World's Top Ten Surfers Battle It Out Amid Hurricane Jova At The Rip Curl WSL Finals 2023

By The Big Magazine Staff

The top ten surfers in the world will compete this weekend (September 8th to 16th) at The Rip Curl WSL Finals also known as the #finalfive at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California. The high-stakes competition will determine the world champions in a one-day, winner-take-all format. After a year of intense surfing and point accumulation on the 2023 Championship Tour, the top five male and female surfers will battle it out for the ultimate prize: the world title.

Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2023 at Lower Trestles, California, United States. (Photo by Pat Nolan/World Surf League)

Lower Trestles is the idyllic location to add to the anticipation and drama of the finals. The event coincides with the peak of a strong S swell, ensuring consistent overhead surf throughout the weekend. As Hurricane Jova begins to fade, leftovers are expected on Monday. However, a SSW swell is forecasted towards Wednesday and Thursday, promising similar-sized waves and exciting conditions for the finals.

Molly Picklum of Australia after surfing in the practice session prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2023 at Lower Trestles, California, United States. (Photo by Cait Miers/World Surf League)

Each finalist earned their place in the Rip Curl WSL Finals based on competition results during

the ten 2023 regular-season Championship Tour (CT) events. Now, the Top 5 men and the Top

5 women from those leaderboard rankings will battle it out for the World Title.

Five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and defending World Champion Filipe

Toledo (BRA) return as the top seeds. Moore will be joined by two-time World Champion Tyler

Wright (AUS) and a field of up-and-coming women: Caroline Marks (USA), Molly Picklum

(AUS), and Caitlin Simmers (USA), who are all hoping to earn their first World Titles.

Photo of Joao Chianca of Brazil surfing in the practice session prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2023 at Lower Trestles, California, United States. Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League

Jack Robinson (AUS) will make his second Rip Curl WSL Finals appearance as he narrowly

clinched a spot in the WSL Final 5 by winning in Tahiti. He will have to fight his way past Joao

Chianca (BRA), Ethan Ewing (AUS), and San Clemente’s own Griffin Colapinto (USA) in

order to meet Toledo in the Title Match.

Photo of Jack Robinson of Australia surfs in the practice session prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2023 at Lower Trestles, California, United States. (Photo by Cait Miers/World Surf League)

Last year’s competition saw Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) win her historic eighth World Title after

starting the event as the No. 5 seed, showing all Final 5 contenders what's possible in the WSL Finals.

Griffin Colapinto of the United States surfs in the practice session prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2023 at Lower Trestles, California, United States. (Photo by Cait Miers/World Surf League)

The Road to the Finals

VIVO Rio Pro

The journey to the Rip Curl WSL Finals began with the VIVO Rio Pro. This event showcased the incredible skills and determination of the world's best surfers. With thrilling performances and challenging conditions, the competition set the stage for the upcoming finals.

El Salvador Pro

Next on the road to the Rip Curl WSL Finals was the El Salvador Pro. As the Championship Tour schedule reached its climax, the tension and excitement grew. Surfers faced intense waves and fierce competition, making every heat a crucial opportunity to secure a spot in the finals.

Surf Ranch Pro

The Surf Ranch Pro marked a significant milestone on the path to the Rip Curl WSL Finals. With only four events remaining on the Championship Tour schedule, surfers gave it their all at this unique wave pool venue. The pressure to perform and earn valuable points intensified as the finals drew near.

The stakes couldn't be higher this year for the top ten as they put their skills, strategy, and nerves to the test in the quest for glory.

Photo of Jack Robinson of Australia after winning the Final at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro on August 16, 2023 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/World Surf League)

For those unable to attend the Rip Curl WSL Finals in person, live streaming options are available. Fans from around the world can tune in to watch the action unfold in real-time at WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. The immersive coverage captures every thrilling moment, ensuring that viewers don't miss a single wave or pivotal maneuver.

Five-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore of Hawaii prior to surfing in the practice session prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2023 at Lower Trestles, California, United States. (Photo by Cait Miers/World Surf League)

Stay tuned, The Big Magazine will be posting exclusive interviews with all-star pros, Griffin Colapinto, Jack Robinson, and Carissa Moore!

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