The Lexus Pipe Pro had its fair share of ups and downs, but the waves eventually showed up, setting the stage for an exciting season opener. Barron Mamiya secured his second consecutive Pipe victory, while Tyler Wright claimed her first Championship Tour win since 2023. With Pipe now in the books, the focus shifts to the upcoming Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, and plenty of questions remain unanswered.
Simmers Sets Her Sights on a Title Defense
Caity Simmers may have finished runner-up to Tyler Wright, but it wasn’t for lack of effort—the ocean simply didn’t cooperate in the final. Throughout the event, she was a standout performer, blending deep Backdoor barrels with stylish grab-rail turns. As the reigning world champion, she looks poised for another dominant season.
The Men’s World Title Race is Wide Open
Mamiya will wear the yellow jersey heading into the next event, but with a season filled with performance-oriented waves, the title remains up for grabs. John John Florence is sitting out the year, Gabriel Medina is recovering from an injury, and Filipe Toledo, a strong contender for Abu Dhabi, hasn’t competed in over a year. With no clear frontrunner, the coming contests will be crucial in shaping the championship battle.
Rookies Make a Statement
The 2025 rookie class wasted no time proving their worth. Al Cleland pulled off the biggest upset so far by eliminating Jack Robinson at Pipe, while Australian George Pittar knocked out veteran Kanoa Igarashi. On the women’s side, Erin Brooks and Vahine Fierro showed flashes of brilliance and are expected to make an impact as the season progresses. Brooks’ aerial skills could make her a major threat in Abu Dhabi, while Fierro’s tube-riding ability makes her dangerous in the right conditions.
Tyler Wright’s Resurgence
After a winless 2024 and overcoming health struggles, Wright returned to form at Pipe, looking stronger and more determined than ever. Her combination of power surfing and experience could make her a serious contender for a third world title. However, reports suggest she may skip Abu Dhabi due to concerns over the UAE’s stance on LGBTQ rights, though no official announcement has been made.
Brazilian Surfers Dominate Pipe
The Brazilian contingent made their presence felt on the North Shore, with Ian Gouveia and Italo Ferreira reaching the semifinals, Miguel Pupo advancing to the quarterfinals, and Joao Chianca and Filipe Toledo delivering strong performances. With Abu Dhabi on the horizon, South American surfers could be key picks for Fantasy Surfer teams.
With the first event of the season wrapped up, attention now turns to the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, where fresh challenges await.