WSL Fiji Pro final lifeline for surfers before WSL Finals
The top surfers from around the world have gathered in Fiji for the WSL Fiji Pro which is the final stop of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) before the WSL Finals in September.
The beautiful setting of Cloudbreak provides a backdrop for a competition where everything is on the line.
As we approach the end of the 2024 season, the Corona Fiji Pro offers surfers their last chance to secure a spot among the Final Five and vie for the World Title at the Lexus WSL Finals in Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California, next month.
Following their success at the Olympics in Tahiti, many CT athletes are now focused on claiming victory at the 2024 WSL World Championship.
The $4.50 leading bookmaker favourite is Caroline Marks from USA, who is both the reigning World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, is looking to maintain her winning streak with hopes of securing another title.
“I’m feeling really good; this has definitely been the best month of my life,” Marks said. “I’ve been enjoying it all, and now I’m in Fiji, so life’s good.
To represent my country and bring home gold is like a dream – it’s crazy to say that out loud.
It’s something I never thought would happen in my wildest dreams and now it’s a dream that’s come true.
I just feel super proud and really honoured.
The shift of focus from the Olympics to the CT is completely the same for me.
I have the same mindset, and the waves are similar, so if anything I just want to carry my momentum and the confidence I have from winning gold.
I’m so excited to compete at Cloudbreak, it’s the coolest place in the world.
It’s definitely one of the best waves in the world.”
In the men’s competition, Australian standout Jack Robinson, who won a silver medal at the Olympics, has his sights set on capturing his first world title with Neds bookmaker offering $6.50.
“This is what we train and compete for every day,” Robinson said.
“The Olympics is amazing, but it comes around every four years.
The World Championship is what we do all of this for, and that’s all I’m focussed on now.
We still have two more events to go, and I want them both. It’s sick to be here in Fiji.
It’s only my second time but it feels like home, like a place I’m comfortable.
It suits my surfing, and I grew up watching clips all the time, so it’s incredible to finally be here competing.”
Additionally, fans can expect to see two rising stars in women’s surfing shine brightly at the Corona Fiji Pro.
Wildcards Sierra Kerr, from Australia, and Erin Brooks, from Canada, have been gaining attention with their confident surfing style, combining impressive aerial moves with technical skills in riding the waves.
On the mens side of the competition, Tevita Gukilau, the winner of the Fiji Trials, is excited to compete against established surfers like two-time World Champion John John Florence from Hawaii and Kanoa Igarashi from Japan.
Another wildcard entry is Kelly Slater, an 11-time World Champion from the United States aiming for his fifth victory at Cloudbreak.
The official announcement for the start of the competition will be made on Tuesday, August 20th, at 8:00am local time, with a potential 8:30am kick off.
