Western Australia Margaret River Pro

Western Australia Margaret River Pro

Today, George Pittar (AUS) and Lakey Peterson (USA) won the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Stop No. 2 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), in front of a huge Sunday crowd at Main Break. For Peterson, it was her second victory at this location, while it was Pittar’s maiden win at the elite level. After a long week of stormy, onshore conditions, the Finals were contested on the last day of the 11-day window under clear blue skies on a perfect, clean, three-to-four foot waves at Margaret River’s Main Break. 

This year’s Western Australia Margaret River Pro plays as the second event in the 2026 GWM Aussie Treble, which celebrates the best men's and women's performers across the three major events in Australia. With a runner-up finish today, Gabriel Medina (BRA) has moved into top spot on the rankings, joining Gabriela Bryan (HAW) on the women’s side. To claim the prize of a GWM Tank 300 at the end of the Gold Coast event, the pair will need another major result, with Bryan sitting on equal points as Lakey Peterson (USA), and less than 1,000 points separating Medina in first from Pittar and Miguel Pupo (BRA) in second and third, respectively.

Pittar Completes Stunning Giant-Slaying Run to Claim First CT Victory



The giant-slaying run of George Pittar (AUS) that began in his very first heat of the event continued all the way through to an inaugural CT victory for the 23-year-old from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Opening with a win over two-time World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA), Pittar took down every single men’s World Champion currently on Tour on his road to victory, including reigning World Champion Yago Dora (BRA) and 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA), before his major victory over three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the Final. Largely growing up in the island nation of Vanuatu, Pittar came from relative obscurity to qualify for the Challenger Series in his first major attempt, before quickly qualifying for the CT. Pittar put the Tour on notice with a Semifinal berth as a wildcard in Margaret River in 2024, before falling victim to the Mid-season Cut at the same location in his Rookie season in 2025. Now returning as an early front-runner in the rankings at World No. 2 following his first event win outside of junior competition, Pittar has placed himself firmly in the limelight.


"I played ['Walking on a Dream'] the other morning. That's what it's felt like this week, honestly," Pittar said. "I can't even believe it. Those matchups I had, this comp, every one of them just felt like there was no way. And then they gifted me waves every time I was having a heat. I had three in a row where I got a wave in the last minute. It's just crazy. Last year, I got cut here. Just before that Final, I went and sat where I sat last year when I fell off Tour, and I was like, wow, it's kind of crazy how different the feelings are right now. And then to go out in the final against [Gabriel] Medina, who's someone I've looked up to since I was a kid and such a crazy competitor, he's just a giant in my book. To have him in the Final and then to get a couple and win it, I don't have too many words. But just doing it in front of everyone here, I feel like everyone in W.A. has been so great to me ever since I started coming here and it's such a special place."


Pittar stayed patient to open the Final, with Medina posting two small scores before the Australian opened his account. The approach paid off, with Pittar holding the higher number of 6.17. A priority error from Medina was ultimately the turning point, as Pittar capitalized on the switch by immediately posting the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.00 (out of a possible 10). Across his career so far, Pittar has proved to be in the upper echelon rail surfing in the world, a fact he made clear with a series of four sharp turns held as high and tight as possible in the wave. A stunned Medina continued attacking, but was unable to crack into the excellent range requirement that Pittar had placed on him.



"I'm shaking right now, man, that was a full dream coming up there," Pittar continued. "I can't believe I'm holding this flag right now. I had to [have the faith that I could win]. I can't think I'm just another number making up the rankings anymore. I want to be on here. I want to be a competitor. I want to be at the top. To hold this flag on a special weekend for everyone, like the Anzacs. Coming down here, listening to the trumpets yesterday morning, it was shivers. I was looking at those semis yesterday, and it was just all Brazilians and me, and I was like, gotta do it. It's so hard to win one of these comps. I can't believe I just did it."

Peterson Claims Seventh CT Victory With Second Margaret River Win



Lakey Peterson (USA) claimed her seventh CT event win at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, adding a second victory at the venue to her 2019 win. One of the longest-standing CT members, Peterson defeated a trio of three younger goofy-footers, Erin Brooks (CAN), Caroline Marks (USA) and Sawyer Lindblad (USA), on her road to the Final. Today’s win marked the 31-year-old’s first repeat success at a venue after topping the podium at a wide variety of locations across her 13 seasons on Tour. Admittedly being scared of the lineup at Main Break in the early part of her career, Peterson has come to love the event as one of her top-performing Tour stops.


"I can't believe it, really. It just kind of happened this week, it all fell into place. When the ocean's working with you, it's a nice thing," Peterson said. "I work really hard, we all do, it's just nice when it pays off. I've been doing this a really long time, and it's cool to prove to myself, like, I can still do this. I can still win these events. There's a lot of chitter chatter about all the young girls, and they're amazing, and they push me so much, but I'm still here. I love it here. It's beautiful, it's gorgeous. The people are amazing. They show up every single time. To win twice out here is a dream. If you would have told me that when I was 10-years-old, there's no way I would have believed you. Any young girls or boys out there that have dreams, don't ever give up on them because things happen in life that you don't expect if you keep working hard."



Peterson utilised her years of experience competing at Main Break to select prime opportunities to strike. After defeating Lindblad, the 2024 event runner-up, in the Semifinals by attacking the right with her unique blend of power and flow, Peterson opened the Final on a left. With only a small score locking in, Peterson returned to her forte, building her scoreline with each wave surfed. In the meantime, Luana Silva (BRA) posted similar but smaller scores than the Californian. Close to the five-minute mark, Silva unleashed on the biggest wave of the Final to earn its highest number, a 6.83, and claim the lead. Needing a 6.01, Peterson soon replied with an aggressive two-turn combo, with the number arriving as a 6.40 to deliver the event win.



"It was hard out there. It's beautiful and there's good ones, but it's hard to find anything with a good wall," Peterson continued. "That's why you do it, though. Those are the moments. I knew she was going to get the score and I knew I was going to have under five minutes to get, to try again. All the glory to God, that was amazing, sent me the right wave at the right time. Huge shout out to Luana [Silva]. We train together all the time and she's made three Finals in the last year. I just told her that her win's coming. She's surfing so solid and she's such a cool person. I'm psyched though, that was so, so sick."

Medina Reclaims No. 1 Ranking With Yellow Jersey in Powerful Return to Tour



The return of Gabriel Medina (BRA) to the CT following a year away due to injury has seen the kick-off to his 13th season as one of his strongest yet. Prior to competition starting in 2026, the 32-year-old announced a number change on his jersey from 10 to 1, making his intentions clear. Following his 33rd CT Final, and for the first time since his last World Title victory in 2021, Medina is No. 1 in the world. The three-time World Champion will once again wear the Yellow Leaders Jersey when the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM begins on May 1.



"I just want to thank God for the opportunity; it's been amazing," Medina said. "I've been enjoying my ride. Last year was a tough one to stay away from surf competitions, and I'm finally back. I feel good to put a jersey and go out there and do my best. It's been so good here. I've been going to the wineries, been surfing around, just enjoying, having a good time. I was a little scared before Bells because I didn't know what I was going to do. I was so worried, but now I feel good. I'm happy with the Yellow Jersey. It's been a long time, I miss it. It was with one of my best friends, Miguel [Pupo], just before, so I'll take it, thanks, Mig. It's just a jersey, I feel like I have to work more. The year is just beginning, so let's do it."

Silva Continues Rapid Rise With Runner-Up Finish at Margaret River



Luana Silva (BRA) furthered her best start to a season yet with the third CT runner-up finish of her career. The 21-year-old has bettered her rankings across each of her three prior years on Tour, placing in the Top 10 for the first time in 2025. Since making her first CT Finals Day with a Quarterfinal finish at Sunset Beach in her Rookie season, Silva has continued to refine her powerful approach in heavy waves to now be considered amongst the best on Tour. The Brazilian has defeated all three of Australia’s World Champions currently on Tour across the two events so far in the 2026 season, proving herself to be a contender in this year’s World Title race.



"It's been an incredible start to the year," Silva said. "I couldn't thank Leandro [Dora] and Penguin [Henrique Pinguim], that I have by my side this year, enough. I wanted to go one more so bad, but if it wasn't me, it had to be Lakey [Peterson]. She shares Leandro with me. We work together, she's my sparring partner. It's a full circle moment. I used to watch Lakey's movie, 'Zero to 100' on Netflix, and Nike 'Leave a Message'. Her and Carissa [Moore]'s parts were my favorite in the movie. I'm really happy for her. I'm really stoked with my performance, and I'm really excited for this next year."

Western Australia Margaret River Pro Men’s Final Results


1. George Pittar (AUS) 15.17


2. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.46



Western Australia Margaret River Pro Women’s Final Results


1. Lakey Peterson (USA) 12.23


2. Luana Silva (BRA) 11.83



Western Australia Margaret River Pro Men’s Semifinal Results


HEAT 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.77 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 13.34


HEAT 2: George Pittar (AUS) 13.16 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.16



Western Australia Margaret River Pro Women’s Semifinal Results


HEAT 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 12.50 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 9.50


HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 14.27 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.66

Regional Reporters

Regional Reporters

As part of Carve Collective, we’re introducing our Regional Reporters.

A handpicked group of core surfers embedded in their local scenes, bringing insight from the ground up. Expect regular dispatches from Scotland, the East Coast, Ireland, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the South West.

Every six weeks, each reporter will share what’s happening in their zone—conditions, culture, and the people shaping it.

Ollie O’Flaherty - Ireland
"I'm Ollie O’Flaherty from Lahinch Co Clare. My heart is in the heavy stuff, slabs and big waves have been my drive for many years. Now I focus a lot of my attention on the up and coming groms here in Ireland through my coaching academy and as a coach with the Irish Team. I also work as an Environmental Educator a few days a week which is also a big passion of mine.”
Mattew Hayes  - SW England
"Based in Cornwall, I'm Matthew Hayes, I live and breathe surf. A self-confessed surf nerd and board geek, I’ve spent years working within the industry, developing a deep appreciation for every aspect of surf. Full on lover of clean 3-4ft right handers, going left is always second choice! You'll find me riding all styles of alternative boards—from asyms and twin fins to quads and beyond. I’m also the founder and host of The Insiders Podcast, where I dive into all things surf, sharing conversations with surfers, shapers, industry legends and more!”
Sandy Kerr - East Coast England

"I grew up surfing in Tynemouth, just outside Newcastle. I am a Finisterre ambassador, firefighter, and trustee/volunteer for City Kids Surfing. Growing up in a land of tubing left-handers fuelled a fire in me to go out and seek heavier waves further afield. I’ve spent winters in Hawaii, Indonesia, ireland and across Europe.Now, my focus is on the colder shores—chasing good swells across the UK and never missing a swell at my favourite breaks up and down the East Coast.”

Jake Powell - Channel Islands
"Local island boy who runs a surf brand, surf school and throws a few parties. Getting beat by all the kids I once coached and getting burnt by all the old dogs I once respected."
Phoebe Strachan - Scotland
"Hey, I’m Phoebe — a Patagonia ambassador and six-time Scottish national surf champion. I live in a small village just outside Thurso, where I also work as a joiner. When I’m not surfing or building houses, you’ll usually find me coaching the next generation of Scottish groms. Scotland can be a harsh place to live, with howling winds and relentless rain, but the waves make it all worthwhile — and the tight-knit community we have here is something special. I love chasing heavy, hollow waves along the north coast; that’s where I feel most at home. I recently became an SAS ambassador, which has deepened my passion for protecting the places we depend on. Activism is a big part of who I am — standing up for our oceans and coastlines, and helping ensure they’re there for future generations.”
Callum Thomas - Wales
"I’m Callum Thomas from Gower, Wales. 
I’m a steelworker, working 4 on 4 off shifts and have a 18month old son. Alongside work and dad duties, I’ve been lucky enough to not miss out on scoring swells and am always on the hunt across Wales, chasing the 3 ft dream and tagging along with some of the country’s best surfers. I look forward to keeping you all up to date with the latest gossip over the foreseeable."

We’re looking forward to sharing the first round of reports and giving each region a proper platform.

If you’ve got a story from your area—whether it’s a swell run, a community project, or something worth putting on the map—reach out to your local reporter or drop us a message.

The Rip Curl Nations Trophy

The Rip Curl Nations Trophy

The Rip Curl Nations Trophy presented by Citroën enters its second edition - and the date couldn’t be more fitting: on May 9, 2026, Europe Day, eight nations will compete against each other at O2 SURFTOWN MUC. Athletes will surf in a 180-metre-long wave pool on Europe’s longest artificial wave – generated by pneumatic endless surf technology, build for the first time worldwide in Germany.
 
Following its world premiere in July 2025, which attracted around 3,000 spectators and gained international attention, the unique team surf competition returns. Among the confirmed athletes are: Tom Curren, three-time world champion and WSL Hall of Famer, and many more. Competing for the German team are: Leon Glatzer, Janina Zeitler, Dylan Groen and Camilla Kemp.
 
The format: four surfers per nation - two women and two men - compete in direct head-to-head battles across changing wave modes. One wave, one chance. The top four teams from the opening round qualify for the final. Free entry, limited capacity. Competition starts at 3:00 PM. The event is accompanied by a full program including live DJs, a surfskate ramp, food trucks, and an afterparty.

Check out some of the action from last years event above.

Following the riders meeting, a press conference will take place (approx. 20-40 minutes), including welcome remarks and the opportunity for interviews with national teams. Accreditation is available upon request at [email protected].
 
“Surfing has always been an individual sport. This is something different. You surf for your team, for your country. That dynamic changes something. I’m very excited for this years edition.”
– Leon Glatzer, German Olympic-Surfer
 
“Rip Curl is at home in surfing worldwide – from the best breaks on the planet to Munich. In its second edition, the Nations Trophy has already developed an energy that resonates far beyond Europe. That’s exactly what we aimed to create together with O2 SURFTOWN MUC. We’re excited for this year’s edition.”
– Jean-Sébastien Estienne, Head of Marketing Rip Curl
 
“Hosting this event in Germany, on a wave that is truly one of a kind, makes us proud. And this is only the beginning.”
– Chris Boehm-Tettelbach, CEO & Founder O2 SURFTOWN MUC

 

2026 Para Surfing Roadshow

2026 Para Surfing Roadshow

Ever wanted to try surfing? 
 
Now is your chance, the Surfing England Para Surfing Roadshow is back for 2026.  

After welcoming 70 new surfers with disabilities to our sport last year we are back for 2026 with continued support from Saltrock. Come along to a surfing taster day where you will join a session led by current Team England coaches and world championship medal winning athletes.  We are so stoked to launch the Para Surfing Roadshow and to have Saltrock onboard for a third year as our headline supporter.
“Saltrock is incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Surfing England and to be the headline sponsor of the 2026 Para Surfing Roadshow. This collaboration aligns so strongly with our values of being authentic and community‑minded.  It’s about real people, real experiences, and creating space for everyone to feel welcome in the water. Our attitude has always been about inspiring people to get outside, try new things, and embrace adventure, and the Para Surfing Roadshow brings that spirit to life in the most meaningful way. We’re excited for another year supporting adaptive surfers, and helping this amazing community continue to grow.”
Marketing Manager for Saltrock, Sarah Loder. 

A cost of £10 will secure your place and all money will go to the newly opening para surf clubs across England which you will be invited to join post roadshow.

No previous experience required and all equipment (including wetsuits) will be provided.

More details below and please fill in the sign up form if you want to join us on any of the sessions. Please contact Surfing England directly for further information, do not contact any surf centres directly.

SIGN UP HERE
Timings: 
 
We will be at the beach all day, so you are welcome to come along from about 9am. We will run up to 3 sessions throughout the day depending on numbers. 
 
Sessions will run at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Please arrive 1 hour before your session for an introduction and so that you can get kitted up in your wetsuit. Sessions will be 90 minutes long, which will include around 60 minutes in the water.  
 
You can specify on the sign up form which time would work best for you. In advance you will be allocated a session before the day so you can plan accordingly. You can arrive early and stay to watch other sessions if you want to make the most of the whole day, but the volunteers and coaches will only be available to assist you during your allocated session. 
 
Beach facilities: 
 
All locations will have parking, toilets and changing areas available for you. These vary by location. We will send more details, including a specific meeting point nearer the time so that you can plan your day accordingly. 
 
Beaches can be quite difficult to navigate particularly if you have a mobility device such as a wheelchair. We will do our best to make the day as accessible as possible and will provide beach wheelchairs to give access onto the beach and into the water. 
 
If you need assistance with any personal care needs such as getting changed into a wetsuit, please bring someone with you. 
 
Equipment: 
 
You do not need any specific equipment for the day, but please make sure to have swimwear to wear under a wetsuit. If you have your own wetsuit, feel free to bring that to wear. 
 
We will provide boards, buoyancy aids/life jackets (as needed), helmets (as needed), rash vests, beach wheelchairs and surfboards. 
 
What to bring: 
 
Please make sure to bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes for when you finish your session. Please also remember to bring water and snacks to keep you fuelled throughout the day. It is likely you will be quite tired after you finish your session. 
 
If it’s a sunny day, remember to bring suncream and a hat. Ideally make sure you have waterproof suncream for your face during the session. 
 
DON’T FORGET TO BRING ANY MEDICATION THAT YOU REQUIRE OR MAY NEED THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 
 
Classifications: 
 
The ISA currently has 9 different classifications for para surfing. The description of each classification is below. Please specify on the sign up form which classification you think you fit in to. This will give us a better idea of the needs of participants for the day. If you decide to progress to competing in para surfing in the future, you would need to get officially classified by the ISA. If this is something you would be interested in, we can give you more information during the taster day.  
 
SIGN UP HERE
Alys Barton: The Next Step Up

Alys Barton: The Next Step Up

Alys Barton, a 22-year-old surfer from Swansea, has become the first Brit to qualify for the Challenger Series.

Words: Callum Thomas & Alys Barton Photos: @1the_gill1/

The next step up from the regional QS (Qualifying Series) before the World Tour (the Dream Tour).

Over the past few years, Alys has been making great progress. Her surfing has a fast, explosive approach, and she has consistently been making finals and climbing the QS rankings.

Alys, along with other UK talents, has been chipping away on the QS for the past few years, travelling together and trying to keep costs down — as it all quickly adds up.

Patrick Langdon-Dark, a Welsh surfer and the only Brit to compete in two Challenger Series events in 2022 as an alternate, has been a sparring partner for Alys over the past few years, alongside her brother Elliot.

The first Brit to qualify for the Challenger Series — WOW. How does that feel?
It feels absolutely incredible. I still can’t quite believe I’m the first British surfer to qualify for the Challenger Series. It’s been such an exciting couple of weeks, and now that it’s starting to sink in, I’m shifting my focus to the reality of what comes next — organising the logistics, finding the funding to make it possible, and training hard over the next two months to be ready.
It’s a huge milestone, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward.
Going into that last event in Morocco in 12th place — was qualifying on your mind?
Of course it crossed my mind. I knew I would need a huge result, and I wasn’t even sure mathematically if a win would be enough. But I made a conscious decision to focus purely on surfing my best and taking it heat by heat.
My goal was simple: win heats and stay present.
I ended up finishing second, which I was really proud of. It was only after the presentation that I found out I had officially qualified for the Challenger Series. That moment was incredibly special — a mixture of shock, relief, and excitement all at once.
Who have you been travelling with on the regional QS, and how has it been financially?
I’ve been travelling with my family to all of the QS events, which, as you can imagine, comes with a huge financial commitment. My brother competes as well, so having two of us on the QS has made it even more challenging.
Surfing at this level is expensive, and unlike some other sports, the prize money is relatively small. Even if you win an event, you rarely come away with any real profit once travel and accommodation are covered. That financial pressure definitely adds stress.
Over the past year, with limited sponsorship support, it’s been especially tough. I wouldn’t have been able to continue without the support of my parents. They’ve sacrificed a lot to help me chase this goal, and I’m incredibly grateful.
What location and wave are you most looking forward to surfing?
I’m really excited to compete at Huntington Beach, California. I’ve been there a couple of times before, and it’s such an iconic venue. It’s famous for the classic “Huntington Hop,” and it’s a wave that really rewards sharp, technical surfing.
What makes it even more special is the atmosphere — the beach gets packed, the crowd is right there on top of you, and you really feel the energy while you’re competing. It can be a challenging wave, but it can also be super fun when it’s on.
That said, I’m genuinely excited for the entire tour. There are a few new locations I haven’t been to before, and I can’t wait to experience different waves, cultures, and conditions along the way.

No major sponsor — have any brands come in since qualifying? Has British surfing been able to financially contribute for you?

At the moment, I don’t have a major sponsor. There’s a lot of empty space on my board that I’d love to fill. I’m very grateful to the sponsors who have supported me with product and backing over the years, but stepping up to the Challenger Series requires a different level of financial support. Right now, securing a major sponsor is essential if I’m going to compete on the Challenger Series.

 

As for GB, there isn’t any official funding allocated specifically for the Challenger Series. However, they have offered to help try to source financial support, which I really appreciate. It’s not guaranteed funding, but it’s positive that they’re willing to explore options.

Who has inspired you the most in your surfing career?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one person. My biggest inspirations have definitely been my family — especially my brother Elliot and Pat — as well as my mum and dad for always pushing me to keep improving and supporting me through everything.
I’ve also had great support from mentors like Pat, who have helped guide me along the way. And honestly, anyone who’s given me feedback — positive or negative — has played a role in my journey. Constructive criticism is what helps you grow, and I’ve always tried to use that as motivation to keep moving forward and becoming the best surfer I can be.

Langland Boardriders hosted a fundraiser on April 18th. How important has LBR been to you? And do you think you’ll inspire the next Alys Barton?

Langland Boardriders has been huge for me. I honestly can’t thank them enough for the support they’ve given me over the years — both when I’m at home and when I’m away competing. It’s always such a great crew to come back to, and Langland itself is such a special place. There’s always a good atmosphere and a lot of laughs.

 

I’m incredibly grateful they’re hosting a fundraiser. Clubs like LBR are so important, especially at a local level. They give young, up-and-coming surfers the opportunity to compete, experience a contest environment, and learn from others — all in a fun and supportive setting. Because the events are enjoyable and community-driven, it takes away some of the pressure and helps kids stick with the sport for the right reasons.

 

Langland has produced some of Britain’s best surfers over the years, and I’m proud to be one of them. I hope I can inspire the next generation coming through, and I’m excited to see many more talented surfers continue that tradition for years to come.

 

Langland Boardriders hosted a fundraiser party at the Doghouse in Mumbles on Saturday, 18th April, to help raise funds for Alys before she takes the next step up to the Challenger Series in just a few months’ time. There’s also a GoFundMe link below if you’re able to support Alys in any way.

Click Here
Western Australia Margaret River Pro

Western Australia Margaret River Pro

The action recommenced today at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Stop No. 2 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Blustery, onshore conditions greeted the world’s best for the second day of competition, with the completion of women’s Round Two and men’s Round Three seeing the Quarterfinalists decided in bumpy four-to-six foot surf at Main Break.

With a strong weather front expected to lash the South West of WA over the coming days, the event will be put on standby for the next two days, Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21, with the next call to resume competition coming before the morning of Wednesday, April 22.

Picklum Leads the Way as World Champions Advance to Quarterfinals

The four women’s World Champions left in the draw set the standard for Round Two, with Molly Picklum (AUS), Caroline Marks (USA), Caitlin Simmers (USA) and Carissa Moore (HAW) all claiming heat wins.

The reigning World Champion, Picklum’s, combined two-wave total of 15.50 (out of a possible 10) was the highest of the event for the women, and included the first excellent score for the division, an 8.50 (out of a possible 10). Having not matched up against Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) head-to-head on the CT prior to 2026, Picklum defeated the Australian veteran in the same round for the second event in a row. Picklum opened strong with a 7.00, earned largely from a driving carve on the right, before looking to the left. The 23-year-old delivered a powerful two-turn combo from her backhand vertical attack against big sections to leave Fitzgibbons in a combination situation for much of the heat.

"Out there, it's a bit of a victory at sea, and then you get a section, and you commit to it," Picklum said. "I just got asked about my claim. You let it all out because it feels the best, and you're smacking lips and putting everything in there, each section and each moment, it's like the magical moments. A lot of things are clicking in at the moment, and some of them are uncontrollable. So when those things are happening for you, you're just loving it and taking the ride. I'm just rolling with it. I'll take it for sure. Let's see if it keeps going my way."

The first surfer of the day to open up the scale was Caroline Marks (USA), who was able to find clean sections on the right to drive into from her deep bottom turns. An early 5.77 met an additional 6.50 after the 2023 World Champion delivered the single most critical turn of the heat to earn its high point and eliminate CT Rookie Francisca Veselko (POR). Marks was happy to earn her first heat win of the season and move into the Quarterfinals.

"I feel like Bells, I didn't even surf. I feel like I finally got some opportunities to open up [today] and so I was really stoked on that," Marks said. "It's super tricky out there. It's not really defined, Margaret's; it's kind of all over the place, and you also get washed in a lot, so a lot of cat-and-mouse. I'm stoked I found a few. I was trying not to overthink it and just ride a bunch of waves. I'm glad it worked out. I've been having some great free-surfs, so hopefully the next heat I can just keep opening up more."

Moore and Simmers Set for Blockbuster Quarterfinal

Carissa Moore (HAW) and Caitlin Simmers (USA) will meet in the Quarterfinals after the pair won their respective heats. The five-time World Champion and 2024 World Champion will go head-to-head for just the second time in their careers, with Moore yet to defeat Simmers. The defending Western Australia Margaret River Pro runner-up, Simmers, posted a pair of rides in the 5-point range thanks to smooth surfing punctuated by perfectly-timed laybacks in the lumpy swell to defeat Vahine Fierro (FRA).

"I just want to surf," Simmers said. "I feel like the last event, I didn't really get to surf that much. So this event, I was like, there are so many waves out there, and it's not really defined as good ones. You kind of just have to go and hope it has an end section to get a 5. That's what you try to do, just do as well as you can with what you’ve got. That goes beyond surfing or waves or anything, but I think just for today, I'm glad to do a couple of laybacks. I wish I could get above a five. I still haven't got above a five this year, so I'm kind of pissed about that. But next heat, next heat."

Carissa Moore (HAW) had the trickiest road to victory, taking out a low-scoring heat against fellow former event winner Isabella Nichols (AUS). A rematch of their exciting battle in the same round at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which Nichols won, today proved to be the opposite. The Hawaiian scraped through ahead of the Australian, with a last-second score from Nichols coming in just under the required number.

"I don't think Bella [Isabella Nichols] or I would like to put on performances like that too often," Moore said. "I'm luckily on the other side of the whole thing, and I made it through, but I was this close to walking up the beach and not smiling. So I'm just grateful it worked out, and Margaret River was on my side today. I'm just really enjoying this place. It's one of my favourite places in the whole world. I'm a huge fan of Caity [Simmers'] surfing and her as a person. Getting to sit back and watch as a fan the last two years has been really cool. She's a world champ, and she's someone who is really inspiring me and pushing me. I feel super honoured and fortunate to get to put a jersey on with her again."

Crosby Evens the Score Against Griffin as Colapinto Brothers Meet Again

The Colapinto Brothers (USA) met head-to-head on the CT for the second time in their careers in Heat 3 of Round Three. This time, the younger brother, Crosby, evened the score against his older brother, Griffin, who claimed victory in their first matchup at Bells Beach in 2024. A quick start for both surfers saw Griffin get the better of the first exchange, thanks to a bigger wave featuring more critical turns, earning a 7.83 to a 6.00 from Crosby. Maintaining the lead for the majority of the heat, Griffin stayed busy, catching double the amount of waves as Crosby, but Crosby’s patience paid off. The final exchange saw Crosby drive hard through a vicious end section hit to earn a 7.17 and steal the win by just 0.24.

"It's such a crazy one because I believe I'm standing here right now today and on this Tour and competing here, with all my mindset and things, all that because of Griffin [Colapinto]." Crosby Colapinto said. "He's my older brother, he's my biggest role model, he's my biggest fan, every time, he's always my biggest supporter, always there for me. Even at Bells, he was the first person I came to on the stairs, and we broke it down. Going into that heat was such a funny feeling because today we were going like, well, someone loses today, when we both want to go on and meet up in the Finals. But that's just what it is and what it came down to. He got me in Bells, I got him here, so now it's 1-1."

Medina Rains on Robinson’s Parade at Main Break

A battle between two former winners went the way of three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA), who moved into his second Finals Day in a row after his defeat of Jack Robinson (AUS). Competing in their first head-to-head heat on Robinson’s home turf, Medina, the 2023 event winner, was able to find more critical backhand hits in the shifting lineup and take the lead in a locked head-to-head history after six previous matchups. The second early loss in a row in events he has previously won marks a major blow for Robinson, while Medina continues to build on a good start in the first event of the season at Bells Beach.

"[Jack Robinson] is one of the best here," Medina said. "It always feels good to win a heat like this. He's an amazing surfer and person. I'm a big fan of Jack, and I’m happy with the win. It's hard when it's windy like this; it looks like we are snowboarding or something, even the snow is glassier. Hopefully, we'll have clean conditions so we can put on a good performance. But we've got to go through these tough conditions as well. It's already a good result, but I want to go more."

Reigning World Champion Yago Dora (BRA) and 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) also moved into the Quarterfinals after their defeats of Connor O’Leary (JPN) and Joao Chianca (BRA), respectively. Joined by Samuel Pupo (BRA), it marks the second event in a row that Brazilians make up half of the men’s Quarterfinalists.

Redemption Runs Continue for Pupo and Pittar

Samuel Pupo (BRA) once again posted some of the highest numbers of the round, today earning the only excellent score of the day for the men, an 8.00, in his defeat of Kanoa Igarashi (JPN). Having led for much of the heat that featured searing railwork from both surfers, Pupo allowed Igarashi the chance at a score on the buzzer, which ultimately fell just shy, seeing the Brazilian into his second Finals Day in a row. After making the Top 10 to claim Rookie of the Year in his debut season of 2022, Pupo failed to survive the Mid-season Cut across the ensuing three years, leaving the 25-year-old with mixed emotions in his return to Margaret River. In 2026, however, Pupo is experiencing the best start to a season yet as he looks to improve on his current rankings position at No. 5.

"It was always gonna be a tough one, on paper it was already a big heat," Pupo said. "Kanoa [Igarashi] is such an amazing surfer. Both mistakes I made really showed how good he is at reading the waves and how focused he is. He looked at the waves that I didn't look at, and he got big scores. That shows a few things that I should be improving on to get better in the future. It's a good feeling to be here without all that stress and that pressure that everyone was having all these years. To be here and turn that around is a big deal for me mentally to get me stronger for bigger matches and bigger heats."

A back-and-forth battle between George Pittar (AUS) and Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) went right down to the wire. With scores arriving after the buzzer from a late exchange, the lead flipped from Pittar to Fioravanti and back again, after a huge end section hit from Pittar earned a 7.33, the highest number of the heat. Having fallen off Tour at the Mid-season Cut at Margaret River in 2025, the 23-year-old CT sophomore from Sydney’s Northern Beaches has come out of the gates firing in 2026, with big wins over Ethan Ewing (AUS) and Filipe Toledo (BRA) already under his belt across the opening two events of the season.

"Last year I shied away when there were those moments where I was really on the back foot," Pittar said. "That's something I was working a lot on last year after the Tour, and then coming into this year as well. To be at this level, you need to be able to be clutch in those moments. It's definitely been something that when I get in that stage where I'm really on the back foot, I'm like, alright, this is it, this is what I've been working for. I had it with Filipe [Toledo], and I had it then as well, so I'm frothing. I just love this place, to be honest. Everything about the West is so sick, it's so raw. I've just been having a really good time. My biggest goal for this year was to win a CT, so yeah, we'll see."

Ewing turned his season around in the final heat of the day with a win over current World No. 1 Miguel Pupo (BRA). The result delivered mixed fates for the Yellow Leaders Jersey holders, Pupo and Gabriela Bryan (HAW), after Bryan claimed victory in the day’s opening matchup. The back-to-back Western Australia Margaret River Pro winner, Bryan, will continue her charge towards a third straight victory in Margaret River as she looks to extend her rankings lead even further.

Western Australia Margaret River Pro Women’s Round Two Results
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 9.67 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 8.44
HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 9.60 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 7.60
HEAT 3: Caroline Marks (USA) 12.27 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 10.17
HEAT 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.10 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 8.34
HEAT 5: Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.50 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 9.30
HEAT 6: Luana Silva (BRA) 10.97 DEF. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 10.07
HEAT 7: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 11.40 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 7.40
HEAT 8: Carissa Moore (HAW) 9.16 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 8.47

Western Australia Margaret River Pro Men’s Round Three Results
HEAT 1: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 14.00 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.80
HEAT 2: Joel Vaughan (AUS) 9.33 DEF. Liam O'Brien (AUS) 6.34
HEAT 3: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 13.67 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.43
HEAT 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.90 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 10.63
HEAT 5: Yago Dora (BRA) 10.34 DEF. Connor O'Leary (JPN) 7.03
HEAT 6: George Pittar (AUS) 13.53 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.46
HEAT 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.40 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 12.80
HEAT 8: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 11.40 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 10.73

Western Australia Margaret River Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 4: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)

Western Australia Margaret River Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups
HEAT 1: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 2: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)