Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan endured some final-round drama to attain the second World Surf League Championship Tour win of her career on Saturday.
Bryan, a 23-year-old from Kilauea, outpointed veteran Isabella Nichols, 14.33 to 11.74, to pair with her triumph at the 2024 Western Australia Margaret River Pro.
She is on a hot streak, having placed third in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and runner-up at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal heading into the event at Punta Roca, La Libtertad.
Bryan enters the next event, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach starting April 18, as the No. 2 women’s surfer in the CT standings. She needs to finish in the top five to give herself a chance at a WSL world title.
Bryan’s board buckled as Nichols registered a score, giving the Australian the lead while Bryan had to change out equipment.
She came back with a 7.83 wave just ahead of a lull over the final minutes and Nichols didn’t get a good chance to counter.
“That was such an insane rollercoaster Final," Bryan said, per a WSL release. "I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, 'Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.'
“I’m feeling so good. I’ve had an amazing time in El Salvador, and I love it here,” she said. “Right-hand point breaks are my favorite, and this is one of the best in the world. Getting to compete at it is amazing, and the crew I’m surrounded with is the best. Everyone back at home supporting me, I love you guys, and thank you El Salvador for the best time.”
Earlier Saturday, Bryan knocked out Caity Simmers in the semifinals, 10.16 to 9.67.
Oahu North Shore native Bettylou Sakura Johnson was knocked out by Nichols in the quarterfinals and Oahu resident Brisa Hennessy of Costa Rica was eliminated by Molly Picklum in the quarters.
On the men’s side, Jordy Smith defeated his South African countryman Matthew McGillivray, 14.26 to 9.33.
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
