Simmers, Lindblad, Picklum reach Quarters | WSL El Salvador Pro

Simmers Soars into fourth straight Quarterfinal

Reigning World Champion and current World No. 1 Caity Simmers (USA) delivered a commanding performance to open the day, posting the highest single-wave score of the women’s event — an 8.17 — to eliminate Luana Silva (BRA) and reach her fourth-consecutive Quarterfinal of the 2025 season.

Simmers combined her signature rail game with a high-line approach that suited the opening conditions, capitalising on one of the heat’s best waves to set the tone early.

“It’s been a really great time,” said Simmers. “Just hanging out with your friends and surfing in this environment makes it special. That’s the best part about doing good in contests — having the people I love around me.”

Her consistency in 2025 has been unrivalled, and Saturday’s showing only reinforced why Simmers remains the benchmark on the Championship Tour this year.

Kenworthy’s grit pushes her past fellow rookie

In one of the most anticipated matchups of the day, Bella Kenworthy (USA) overcame fellow rookie Erin Brooks (CAN) in a back-and-forth heat filled with opportunity. With 17 waves ridden between them, the battle remained tight until Kenworthy found the edge with a more polished finishing turn and confident composure in the lineup.

Now into her third-straight Quarterfinal, the 17-year-old continues to defy the odds — all while surfing through a torn ACL.

“I’m cleared to surf at 100 percent, but I still need the big knee brace to even surf,” said Kenworthy. “I’m just happy to be back competing. It was a really fun heat with plenty of waves to work with, so that was a lot of fun.”

The young Californian’s maturity and poise are shining through week by week. With every heat, she strengthens her case as one of the breakout stories of the season.

WSL El Salvador Pro Day 4 highlights

Lindblad rises with tactical backhand display

CT sophomore Sawyer Lindblad (USA) delivered another clutch performance to move into her third Quarterfinal of the year, this time edging out CT veteran Lakey Peterson (USA) in a slow and tactical heat. Lindblad’s vertical backhand approach on a set wave proved the difference, helping her secure the win over the 2022 event runner-up.

“I don’t think I ever realised I’d be doing this at this level so early on,” said Lindblad. “It’s kind of crazy that I’m in my second year and not even 20 yet. The heat was really stressful, but I’m glad I was able to get that wave and finish strong.”

The win further confirms Lindblad’s evolution into one of the most consistent performers on Tour, and she now looms as a serious threat heading into Finals Day.

Bryan and Picklum back in familiar territory

Last year’s runner-up Gabriela Bryan (HAW) kept her campaign alive with a composed win over wildcard Alyssa Spencer (USA). The heat featured long lulls and a priority mistake early from Bryan, but the Hawaiian regained her rhythm and sealed the heat with a well-finished 5.70.

“That was so gnarly. We sat for 20 minutes at one point,” Bryan said. “I’ve been working hard on composure, and that was a real test. I just had to reset and commit. Not every heat win is pretty, but I got it done.”

Molly Picklum (AUS), World No. 2, once again progressed to the El Salvador Quarterfinals, defeating wildcard Kirra Pinkerton (USA) in Heat 5. The Australian leaned on her patience and wave selection as conditions began to deteriorate.

“All these wildcards are deadly,” Picklum said. “You have to be smart with your decisions and wait for waves that get you excited.”

Picklum now has three straight top-three finishes in 2025 and looks firmly in the hunt for her maiden World Title.

Hennessy survives late scare in tight heat

Brisa Hennessy (CRC) secured the last confirmed spot in the Quarterfinals before the event was called off. In a slow, tense battle with Vahine Fierro (FRA), it came down to a final exchange in the dying seconds. Fierro needed a mid-range score to turn the heat but fell short, handing Hennessy her second Quarterfinal at Punta Roca.

“I’m still shaking,” Hennessy said post-heat. “Do you hold the inside or gamble on something wider? It’s hard to know. My heart rate’s still coming down.”

Currently ranked outside the Top 5, Hennessy will be eyeing a big result in El Salvador to climb back into Finals contention.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Women’s Elimination Round Results

• HEAT 1: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 13.37 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 13.10, Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 11.64
• HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 13.00 DEF. Alyssa Spencer (USA) 11.33, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.00

Surf City El Salvador Pro Women’s Round of 16 Results

• HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.67 DEF. Luana Silva (BRA) 11.67
• HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 11.97 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 11.47
• HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 9.53 DEF. Alyssa Spencer (USA) 7.00
• HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) 12.16 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 11.77
• HEAT 5: Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.57 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 11.53
• HEAT 6: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 8.70 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 8.50

Surf City El Salvador Pro Men’s Elimination Round Results

• HEAT 1: Bryan Perez (SLV) 14.13 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.10, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 10.90
• HEAT 2: Levi Slawson (USA) 13.10 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.47, Liam O’Brien (AUS) 10.33
• HEAT 3: Alan Cleland (MEX) 13.84 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 12.46, Ian Gentil (HAW) 11.17
• HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 14.07 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 13.07, Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 11.47

El Salvador Pro Men’s Round of 32 – Sunday 6/04/2025

El Salvador Pro Men’s Round of 32 – Monday 7/04/2025