-performance surfing at its best.
Sakura Johnson Surges into Final 5 with Second CT Win of 2025
North Shore powerhouse Bettylou Sakura Johnson turned up the heat from the opening horn of Finals Day, riding a wave of momentum all the way to her second CT win this season. After her earlier victory at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, the 20-year-old’s triumph in California propels her to No. 4 in the rankings and firmly into the Final 5 conversation.
“Overall, I’m just super happy how I was able to overcome each heat and just take it out, and I’m so psyched to bring this one home,” said Johnson. “Honestly, the secret is just staying happy and being surrounded by your loved ones.”
In the Final against Molly Picklum (AUS), a two-time World Title contender, Johnson wasted no time establishing control. She opened with a strong 8.00, then backed it up with a 9.00, putting Picklum in a combination situation. Although Picklum managed to break free, the clock ran out before she could overturn Johnson’s 17.00 total.
Johnson’s charge through the draw was unstoppable. She opened her day by defeating 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) with the event’s highest women’s heat total of 17.83. In total, she posted eight excellent scores (8.00 or higher) across the event—an emphatic showcase of consistency and flair.
Dora Delivers Aerial Showcase to Capture Third CT Career Win
Yago Dora (BRA) soared to his third CT career win—and second of 2025—by lighting up Lower Trestles with an aerial masterclass. Now sitting at No. 2 on the rankings, Dora’s performance sets him up perfectly for his homecoming at the VIVO Rio Pro, where he first tasted CT victory in 2023.
“It’s unbelievable, I waited a long time to have the opportunity to surf this event, and to do it my first time competing is incredible,” said Dora. “Now I’m going to Brazil, which is like my best event on Tour, and I’m so happy.”
In the Final against Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Dora opened with a spectacular ride—an air on the first section followed by searing carves—scoring a near-perfect 9.53. He then added an 8.00, before sealing the win with an 8.37 during a pivotal mid-heat exchange. Igarashi fought back with a strong 8.30 but couldn’t close the gap.
Dora’s path to the Final was no cakewalk. He defeated Ethan Ewing (AUS), Griffin Colapinto (USA), and Kanoa Igarashi—three former World Title contenders—in an impressive Finals Day run that underscored his status as one of the most dangerous aerialists on Tour.
Final 5 Picture Comes into Focus
With their respective runner-up finishes, both Molly Picklum and Kanoa Igarashi climb to No. 3 in the rankings, solidifying their spots within the Final 5. Meanwhile, Johnson and Dora’s victories inject fresh energy into the race as the CT heads into its final stretch.
From start to finish, the Lexus Trestles Pro delivered unforgettable performances, career-defining moments, and a whole lot of high-performance surfing. With only a few events left on the calendar, the road to the WSL Final 5 just got a whole lot more exciting.
