Caroline Marks and Filipe Toledo clinch 2023 World Surf League titles
In a showdown at the Rip Curl WSL Finals, the climax of the 2023 Championship Tour season unfolded, declaring Caroline Marks and Filipe Toledo as the World Surfing League Champions.
The waves at Lower Trestles created a backdrop for this exhilarating competition.
Caroline Marks, a prodigy who first competed in a CT heat at 13 years old, claimed her very first World Title.
She displayed her skills on her backhand.
Triumphed over renowned surfers Caitlin Simmers and Tyler Wright before defeating five-time World Champion Carissa Moore in consecutive heats.
With this victory, Marks secured her place in history as the first goofy foot world champion for almost two decades.
On the other hand, Filipe Toledo, widely regarded as the world’s best performance surfer, clinched his second consecutive World Title becoming the first Brazilian to accomplish this feat.
Toledo’s unparalleled talent in head conditions showcased his lightning manoeuvres and explosive style, which propelled him to triumph.
He faced competition from Australian Ethan Ewing, who made a comeback from a recent back injury.
The two engaged in an enthralling battle, with Toledo ultimately claiming back-to-back titles through a display of high-performance surfing. The days activities were filled with matchups and exciting moments.
Caitlin Simmer’s victory over Molly Picklum and Joao Chiancas battle against Jack Robinson were particularly thrilling.
The competition also had stakes for USA Olympic qualification as Caroline Marks emerged as the winner, setting up a rivalry with Tyler Wright in the World Title match.
Caroline Marks expressed her joy at winning by saying, “Having my name on that list is truly inspiring.
It has been a goal of mine ever since I started surfing.
I’m incredibly happy and grateful.
Today was about having fun.”
Filipe Toledo couldn’t contain his excitement about becoming a back-to-back World Champion: “Words can’t describe how much it means to me to be now.
It required a lot of sacrifice.
I knew it would pay off in the end.
This is a dream come true for me.
I believe no other Brazilian has achieved back-to-back victories like this before.
We are making history.”As the surfing season comes to an end fans are eagerly looking forward to the 2024 World Surfing League calendar.
