The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) shifts its focus to Central America as the competition window for the 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro opens on April 2 and runs through April 12. Set against the backdrop of Punta Roca — El Salvador’s iconic right-hand point break — this fourth stop of the season marks a decisive turning point before the Mid-season Cut and the highly anticipated Australian leg.
Now one-third of the way through the 12-stop season, the pressure is mounting. With only four events left before the Cut, the stakes have never been higher for those on the cusp of qualification. Punta Roca, known locally as La Punta, is set to deliver pristine, high-performance waves, offering surfers a perfect canvas to showcase their most progressive manoeuvres — from deep carves to aerial mastery….
Punta Roca: A Wave Made for Moments
Returning to Punta Roca for the fourth consecutive year, the CT elite are well-acquainted with the long, fast, and powerful right-hander. The break demands precision and flair, offering critical sections that favour those willing to push their limits. With every heat carrying implications for the world title race and mid-season survival, La Punta is primed for breakthrough performances and unexpected upsets.
The venue has a history of drama, and 2024 was no exception. One of last season’s most electrifying showdowns came when eventual event winner and 2024 World Champion John John Florence (HAW) edged out Yago Dora (BRA) in a heat that kept fans on edge. Dora returns this year fresh off a dominant win at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal and will be eyeing back-to-back CT victories.
Meanwhile, Caroline Marks (USA), a two-time Surf City El Salvador Pro winner, carries significant momentum into the event after claiming her first CT victory of the 2025 season in Portugal. With experience and confidence on her side, Marks will be a formidable presence at Punta Roca.
Simmers and Ferreira Set the Pace leading into the Surf City El Salvador Pro
Caity Simmers (USA), the reigning World Champion, continues her impressive run in 2025. After narrowly missing back-to-back wins at Pipeline and securing a landmark victory in Abu Dhabi, Simmers further extended her rankings lead with a Quarterfinal finish in Portugal. Her form puts her well ahead of the field heading into a wave that complements her versatile, progressive style.
On the men’s side, 2024 World Title runner-up Italo Ferreira (BRA) arrives in El Salvador wearing the yellow leader’s jersey. Holding a commanding 6,000-point lead over current No. 2 Barron Mamiya (HAW), Ferreira’s explosive aerial game is tailor-made for the critical sections of Punta Roca. With redemption in mind after a surprise loss to local wildcard Bryan Perez (SLV) last year, Ferreira will have a chance to rewrite that narrative — in fact, the two will meet again in the Opening Round.
Wildcards and Replacements: New Energy in the Draw
The Surf City El Salvador Pro will also welcome a strong set of event wildcards and injury replacements. Bryan Perez, who grew up surfing Punta Roca, returns as the hometown favourite. After last year’s upset win over Ferreira, the Salvadoran surfer will be looking to spark another surprise run — this time with the crowd behind him.
Joining Perez as wildcards are Alyssa Spencer (USA) and Levi Slawson (USA), the highest-ranked North American surfers on the Challenger Series not yet qualified for the CT. Both bring fresh talent and hunger to the lineup.
Injury replacements include Ian Gentil (HAW), stepping in for Gabriel Medina (BRA), and Nadia Erostarbe (ESP), filling the spot of Johanne Defay (FRA). Kirra Pinkerton (USA) also joins the draw, taking over from Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), who has announced a break from the tour to focus on her well-being. Additionally, Ryan Callinan (AUS) makes his return after missing the Portugal stop due to injury, rejoining the race with plenty to prove.
The Road Ahead: Last Chance Before the Australia Leg
With just four events left before the Mid-season Cut, the Surf City El Salvador Pro could make or break campaigns. For those sitting above the Cut line, it’s an opportunity to consolidate their position and build momentum. For others, it’s a fight for survival.
As the CT prepares to head south to Australia, Punta Roca stands as a decisive battleground. Every wave, every score, and every heat could tip the balance — whether it’s pushing into title contention or simply staying on Tour.
