Simmers wins another CT event as Ferreira takes yellow jersey

Simmers Reclaims No. 1 with Another CT Win

Still in just her third season on Tour, Caity Simmers (USA) added another impressive win to her growing resume. The reigning World Champion appeared in her ninth CT Final, securing her seventh career victory. After placing runner-up at the Lexus Pipe Pro, Simmers now holds a strong lead in the rankings.

Simmers’ standout moment came in her Semifinal showdown against Gabriela Bryan (HAW). The battle of raw aggression versus smooth flow pushed the boundaries of performance surfing. Simmers earned the highest single-wave score of the event—a 9.57—with a unique roundhouse cutback, setting herself apart in the Abu Dhabi basin.

The Final against Picklum was a nail-biter. Picklum had a solid opening but stumbled on her second wave, leaving an opportunity for Simmers. The Californian set the standard early, forcing Picklum to step up. With the match coming down to the final wave, Simmers delivered a backhand blitz to claim the win.

“All I can think of is really just how thankful I am, honestly,” Simmers said. “I’m thankful for surfing, for just being able to ride waves. It’s like the funnest thing ever, I really enjoy it.”

Picklum Runner-Up After Dominant Run Through the Draw

Molly Picklum (AUS) showcased impressive consistency and form, taking down rookies Erin Brooks (CAN) and Vahine Fierro (FRA) en route to the Final. Despite falling short in her battle with Simmers, the two-time CT event winner will head to Portugal ranked No. 2 in the world.

“Watching everyone rip this wave to pieces was really special,” Picklum said. “It’s so different to anything I’ve ever seen in my life. I was so happy to have my boyfriend here, enjoy the food, the karaoke, the people, the vibes.”

WSL Abu Dhabi Pro Finals Day Session Highlights

Ferreira Earns 10th CT Win, Reclaims Yellow Jersey

2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) delivered a dominant performance, securing his 10th CT victory and taking the WSL leader’s yellow jersey ahead of Portugal. Since turning his 2024 season around with a win at the Tahiti Pro, Ferreira has maintained his status as a major contender.

“Wow, I was super excited,” Ferreira said. “In a wave pool, it’s always super exciting when I have a chance to perform. You’re always going harder and bigger, and that’s what I did.”

Ferreira’s Finals Day dominance was evident as he took a decisive Quarterfinal win over Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)—a repeat of their Tokyo 2020 Olympics Gold Medal match—before outperforming Jack Robinson (AUS) in the Semifinals with a 17.37 heat total. His speed and vertical attack left Waida with no chance in the Final.

Rio Waida inches closer to first CT win

Rio Waida (INA) proved himself once again, making his second Final in three events. The 25-year-old Indonesian continues to push towards the CT’s Top 5, now sitting at World No. 6.

“Of course I was stoked that I made the Final, but at the same time, I was like, ‘Damn it, I lost.’ I wasn’t satisfied, so I’ll go back home and train harder for Portugal.”

Waida’s self-belief was clear from the start, and he confidently advanced through the draw, defeating Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Ethan Ewing (AUS) in his path to the Final.

Fierro and Robinson Shine in Semifinal Runs

Vahine Fierro (FRA) was the first woman to post an excellent score in the event, dropping an 8.00 in the Quarterfinals to take down Caroline Marks (USA). Fierro’s deep backhand barrel technique separated her from the pack, as she remains undefeated against the reigning World Champion in CT matchups.

On the men’s side, Jack Robinson (AUS) continued to rewrite his wave pool legacy. The 27-year-old—who had two previous last-place finishes in wave pool events—reached the Semifinals after a statement Quarterfinal win over Yago Dora (BRA).

The rivalry between Robinson and Dora has intensified, with their recent matchups often being high-stakes battles. Adding another layer to the drama, Dora’s father, Leandro, is Robinson’s coach, making this a deeply personal contest.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Final Results

• 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 16.10
• 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.70

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Final Results

• 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.27
• 2: Rio Waida (INA) 14.50

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Semifinal Results

• HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.77 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 10.53
• HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 15.14 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.53

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Semifinal Results

• HEAT 1: Rio Waida (INA) 15.93 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.70
• HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.37 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.03

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results

• HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 14.50 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 13.03
• HEAT 2: Vahine Fierro (FRA) 14.27 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 10.73
• HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 14.73 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 11.73
• HEAT 4: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.34 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 11.54

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Results

• HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.50 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.20
• HEAT 2: Rio Waida (INA) 14.90 DEF. Jackson Bunch (HAW) 11.67
• HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.80 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.30
• HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.83 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 13.20