Cloudbreak, WSL Finals Location

Cloudbreak, WSL Finals Location

Today, the World Surf League (WSL) announces Cloudbreak, Fiji, as the location for the 2025 WSL Finals. The WSL Finals is the one-day, winner-take-all competition to determine the men’s and women’s World Champions at the end of the Championship Tour (CT) season.

The dates for the 2025 WSL Finals, as well as the full CT schedule, will be announced later this season after the Lexus WSL Finals in San Clemente, Calif.

Cloudbreak, located off the island of Tavarua in Fiji, is one of the most perfect and iconic waves in the world. It is a fast, left-hand barrel that breaks over a shallow reef and can hold waves from two to twenty feet. The powerful and consistent break will provide a dynamic challenge to the Final 5 surfers and will be an exciting wave of consequence to determine the 2025 World Champions at the end of the season.

The CT first hosted a competition at Cloudbreak in 1999, where Mark Occhilupo won and went on to win the World Title in the same year. It has been long considered a staple on the ‘dream tour,’ and the WSL is excited to welcome it back in 2024 and as a new Finals location in 2025.

The 2024 CT will host Cloudbreak as the last event of the regular season to determine the WSL Final 5, the top five-ranked men and women who will compete in the WSL Finals. This will be a thrilling preview of next year's World Title showdown. The 2024 Corona Fiji Pro Presented by Bonsoy will hold a competition window from August 20 - 29, 2024.

“Cloudbreak is truly one of the best waves in the world, and hosting the Finals at such an iconic break is going to be incredible,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO. “As our surfers continue to push the limits at every event, Cloudbreak will be the perfect place to showcase their progression and crown our World Champions next year.”

Fiji’s presence on the CT is also thanks to a three-year partnership with the Fijian Government, which will continue through 2026. Fiji's placement within the Tour schedule will be determined each season. The 2026 WSL Finals location will be announced next year.

"We are stoked that the World Surf League has chosen Cloudbreak, Fiji, as the venue for the 2025 WSL Finals,” said Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji. “Our waves and warm hospitality await surf enthusiasts from around the world. We look forward to showcasing Fiji as a world-class surfing destination. This event boosts our global visibility as well as uplifts communities and inspires our local surfers. Vinaka vakalevu, WSL, for recognising Fiji as the ultimate destination for this event."

Watch LIVE: Two Competitions Remaining Before the 2024 Lexus WSL Finals
There are only two regular-season competitions remaining on the 2024 WSL CT before the Lexus WSL Finals: the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona, which holds a competition window from June 22 - 30, 2024; and the Corona Fiji Pro Presented by Bonsoy, which holds a competition window from August 20 - 29, 2024.

The 2024 Lexus WSL Finals will be held at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, Calif. The one-day event will hold a competition window from September 6 -14, 2024.

All competitions will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners. For fans watching in the United States, coverage of the competition's Quarterfinals and beyond will continue co-exclusively on WorldSurfLeague.com and ESPN+.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

2024 Rip Curl GromSearch

2024 Rip Curl GromSearch

The 2024 Rip Curl GromSearch has successfully concluded at Great Western Beach in Newquay, showcasing an impressive display of young surfing talent. Great Western delivered perfect and optimal surf for our Under 16’s, Under 14’s and Under 12’s girls and boys shortboard divisions.

With 110 surfers securing places in the contest, a busy 15 hours of surfing was scheduled. The beach was packed with spectators and athletes throughout the weekend, creating a vibrant contest atmosphere. Recognised by Yann Martin from Rip Curl who commented on the “amazing community spirit”, something the NGB has been working hard to develop.

This year also saw a huge achievement for Surfing England, the governing body, and organising partner Rip Curl with nearly double entry numbers for girls’ divisions.

Outstanding Athleticism
Anyone witnessing the surfing action over the weekend will agree that our British athletes have developed their skills massively, displaying world-class levels of athleticism. This year's competition saw fierce rivalry and extraordinary performances across all categories. Notably, Lukas Skinner (above) secured a world class heat total score of 17.00, which earned him a 500 Euros prize from contest sponsor Oakley. This score was unbeatable, and he was undoubtably crowned the U16 boy’s champion.

Sunny Ingram of the U16 girls was pitted against a very talented first time UK competitor Magnolia Rossi (Italian Grom with British dual Nationality). Magnolia is the 3 times Italian championship winner, so this was bound to be a tough final. Sunny was able to find that perfect wave before the horn sounded, to win and be crowned the Under 16 Girl’s GromSearch Champion.

U14 Girl’s Lila Skinner is quickly following in her big brothers’ footsteps, showcasing talent that you wouldn’t expect from a competitor her age. She had a very close final with competitor Josie Hawke but emerged victorious.

Noah Cerne has continued his winning streak following the 2024 English Nationals U14 boy’s champion title, now taking the win for the 2024 Rip Curl Grom Search UK.

In the U12 divisions, Ellie Hickie has also continued her winning streak, this year earning both titles for the English National champion and the Rip Curl GromSearch champion. Her performance was consistently outstanding throughout the contest.

Harvey Waters in the U12 boys was on top form, throwing and landing some big aerial manoeuvres throughout the contest. The strength and power needed to pull off these moves is something you wouldn’t expect to see from a Grom in this age division. He has a very bright future in the world of surfing.

A big well done to every competitor involved in this contest. The respect being shown toward one another was inspiring.

Local Involvement Adding to that atmosphere was Skindog surfboards who brought the stoke with his huge collection of demo surfboards for all the Groms to try throughout the weekend. Skindog Surfboards are tried and tested by world champions and are crafted with a huge level of expertise. Thank you, Ben Skinner of Skindog Surfboards, for adding to the stoke on the beach. The beach volleyball tournament you organised was a huge success! The not-for-profit organisation – 2 Minute Foundation - got all the groms involved in beach clean games. This is such an important focus for us as the NGB for English Surfing, and we know that their involvement across the weekend was a great education in environmental awareness for the younger generation.

Looking Ahead
The winners of each division from our UK stop, will go head-to-head with other European winners for the European final. Our winning competitors will go against the winning Groms from Spain, Portugal, France, and some Wildcards.

Last year our very own Lukas Skinner went on to win the European stop, progressing him to the world final. He won the world final at Bells Beach in Australia, making him the Rip Curl GromSearch World Champion. Can he win the title 2 years in a row?
This year the European final will be held at Anglet beach in Biarritz, France on the 13th – 14th September.

Our Support and Gratitude for all involved - A Heartfelt Thank You

The success of the Rip Curl GromSearch is a testament to the dedication and passion of all participants and sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rip Curl for their unwavering support and sponsorship, enabling us to deliver a memorable contest for them.

FULL RESULTS
U12 Girls:
1. Ellie Hickie
2. Betsie Reay
3. Martha Edwards
4. Mila Barber
U12 Boys:
1. Harvey Waters
2. Bobby Wilkinson
3. Kai Cruickshank
4. Teijo Boletta
U14 Girls:
1. Lila Skinner
2. Josie Hawke
3. Isabella O’Reilly
4. Callie Cruickshank
U14 Boys:
1. Noah Cerne
2. Jess Heddercott
3. Jack Strutt
4. Harley Miller
U16 Girls:
1. Sunny Ingram
2. Magnolia Rossi
3. Kaja Millward
4. Willow Smith
U16 Boys:
1. Lukas Skinner
2. Jago Tasker
3. Isaac Friend
4. Ruan Mckune

Room for two?

Room for two?

It's fair to say that all waves need some form of regulation, respect the locals, abide by the rules, play nicely. But where do we stand on multiple drop-ins, and that alleged board flick at 0:50. As someone whose narrowly missed taking a board to the face, that thankfully puncured my board and not my skull (no I didn't burn someone), things can turn nasty very quickly. In the words of the Black Eyed Peas, "Where Is The Love?" Welcome to Bali, land of incredible waves and incredibly crowded surf.

Good Morning // Victor Bernardo.

Good Morning // Victor Bernardo.

Born and raised in Guarujá, a coastal city famous for its surfing culture in Brazil. Bernardo's dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of style have made him a role model for aspiring surfers in Brazil and beyond. Having since made the jump to California where he resides with his wife and two cats, Victor is living the dream as a free surfer under the gaze of Album, he's come along way from his childhood in Brazil.

Do your own thing and make sure you’re original. Do it with full passion and do it for you. Just be yourself and believe. I feel like it worked for me, and it can work for someone else - Victor Bernardo

Monster HTs

Monster HTs

Lance's Right / HT's, famous for flawless right-hand barrels, offering a thrilling and challenging ride for experienced surfers, or a proper beating. Sit back and enjoy one of the finest at work, sit back and watch Nate Florence threading some insane kegs, text book stuff.

The Southern Journal: Camino Abierto

The Southern Journal: Camino Abierto

In episode one, the crew travels 1,200 kilometers down the coast of Chile, surfing when they could and sleeping when darkness fell. With them they each took a board and a duffle, following the open road.

Surfers: Nicolas Undurraga & Chippi
Film Crew: Carlos Musalem, Pablo Jimenez, Xabier Azcarate Del Valle
Produced by: Bagual Films