Caroline Marks (USA) and Yago Dora (BRA) won the 2025 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero, Stop No. 3 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), in solid four-to-six-foot surf at Supertubos. It was a challenging day as the world’s best surfers had to contend with strong winds and an unforgiving rip in the lineup at Peniche, but Marks and Dora overcame a stacked field to claim victory, laying the groundwork for their 2025 World Title campaigns.

Caroline Marks Seals Second Pro Portugal Title

Caroline Marks (USA) claimed her seventh CT victory, her second in Portugal, in a tight Final against Gabriela Bryan (HAW). The 23-year-old from Florida is one of the most consistent women on Tour, and this is one of her best starts to the season since 2019. After a dream-like year in 2024, winning the Olympic Gold medal and finishing runner-up in the world to Caity Simmers (USA), Marks is riding this wave of momentum into the 2025 season.

Wave selection was key in the shifting lineup of Supertubos, even throwing off Marks, the 2019 event winner, and Bryan, a first-time Portugal finalist who had delivered standout performances throughout the event. The pair locked in two mid-range scores early in the Final before both surfers made mistakes, opting for waves that didn’t offer them open faces to improve their scores.

Marks and Bryan fought a challenging rip that kept them out of position, and a priority mistake in the final few minutes gave Marks the upper hand to play defense and protect her small lead. It was nerve-wracking as the time ran out, but Marks had done enough to secure her second win in Peniche.

“It wasn’t the prettiest Final, but we’ll take it,” Marks said. “It was really challenging, but winning feels so good, I’m so pumped. The last couple of years, it felt like I was building momentum in the second half of the season, so to start off with a win and just be really consistent to be in the Finals Day for every event so far has felt really good. It’s just been such a good environment around here, it feels really special to share this one with my dad. He doesn’t come to many events, so to have him here is really good.”

Marks will carry this momentum into the next stop, the Surf City El Salvador Pro, where she is the back-to-back defending champion. The 2024 Final in El Salvador was the last head-to-head matchup between Marks and Bryan, and also the most recent regular-season CT Final appearance for either surfer.

En route to the Final, Marks dispatched Molly Picklum (AUS) in their Semifinal clash. Picklum hunted for barrels, but she couldn’t find the exit on any of her attempts. Despite sitting with priority for the majority of the heat, the opportunities were few and far between. Marks relied on her backhand for one big maneuver, and it was enough to edge out Picklum who was left wanting.

Adapting to the changing conditions and surfing a completely new bank, it was a tight tussle between Erin Brooks (CAN) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) for a spot in the Final. It was an evenly matched heat as both surfers showed their power and commitment to the heavy sections. Brooks came close to matching Bryan’s performance, with just 0.20 separating their final heat totals, but was not able to overcome Bryan, who achieved her first Finals appearance in Portugal.

“It wasn’t the best Final, but it was really good to share it with Caroline [Marks],” Bryan said. “She’s just such a good human. Hopefully, we get to share a few more this year. I had an amazing time in Portugal, and we surfed all kinds of conditions so I’m stoked I made it to the Final.”

Yago Dora Earns Second Career CT Win, Bests World No. 1 Italo Ferreira

In his seventh year on Tour, Yago Dora (BRA) is finally coming into his own, and his performances are showing. He shifted into another gear when he earned his first CT win at the VIVO Rio Pro in 2023. Since then, Dora finished runner-up at El Salvador and the Rio in 2024, but the Brazilian has been working hard to earn his next win. Today, he accomplished that feat following a marathon day that saw him dispatch Italo Ferreira (BRA) in the Final, Ethan Ewing (AUS) in the Semifinals, Jack Robinson (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, and Imaikalani deVault (HAW) in the Round of 16.

“Last season, I had two Finals and it felt like I was the in-form surfer of the event, but I ended up falling short in the end,” Dora said. “I wasn’t going to let this one get away, I wanted to win this one so bad.”

In an all-Brazilian Final, current World No. 1 Ferreira and Yago Dora (BRA), two of the most consistent surfers in their aerial attack, were always going to deliver an air show with the conditions on offer at Supertubos. Dora and Ferreira went blow-for-blow, answering each other’s attempts with bigger, more critical replies. Ferreira had the highest single-wave score for a huge frontside air, but Dora added a touch of creativity to his backup ride that put him in front of Ferreira. The 2019 World Champion required a mid-range score to get back into the lead, but despite multiple opportunities, it wasn’t enough.

In a rematch from their Final at the VIVO Rio Pro last year, Dora settled the score to take the win in Peniche.

“It’s always so hard surfing against Italo [Ferreira],” Dora said. “He always seems to do what he needs to find the win, but I’m so glad that I could find a way to win today. I need to thank God, he got me all the way to the Final and to this victory. I could feel something special was going to happen here this week, and it did.”

Dora shot up 11 places on the rankings to World No. 4. The 28-year-old recently brought on a new coach, and this was his first win since the 2023 VIVO Rio Pro.

“Change is always risky, but it feels so good when it all comes together,” Dora continued. “Everyone will talk about it, whether you’re right or wrong, but I’m glad I’m still the same, and I’m still going to do what I love to do.”

In the first Semifinal, Dora dominated the heat with his aerial antics to advance into the Final over last year’s event runner-up, Ethan Ewing (AUS). Ewing went excellent in his Quarterfinal matchup with Filipe Toledo (BRA) with a 9.17 (out of a possible 10) earned on a picture-perfect backhand barrel, but fell short in his matchup with Dora.

Ferreria seemed like the one to beat during the entire event. In the Round of 16, Ferreira boosted a massive full rotation for a 9.17 to advance to the Quarterfinals, where he defeated Rio Waida (INA). His momentum continued in the Semifinals against Lexus Pipe Pro winner Barron Mamiya (HAW).

“It was a long week, and I was really confident, but I made a few mistakes in the Final,” Ferreira admitted. “It’s always a pleasure to compete against Yago [Dora], congratulations to him. I love this place, I have a lot of good memories. We still have a long season ahead, so let’s keep it going on to the next one.”

Italo Ferreira and Caity Simmers Retain Yellow Leader Jerseys

Caity Simmers (USA) will breathe a sigh of relief as she holds on to the Yellow Leader Jersey heading into the next stop in El Salvador. Molly Picklum (AUS) had a chance to overtake her on the rankings if she won in Peniche, but after the Australian failed to advance to the Final, Simmers remains World No. 1.

Ferreira’s excellent start to the season sees the 2019 World Champion increase his significant lead at the top. Meanwhile, Barron Mamiya (HAW) retained his place as World No. 2 after progressing to the Semifinals for only the second time outside of his home of Hawaii. The 25-year-old defeated Marco Mignot (FRA) in the Quarterfinals, Mignot’s highest CT finish yet, which saw the Rookie jump 13 places up the rankings to No. 18.

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Final Results:
1 – Caroline Marks (USA) 7.90
2 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 6.97

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero Men’s Final Results:
1 – Yago Dora (BRA) 13.37
2 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.43

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 8.53 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 7.50
HEAT 2: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 11.83 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 11.63

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 12.83 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 3.50
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 11.04 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 9.93

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 15.50 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 8.50
HEAT 2: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 8.96
HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 9.87 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 6.43
HEAT 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 10.34 DEF. Marco Mignot (FRA) 9.27

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) 11.93 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 6.00
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) 12.17 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 6.33
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.76 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 7.94
HEAT 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 9.43 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 8.47
HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.84 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 9.00
HEAT 6: Rio Waida (INA) 9.17 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 7.36
HEAT 7: Marco Mignot (FRA) 9.50 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 4.83
HEAT 8: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 12.84 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 11.23

For highlights from the 2025 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Longboard Divisions added to the 2025 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships at Watergate Bay, Newquay

Longboard Divisions have been added to the 2025 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships at Watergate Bay, Newquay.

The event, now set to take place over 17th–18th May at Watergate Bay, Newquay, will feature England’s finest surfing talent competing across a wideR range of divisions — including the exciting addition of Open Men’s and Women’s Longboard and U18 Boys and Girls Longboard alongside the previously scheduled U14 and U12 Shortboard divisions.
The event promises two days of action-packed longboarding and shortboarding! 

Registration opens soon!
Registration to compete at the Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships opens on Monday, 24th March at 7 PM via LIVEHEATS.

Contest information
The competition will now feature a broader range of divisions, providing more opportunities for surfers to compete for the 2025 English National Champion title. It will be a two-day, single-peak event with live scoring available throughout the contest.
With strong interest expected, Surfing England recommends early registration to secure a spot.
More details will follow as the countdown to the 2025 English National Championships at Watergate Bay begins.

Event Date: 17th – 18th May 2025 (Backup: 24th- 25th May)

Divisions:
• Shortboard:
• Under 14 Girls & Boys (max 14 years by 31st December 2025)
• Under 12 Girls & Boys (max 12 years by 31st December 2025)

• Longboard:
• Open Men’s and Women’s Longboard
• Under 18 Girls and Boys (max 18 years by 31st December 2025)
Age categories follow the ISA rulebook.

contact [email protected]
For any membership enquiries, please contact [email protected]

The second day of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal wrapped up this Sunday after the Elimination Rounds and the Women’s Round of 16, in a tricky Supertubos that still offered surfers the opportunity to land committed manoeuvres!

Here are the highlights from Team Rip Curl:

• Samuel Pupo and George Pittar found themselves in the same Elimination Round alongside Ramzi Boukhiam. Samuel won his heat and continues his journey: “It’s my first heat of the year so far, two events in and I just haven’t really found my rhythm yet, but I really like this place. I was in a super tricky heat, with really hard conditions and against two amazing surfers, so I knew it was gonna be a hard one, but I feel like conditions were in my favor. I really like to surf in this type of conditions at home, so I felt like I was ready for it. It’s no big deal yet, but it’s still a heat win. There’s still so much work to do, but that is definitely a confidence booster.” Unfortunately, George Pittar was eliminated.

• Molly Picklum, Tyler Wright, and Erin Brooks have all qualified for the quarter-finals!
• Molly Picklum took the win against Luana Silva: “I had a shaky start here, it was scary yesterday, so I think particularly today I was excited to lean on my surfing and trust the ocean a little more than what I did yesterday, and process what I’m bringing to this year—like sticking and committing to what I know and what I have, and just having fun with it.”
• Erin Brooks topped her heat against Lakey Peterson: “The heat was so much fun, there were so many lefts coming through, so that definitely stoked me out, and I was so thankful to the Lord for bringing me these waves because it was definitely easy to get lost out there, especially with the tide coming in. I was a little bit nervous going out there, especially against Lakey—I’ve looked up to her for so long—but I’m stoked to get the win and to be in Finals Day.”
• Tyler Wright, on her side, eliminated Sally Fitzgibbons and also advances to the quarter-finals.

Here are the detailed results of the day and the upcoming heats:

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 8.50 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 8.33, Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 5.30
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 9.80 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.60, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 8.56

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero Women’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 13.24 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 7.90
HEAT 2: Johanne Defay (FRA) 9.37 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 9.00
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) 11.03 DEF. Luana Silva (BRA) 8.87
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.67 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 6.54
HEAT 5: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.24 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 8.03
HEAT 6: Erin Brooks (CAN) 13.67 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.34
HEAT 7: Bella Kenworthy (USA) 11.33 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 8.37
HEAT 8: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.06 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.00

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero Men’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Deivid Silva (BRA) 12.43 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 9.73, Frederico Morais (POR) 8.07
HEAT 2: Marco Mignot (FRA) 9.40 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.50, Joao Chianca (BRA) 8.37
HEAT 3: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 11.63 DEF. Edgard Groggia (BRA) 11.27, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 6.80
HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 11.50 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 11.33, George Pittar (AUS) 11.06

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 2: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 4: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA)
HEAT 6: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA)
HEAT 7: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 8: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA)
HEAT 10: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
HEAT 12: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 13: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 14: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 15: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
HEAT 16: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA)