By Rebecca Brando x The Big Magazine
The world's top surfers face off in hurricane conditions to vie for the World Title at the Rip Curl WSL Finals, also known as the #finalfive at Lower Trestles.
The intense competition will decide the world champions in a single-day, winner-takes-all format. Following a year of rigorous surfing and point gathering on the 2023 Championship Tour, the top five male and female surfers will compete for the ultimate prize.
Lower Trestles serves as the perfect backdrop to heighten the excitement and drama of the finals. The event aligns with the peak of a robust S swell, guaranteeing consistent overhead waves all weekend. As Hurricane Jova starts to dissipate, an SSW swell is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, offering waves of similar size and thrilling conditions for the finals.
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 group emerging women competitors: Caroline Marks (USA), Molly Picklum (AUS), and Caitlin Simmers (USA), who are all hoping to earn their first World Titles.
Marks made her debut on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour in 2015 as a 13-year-old, becoming the youngest person ever to compete in the sport’s elite competition thanks to a wild card entry.
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). .
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.
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.
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.
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