Caption: California's Griffin Colapinto (USA) will join the elite men's Championship Tour in 2018. 
Credit: © WSL / Cestari

LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Tuesday, December 19, 2017) - The 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) season has come to a close, with John John Florence (HAW)and Tyler Wright (AUS) both defending their respective maiden world surfing crowns to become two-time WSL Champions.

The 2018 elite men’s Championship Tour (CT) will be contested by the WSL Top 34, made up of the top 22 finishers on the 2017 CT season, the top 10 finishers on the 2017 Qualifying Series (QS) and two WSL wildcards.

2017 Top 22 CT:
John John Florence (HAW)
Gabriel Medina (BRA)
Julian Wilson (AUS)
Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Owen Wright (AUS)
Kolohe Andino (USA)
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Filipe Toledo (BRA)
Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Mick Fanning (AUS)
Connor O’Leary (AUS)
Frederico Morais (PRT)
Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Caio Ibelli (BRA)
Michel Bourez (PYF)
Conner Coffin (USA)
Joan Duru (FRA)
Italo Ferreira (BRA)

2017 Top 10 QS (minus double qualifiers from CT):
Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Wade Carmichael (AUS)
Tomas Hermes (BRA)
Yago Dora (BRA)
Willian Cardoso (BRA)
Keanu Asing (HAW)
Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

WSL Wildcards: Kelly Slater (USA) and Ian Gouveia (BRA)

CT Men’s Replacement Surfers:
Michael February (ZAF)
Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)

The 2018 elite women’s Championship Tour (CT) will be contested by the WSL Top 17, comprised of the top 10 finishers on the 2017 CT, the top six finishers on the 2017 QS and the WSL wildcard.

2017 Top 10 CT:
Tyler Wright (AUS)
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Carissa Moore (HAW)
Lakey Peterson (USA)
Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Sage Erickson (USA)
Johanne Defay (FRA)
Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW)

2017 Top 6 QS (minus double qualifiers from the CT):
Silvana Lima (BRA)
Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Coco Ho (HAW)
Caroline Marks (USA)
Keely Andrew (AUS)
Paige Hareb (NZL)

WSL Wildcard: Malia Manuel (HAW)

CT Women’s Replacement Surfers:
Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Pauline Ado (FRA)
Dimity Stoyle (AUS)
Bianca Buitendag (ZAF)

The 2018 WSL Championship Tour season will commence with the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast from March 11 - 22, 2018.

For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com. 

Caption: Brazil's Silvana Lima and Filipe Toledo have won the Swatch Pro and Hurley Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris

  

SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Friday, September 15, 2017) - Filipe Toledo (BRA) andSilvana Lima (BRA) have claimed victory today at the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles in three-to-four foot (1 - 1.2 metre) waves at the famed cobblestone break of Lower Trestles. 

Lima’s win over CT Sophomore Keely Andrew (AUS) in the Final came after a thrilling week of competition at Stop No. 7 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), while Stop No. 8 saw Toledo defeat defending event winner and current World No. 1 Jordy Smith (ZAF)  in the Final for a Brazilian sweep.

Toledo put on spectacular performances for the San Clemente crowd with his powerful turns and big airs throughout the event. Today’s Final Series witnessed Toledo continue to turn up the heat en route to the 5th CT victory of his career. Prior to taking down Smith in the heated Final match-up, Toledo knocked out 2016 WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) in the Semifinals andKanoa Igarashi (USA) in the Quarterfinals. 
 
“Finally! This is a very special moment right now,” said Toledo. “I always get stopped in the Semis and beating Jordy [Smith], the one who beat me last time, is an incredible feeling. I’m so thankful for all my friends to be here and thank God for all the waves he sent to me. This event is always so entertaining to watch. I am so excited to win with my friends and family all here.”


Caption: Filipe Toledo (BRA) won the Hurley Pro at Trestles today after a heated Final against Jordy Smith (ZAF). 
Credit: © WSL / Rowland

Toledo, who earned first place at the Corona Open J-Bay, is now the only male surfer to win two CT events this season. The Brazilian is now back in the World Title conversation, as his result improves his ranking by two spots up 7th on the Jeep Leaderboard. 
 
“The World Title is definitely my main goal and it feels really amazing to be the only one to win two events of the year,” continued Toledo. “It’s been a crazy run for the World Title and I think it’s going to be one of the best once we get toward the last event -- and I’m going to be there. Family means a lot to me and especially now with a second baby coming, it feels amazing to have them here and this is for them.”

Although Smith was not able to defend his event win, the runner-up result will keep him in the Jeep Leader Jersey with 45,850 points on the leaderboard. The South African is 2,450 points above No. 2 Florence and 8,650 points above No. 3 Julian Wilson (AUS). Smith will now prepare to best last year’s 25th place finish at the Quiksilver Pro France.
 
“I would’ve liked to get a couple more waves in that heat, but today wasn’t my day, unfortunately, and Filipe [Toledo] just surfed really well,” Smith said. “I went out there with a strategy and executed it pretty much as perfectly as I could, but in surfing, there are some things you can’t control and that’s Mother Nature. In that 35-minutes, I just didn’t get a second chance. Now I will just try to focus on the next one and live every moment for what it is and what’s to come. It’s time to get ready for Europe where it’s very happy-go-lucky and I like just roaming those lineups and just being there.”
 
The Swatch Pro Final saw a dominant performance from Lima, who claimed a massive win over Andrew by putting her in a combination situation with nearly half the heat remaining. Lima’s showcased her formidable forehand throughout the week and earned two more excellent scores in the Final, an 8.67 and 8.93. Andrew did her best to fight back, but couldn’t find a score greater than a 6.00 to give herself an opportunity to strike back in the final minutes -- crowning Lima the 2017 Swatch Pro victor. 


Caption: CT veteran Silvana Lima (BRA) found her rhythm at the 2017 Swatch Pro to earn her first CT win since 2010. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris
 
“I still can’t believe I won over here,” Lima said. “All I could think about after the last event was coming here to Lowers. It’s my favorite wave on tour because I can surf how I like, do turns how I like and I just had to keep going. Heading into that Final it took me back to my last Final at Bells and I just wanted to smash it. When it came down to the last five minutes having Keely [Andrew] in a combination, I realized I won and couldn’t believe it.”
 
Lima now moves from No. 15 to No. 13 on the Jeep Leaderboard with her first CT victory since 2010. The CT veteran requalified for the elite tour this year after falling off in 2016 and has found much success on the WSL Qualifying Series (QS). The 32-year-old has struggled to advance out of the early CT rounds in 2017, despite her success on the QS. Now with her fourth CT victory, the Brazilian has reestablished her rhythm CT level. 
 
“It’s just incredible,” Lima added. “I just feel so much confidence and I came here thinking I want to get a Lowers tattoo if I win, so my next one is the train. I just had to believe in God. He knows you, he knows your time and I was just waiting, but this is my time. I’ve gotten so much confidence from the QS and being at the top of the rankings there has really helped me be able to relax and let loose on the CT. All I wanted to do was have fun out there and do my best.”
 
Andrew’s runner-up finish marks her best CT result so far of her young career after incredible performances throughout the week. The Sunshine Coast, Australia, native’s first CT Final may not have gone as planned, but her run to make it there was nothing short of brilliant after eliminating World Title contender Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the Semifinals to earn one of the event’s biggest upsets. The 22-year-old’s jaw-dropping Quarterfinal heat over Sage Erickson (USA) helped pave the way for her result that sees her amass 8,000 points. The 2016 Rookie of the Year now moves to No. 11 on the Jeep Leaderboard -- just one spot from the re-qualification cutoff. 
 
“I was just happy to get into the Semis, but to make it back out there for one more heat and surf Lowers with just one other person out was pretty special,” Andrew said. “Having it against Silvana [Lima] was great. She’s one of my favorite surfers on tour. She’s just so tenacious and I was just happy to assert myself on the tour finally. Yesterday was great being able to put a heat together, and I got two of the best waves of my life at Trestles. I’m feeling good with some good boards under my feet and I just want to keep making heats and be in that Top 10 by the end of the year. My backup plan is in place with my rating on the QS, so it feels good heading into the backend of the year with some opportunity to open up a bit earlier on this season.”
 
Semifinal 1 saw eventual winner Lima dispatch Californian Lakey Peterson (USA). Peterson, who earned the highest heat total of the event yesterday, was not able to find the same 9-point rides and exits with a 3rd place finish, her best since the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach earlier this year. Peterson now moves from 10th to 8th on the Jeep Leaderboard.
 
A massive upset unfolded in Semifinal 2 as Andrew took down an in-form Conlogue on her final wave, where she garnered an excellent 8.10 (needing a 7.84). Conlogue did not better her situation on the previous wave ridden to force the issue on Andrew. Conlogue now leaves Lowers with an equal 3rd place finish. 
 
The women now head to Cascais, Portugal where Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) will sport the Jeep Leader Jersey. Conlogue moves to second going into the Cascais Women’s Pro, where she will look for a third-consecutive event win. Now No. 3 Tyler Wright (AUS) is only 400 points behind Fitzgibbons to further heat up the 2017 World Title race. 

The next event on the 2017 WSL Championship Tour will be the Cascais Women’s Pro, which will see the world’s best female surfers head to Portugal from September 27 to October 5, 2017. 
 
Highlights from the Swatch Pro and Hurley Pro at Trestles are available at WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
Hurley Pro Final Results:
1 -Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.67
2 - Jordy Smith (ZAF) 9.80
 
Hurley Pro Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.33 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.17
SF 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.90 def. John John Florence (HAW) 12.66 
 
Hurley Pro Remaining Quarterfinal Results:
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) 14.84 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.80 
QF 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.26 def. Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 11.10
 
Swatch Pro Final Results: 
1 -Silvana Lima (BRA) 17.60 
2 - Keely Andrew (AUS) 10.93
 
Swatch Pro Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 16.90 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.60
SF 2: Keely Andrew (AUS) 13.43 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.17
 
2017 WSL Men’s Jeep Leaderboard (After Hurley Pro at Trestles):
1 - Jordy Smith (ZAF) 45,850 pts
2 - John John Florence (HAW) 43,400 pts
3 - Julian Wilson (AUS) 37,200 pts
4 - Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 36,450 pts
5 - Owen Wright (AUS) 35,850 pts 
 
2017 WSL Women’s Jeep Leaderboard (After Swatch Pro at Trestles):
1 - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 45,100 pts
2 - Courtney Conlogue (USA) 44,800 pts
3 - Tyler Wright (AUS) 44,700 pts
4 - Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 39,950 pts
5 - Sage Erickson (USA) 37,150 pts 

Caption: Lakey Peterson (USA) put on an incredible show today and posted the highest heat total of the event thus far, a near-perfect 19.57, against three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Quaterfinals of the Swatch Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Rowland

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SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Thursday, September 14, 2017) - The Swatch Pro and Hurley Pro at Trestles saw a new level of progression with phenomenal performances from the world elite. With over ten 9-point rides posted today at Stops No. 7 and 8 of the Women’s and Men’s World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), the stage is set for an exciting Finals-Day-showdown at Lower Trestles. 
 
Silvana Lima (BRA) shook up the competition with her win over six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in the Quarterfinals. The Brazilian opened up with an excellent 8.93 (out of a possible 10), but the Australian fought back to earn her own excellent 8.67 before the ocean went quiet until the dying minutes of the heat, when the two traded a vital exchange. Gilmore posted a 7.50 to gain ground back, however, Lima shut the door on the 2014 event winner with another 8.93. Silvana’s win marks her first Semifinal berth of 2017. Gilmore will exit with an equal 5th. 
 
“I’ve had a lot of heats with Steph [Gilmore] and she’s so inspiring,” said Lima. “Just thanking the Lord for this moment and coming here. There’s so many fun waves out there. I look to do my best and Lowers. This wave suits me so good. It’s like a skatepark and I feel so much confidence. That was my moment and I’m just so thankful. I’ll just keep going and doing my best, hopefully just do the same thing and my goal is the Final. There’s still one more heat, so I’ll give it my all.”
 
Earlier, Gilmore opened Round 4 with an incredible performance over defending event winnerTyler Wright (AUS). Gilmore unleashed two near-perfect 9-point rides for an amazing 18.90 (out of a possible 20) heat total, putting reigning WSL Champion Wright in a combination situation. Wright, needing two new scores, was not able to fight back and will exit with her worst result of 2017. 
 
“We always have the same goal: win every heat and win every Final,” said Wright.  “So nothing really changes and this is pretty minor. I'm stoked for Steph [Gilmore] after she had a rough go at the US Open and it's not really a bad time to have a bad result here. I think I just want to keep evolving. It's kind of a transition for me with a lot of shifting pieces and I love what I'm doing. After heats like that, people expect me to be bummed, but I'm not. I did my breakdown of that heat, so now I'll just enjoy the rest of my time here. It's very enjoyable and I'm loving it.”
 
In another huge upset, current World No. 12 Keely Andrew (AUS) defeated World No. 6 Sage Erickson (USA) in the final Quarterfinal match-up. The head-to-head battle saw Andrew earn the highest heat total of her CT career with a near-perfect 9.07 and 9.40. Erickson was not able to overcome the second highest heat total of the day and will exit with her third 5th place result of the season. 

“It’s nice to finally show the world what I can do and it was great to let loose and get really good waves out there,” Andrew said. “There’s normally a hundred people out there so to get a wave like that and surf it to its full potential is a lot of fun. I really enjoyed that heat with Sage [Erickson]. I look up to her so much and I’m stoked we had a fun heat. All the girls are absolutely ripping. If you put us in a wave like this,  we’ll show you what we got, so it’s really exciting. I’m so inspired by all the girls on tour. The Top 17 at the moment is insane and I go back to the QS and there’s still so many girls to come through. Just knowing that every heat I have to lift my performance is pretty exciting.”
 
En route to her Semifinal berth, current World No. 10 Lakey Peterson (USA) took down No. 5 Johanne Defay (FRA) in Round 4. Defay will head into the Cascais Women’s Pro with her second 9th place result. Peterson continued her incredible form into the Quarterfinals against three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) by opening her account with an 8.50. In a massive exchange minutes later, Peterson blasted a 9.70 on technical turns, as Moore followed and finished off with a huge layback-hack to end her wave for a near-perfect 9.77 of her own. But, Peterson then found another near-perfect 9.87 to post the highest heat total of both the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro -- an outstanding 19.57 over Moore’s 18.00.

“Carissa [Moore] is so progressive with airs and her rail game is incredible, so I knew I just had to bring my best," Peterson said. "I was kind of thinking back to Snapper a little bit and just what I was doing there. My rail game felt really good on that wave and it was getting rewarded, so I was just trying to bring it back to that. This morning I felt a bit nervous coming off a few bad results and I was just wanting to get through that round. I think after getting through that one there was no pressure and I’m just really enjoying myself.”

World Title contender Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) was eliminated today by Courtney Conlogue (AUS) in the third Quarterfinal heat. Unable to match her career-best result at Trestles (2nd in 2014), Fitzgibbons will now hunt for a better result at the Cascais Women’s Pro to strengthen her 2017 World Title campaign. Conlogue will advance to the Semifinals where she will face Andrew.
 
Adrian Buchan (AUS) will continue through to the Semifinals of the Hurley Pro after eliminating 2015 WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) in the opening Quarterfinal heat. A rematch of the Oi Rio Pro Final witnessed Buchan unleash his signature backhand attacks from start to finish and earn an excellent 8.77. De Souza’s 7.83 response wasn’t enough to mount a comeback as Buchan then found a 6.80 backup. The heat boiled down to the final wave as De Souza was in search of a 7.75 and fell short by 0.28.
 
“Me and Adriano [de Souza] have a lot of respect for each other and neither of us was going to hand us a start on the paddle,” said De Souza. “I was stoked to get the better of that exchange at the start and get that first big score. We’ve surfed a lot of heats together through the years. We had that Final in Brazil a few events ago and that was definitely on my mind today. Every time I surf, I usually go out to surf against myself, but I did have a little bit of revenge on my mind. It feels good and I’m stoked to be alive on finals day.”

Frederico Morais (PRT) had current Jeep Leaderboard No. 1 Jordy Smith (ZAF) on the ropes heading into the final minutes of their incredible Quarterfinal bout. Morais’ 8.70 and 7.90 had Smith needing an excellent 8.28 as he paddled into his final wave of the heat, which he obliterated with a powerful combination of maneuvers that earned him a near-perfect 9.43 and critical Semifinal berth. Smith also took down event standout Sebastian Zietz (HAW) in Round 5 Heat 2. 
 
“I’m just taking every opportunity because I’ve never been in this position before at No.1 so just run with the thing and have fun with it,” Smith said. “There are not too many people that get this opportunity to be here and it’s really something. I was hearing Tyler [Wright] saying earlier she represents her family and her country in this yellow jersey and that resonated with me. We haven’t had a World Champion in South Africa in probably 40 years, so it means a lot and I want to wear it proud. Adrian [Buchan] is another competitor you don’t want to take lightly. He’s smart and he knows how to pick the eyes out of the lineup and he’s really going to make you work.”
 
Jeremy Flores (FRA) captured a critical victory over John John Florence (HAW) and Kanoa Igarashi (USA) in non-elimination Round 4. The Frenchman will advance to the Quarterfinals for the first time in 2017 after a string of 13th place results. In addition, Flores’ Quarterfinal berth marks his first in Trestles since 2008, so he will continue to battle for his first CT event win in California. 
 
“I’m stoked to make a heat like, to be able to take out a guy like John John [Florence] nowadays is pretty special so I’ll take that win,” Flores said. “The waves are super fun and I’m always stoked to be able to surf a place that is normally so crowded with just two other guys out in the water so that’s what I keep in mind these days on tour. In order to beat these guys, you have to be on the best waves and I knew they were going to be doing some crazy surfing and it all started on that first exchange. They all looked at that wave and I was surprised John John didn’t go and that ended up being my best score, which was a turning point really.”
 
Fortunately, Florence and Igarashi were able to bounce out of elimination Round 5, defeating Bede Durbidge (AUS) and Julian Wilson (AUS), respectively. 
 
The Round 5 match-up between Florence and Durbidge saw the 2016 WSL Champion put the CT veteran in a combination situation with a spectacular 18.40 two-wave total. Former event winner Durbidge will exit in 9th place, his second best result this year. 
 
“This wave is just so perfect and once you get a couple you can get into a rhythm and let loose a little bit,” Florence said. “I just got a little lucky with those three waves coming to me at the end. There’s definitely some nerves just with only five or six minutes left with me and Bede [Durbidge] so close in scores. I got that wave behind Bede’s and then just got into rhythm with priority right after that and another wave came, which let me open up a little bit more. Bede was surfing so good and that’s a part of the reason I was so nervous. He just has so much power -- he’s a really fun and inspiring surfer to watch out here.”
 
Despite falling to an in-form Flores in Round 4, Igarashi recovered with an electrifying Round 5 bout with event threat Wilson. The 19-year-old blasted a 9.30 to put Wilson in a combination situation that the Australian talent was unable to find his way out of by heat’s end and Wilson walks away with an equal 9th finish.
 
The Round 3 Heat 9 re-surf opened the day’s affairs as Igarashi got his second win over three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) this season. Igarashi found another excellent score, an 8.33,  for his heat opener once again to come out firing. The slower conditions did not provide an abundance of opportunities to add to Fanning’s 6.50 start. Fanning exits with an equal 13th as Igarashi will move to the Quarterfinals against Filipe Toledo (BRA). 
 
Surfline, official forecaster for the Swatch Pro and Hurley Pro at Trestles, are calling for:
 
The S swell that was rebuilding today will fill in a bit further on Thursday and hold through the day. Friday will see fading and smaller, but still fun size, surf. The weekend will bring smaller leftovers as the swell continues to fade. 
 
The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL’s Facebook page.  Also check local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal, Sport TV in Portugal and the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
Hurley Pro Remaining Round 3 (H9) Result:
Heat 9: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 13.26 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 6.73

Hurley Pro Round 4 (H3-4) Results:
Heat 3:Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.94, John John Florence (HAW) 15.23, Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 11.33
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.13, Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.00, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.16
 
Hurley Pro Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.27 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.84
Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.43 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 6.84
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) 18.40 def. Bede Durbidge 14.54
Heat 4: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 17.00 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.90
 
Hurley Pro Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1:Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.27 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.30
QF 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.76 def. Frederico Morais (PRT) 16.60

Hurley Pro Remaining Quarterfinal Match-Ups:
QF 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
QF 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
 
Swatch Pro Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 18.90 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 8.83
Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) 14.17 def. Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.84
Heat 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 16.63 def. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 14.13
Heat 4: Keely Andrew (AUS) 14.40 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 14.03
 
Swatch Pro Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 17.36 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.30
QF 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) 19.57 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 18.00
QF 3: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.06 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.43
QF 4: Keely Andrew (AUS) 18.47 def. Sage Erickson (USA) 10.83
 
Swatch Pro Semifinal Match-Ups:
SF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)

Caption: 2017 CT Rookie Frederico Morais (PRT) will advance to the Quarterfinals after big wins in Rounds 3 and 4 of the Hurley Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris

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SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Wednesday, September 13, 2017) - The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles witnessed exciting action today with the completion of women’s Round 3, men’s Round 3, and the first two heats of men's Round 4. The world’s best surfers battled in three-to-five foot (1 - 1.5 metre) surf for the opportunity to continue in Stops No. 8  and 7 of the Men’s and Women’s World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).
 
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) punched her ticket to an eighth-straight Quarterfinal appearance of 2017 after taking down current No. 7 on the Jeep Leaderboard Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) and CT sophomore Keely Andrew (AUS). Fitzgibbons attacked a Lowers righthander with aggressive turns for a 7.50 (out of a possible 10) before backing it up with a 6.00. Only Van Dijk looked to pose a threat, posting a 7.17, but couldn’t find the backup she needed. Both Van Dijk and Andrew will contest in Round 4 for a chance to move into the Quarters. 
 
“I really enjoyed watching the heats yesterday and got that freesurf in,” Fitzgibbons said. “It just gets all that energy going for me in the morning and I really look forward to it. It feels good being in this position and knowing there’s a lot of surfing left in the tank. I can’t wait to open up on some more walls. To get that opportunity in the Quarters is great so I’ll keep enjoying the surfing and getting inspired before I get back out there.” 
 
World No. 6 Sage Erickson (USA) continued her impeccable form with yet another heat win at the Swatch Pro. Erickson overtook current World No. 3, Courtney Conlogue (USA) and French competitor Pauline Ado (FRA) in Round 3 Heat 4 for her fourth-consecutive Quarterfinal berth this season. 
 
“I’ve always believed in myself, but I never necessarily believed in my ability at this level, and this year I do,” Erickson said. “Coming into heats with big names, I don’t care who’s in my heat anymore. I feel like I’m surfing well and that’s what matters when you’re getting scored by the judges. There definitely is a fire to compete against Courtney [Conlogue]. Her opening round heats were incredible. She is just so progressive and fluid. I’m sticking to my strengths and trusting my ability, and also having a lot of fun in the jersey. I always felt up against the wall in certain moves I was doing just because of technique, but being more fit and eating better, those are the things that are considered work in our sport.”
 
The Hurley Pro got back underway with Round 3 elimination battles and massive performances, including 9-point rides from Jeep Leaderboard No. 1 Jordy Smith (ZAF) and No. 2 John John Florence (HAW). Action continued into the opening two heats of Round 4 where the first Quarterfinalists were determined.
 
2015 WSL Champion and current No. 6 Adriano de Souza (BRA), who has yet to drop a heat at the Hurley Pro, stacked up two more big wins today in Rounds 3 and 4. The Brazilian took downJadson Andre (BRA) and Sebastian Zietz (HAW) in non-elimination Round 4 and will advance straight to the Quarterfinals. Earlier today, the current World No. 6 also bested CT veteran Josh Kerr (AUS) in a tight heat to kick off Round 3.
 
“I’ve just been thinking hard and trying to get out of Round 3,” De Souza said. “The last few events have been a big learning curve for me. I’ve put in a thousand percent and everything I can and finally found the rhythm, so I’m happy to make it out of that one. I was pretty happy to choose the best waves in that last heat. I was a little worried about the skills of Jadson [Andre], so I just tried hard to use priority wisely and pick the wave I wanted to change my low score. I’m stoked to make it to the Quarterfinals.”

2017 CT Rookie Frederico Morais (PRT) showed he’s ready to add another big result to his 2017 Rookie of the Year campaign after phenomenal performances en route to his Quarterfinal berth, his third of 2017. Morias took down defending event winner Smith and CT veteran Adrian Buchan (AUS) in non-elimination Round 4, as well as fellow rookie Ezekiel Lau (HAW) in Round 3. The CT freshman posted excellent 8-point rides throughout the day and will be one to watch in the Quarterfinals. 

“I feel like I belong here after working really hard all my life to get to this level and I really want to stay,” Morais said. “It’s really similar to home here with good righthanders and I’m feeling good, so it’s just a mix of things that make me feel at home. I knew he was going to be a really tough opponent. He’s been surfing amazing here all week and our styles are kind of similar with power surfing, hard carves with big sprays. I won this one, but there’s still so much to come here.” 

In an all-Brazilian battle, Andre eliminated 2014 WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in another massive event upset. Current No. 7 on the Jeep Leaderboard, Medina, will leave Lowers with his third 13th place finish this season. The Brazilian superstar earned strong, top-three finishes in J-Bay and Tahiti, but was not able to find the results in California. Medina will now look to the Quiksilver Pro France to reboot his comeback. 
 
“I thought Gabriel’s [Medina] first wave was an 8.50, so when I caught that first right, I surfed it really angry,” said Andre. “Things just went my way and I have such a good board under my feet, and I’m really calm. I’m really back on the ratings so there’s not much I can do except just surf and try to eliminate mistakes. I feel like that’s been my weakness this year. I feel like I’m surfing really well, but those mistakes are what is costing heats for me. I’m stoked to win that heat and beat him, especially here at Lowers.”
 
Despite losing in non-elimination Round 4 to Morais, Smith solidified a big Round 3 victory over wildcard threat Evan Geiselman (USA). Defending event winner Smith earned the second highest heat total, an 18.94, with his laser sharp forehand turns. The South African will need to win his Round 5 heat in order to keep the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey and remain in the competition. 
 
“I came here straight after Tahiti and I’ve just been really enjoying it a lot, and testing my equipment a lot as well,” Smith said. “Before Tahiti, it was pretty go, go, go for me -- obviously South Africa was really intense with all the tens and sharks, and everything. When I got back here I just took a moment to regroup, recover, and then get fired back up for the backend of this year. [After getting that stomach flu], I lost a couple of kilos, but it worked out with the waves being really fun out here and I’m just frothing.”
 
Current No. 2 on the Jeep Leaderboard John John Florence (HAW) put the pressure on wildcard Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) just minutes into their Round 3 heat with a near-perfect 9.27. Florence took to his backhand and soared on a massive, full rotation to begin the heat before finding a backup score midway through the heat to accrue a 13.61 heat total over Ohhara. The Japanese competitor’s patience earned him a Lowers gem, where he unleashed strong snaps for a 7.00 to put himself back in the heat. The reigning WSL Champion showed his world-class talent and shut the door on Ohhara with a 9.87, and near-perfect heat total of 19.07, to cap off an amazing performance and advance to Round 4.
 
“I always try to go into a heat thinking of freesurfing with a little bit of strategy thrown in," Florence said. “I’m having the most fun when I’m freesurfing and lately I’ve been really enjoying heats. It’s been super great [working with Ross Williams], we’ve been working on so many little things from boards to technique, everything I got and it’s great because we only live a few houses away from each other so we meet up a lot when we’re at home. Our whole crew gets along well together, which is a big positive. Round 3 is always a scary one in any event, especially when the waves are like this, -- it’s pretty much whoever gets those bigger sets it seems like.”
 
Current World No. 5 Julian Wilson (AUS) also advanced on to Round 4 after an incredible performance that saw him eliminate rookie Ethan Ewing (AUS) in their Round 3 battle. Wilson powered his way to a commanding 17.44 heat total that left the 2017 rookie in a combination situation that Ewing was unable to attain. 
 
Earlier today, Sebastian Zeitz (HAW) showcased his authority at Lowers in Round 3 with a 9.43 on a beautiful righthander that allowed him numerous opportunities to unload powerful maneuvers and dispatch 2015 WSL Rookie of the Year Italo Ferreira (BRA) in Round 3. Unfortunately, Zietz will have to deal with Round 5 after De Souza’s performance in Round 4.
 
Filipe Toledo (BRA) got to work in his Round 3 heat with his signature flair and aggressive turns and posted an excellent 16.93 heat total over fellow Brazilian Miguel Pupo (BRA). Toledo continues to push the bar of progressive surfing alongside Florence and moves on to Round 4 with plenty of momentum. 
 
2017 CT Rookie Joan Duru (FRA) was on the hunt for a result and found himself in a wave-for-wave battle with Bede Durbidge (AUS) to start off Round 3 Heat 11. It was the more experienced Durbidge who earned the nod with an 8.93 to Duru’s 8.17 and then backed it up with a near-perfect 9.50 to put the heat out of reach for the Frenchman and send him home in equal 13th place. 
 
Duru’s fellow countryman Jeremy Flores (FRA) also joins the stacked list of competitors heading into Round 4 after a critical performance over an in-form Conner Coffin (USA), which witnessed the two trade off excellent scores. Flores racked up the higher of the heat totals with a 16.47 and eliminated Coffin, who will leave Lowers with an equal 13th.
 
Kanoa Igarashi (USA) and Mick Fanning (AUS) will begin tomorrow’s action in a re-surf of their Round 3 battle after a situation involving the new blocking rule came into play at the start of their heat.

Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner, explained the new rule and situation.

“Following the Tahiti event, the WSL introduced a new blocking rule that goes into effect in non-priority situations at the start of heats. The rule is in place to prevent non-productive hassling at the start of heats and encourage more surfing. 

“There was a blocking situation at the start of Mick and Kanoa's Round 3 heat in which Kanoa paddled, preventing Mick from taking the wave. Unfortunately, the blocking situation was under review immediately following (whereby it was determined Kanoa should have lost priority), when Kanoa took off on a wave which affected the outcome of the heat.

“After reviewing with our officials and discussion with both surfers, we will be re-surfing the heat first thing in the morning.”

Event organizers have called a re-surf of men’s Round 3 Heat 9 on for an 8:00 a.m. PST start, followed by women’s Round 4, the remaining two heats of men’s Round 4 and men’s Round 5. 
 
Surfline, official forecaster for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, are calling for:
 
The surf will build gradually through Wednesday as a new, long period S swell fills in on top of older, easing S swell.  Wednesday afternoon and especially Thursday will see the largest waves in the waiting period.  Fading surf takes over on Friday and that trend continues through the weekend. 
 
The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL’s Facebook page.  Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal, Sport TV in Portugal and the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.

Swatch Pro Remaining Round 3 (H3-4) Results:
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.50, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 12.04, Keely Andrew (AUS) 4.10
Heat 4:  Sage Erickson (USA) 14.40, Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.74, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.40
 
Swatch Pro Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 1:Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS) 
Heat 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 3: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 4: Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)

Hurley Pro Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.77 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.03
Heat 2: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 16.76 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 7.04
Heat 3: Jadson Andre (BRA) 15.76 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.80
Heat 4: Frederico Morais (PRT) 16.76 def. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 15.50
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.50 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 10.93
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18.84 def. Evan Geiselman (USA) 14.83
Heat 7: John John Florence (HAW) 19.07 def. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 13.33
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.47 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 15.60  
Heat 9: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS) UPCOMING
Heat 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.93 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.86
Heat 11: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 18.43 def. Joan Duru (FRA) 14.50 
Heat 12: Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.44 def. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.87
 
Hurley Pro Remaining Round 3 (H9) Match-Up:
Heat 9: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS) UPCOMING
 
Hurley Pro Round 4 (H1-2) Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.80, Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.07, Sebastian Zeitz (HAW) 11.37
Heat 2: Frederico Morais (PRT) 17.17, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.30, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.10
 
Hurley Pro Remaining Round 4 (H3-4) Match-Ups:
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW), Jeremy Flores (FRA), TBD
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS)

Caption: Silvana Lima (BRA) put on a clinic at Lowers today with a stunning 8.33 and near-perfect 9.77 in Round 3 of the Swatch Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Rowland

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SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Tuesday, September 12, 2017) - The Swatch Pro and Hurley Pro at Trestles, Stops No.7 and 8 of the Women’s and Men’s World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), flew through a full day of competition in three-to-four foot (1 - 1.2 metre) conditions at Lower Trestles. The morning kicked off with the remaining eight heats of men’s Round 2 and then continued with women’s Round 2 and the first two heats of Round 3. 

Reigning WSL Champion and current World No. 1 Tyler Wright (AUS) will have to deal with elimination Round 4 after an incredible performance from three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW). The superheat witnessed former event winner Moore and Lakey Peterson (USA) trade off excellent scores, but Moore’s 8.83 and 8.40 were too much for the Californian, who could not find the 8.90 needed to take the heat. Moore also dominated her Round 2 heat against compatriot Malia Manuel (HAW) with a big air for a 7.33 on the single maneuver. 
 
“I’m amped after being behind for a good portion of that last heat and I was just having fun knowing no one was going home in that heat,” Moore said. “I was sticking to my own plan even after hearing Lakey’s [Peterson] first score. With my results this year, I’m just trying to take that as an opportunity to play around with a few different maneuvers because then I can try to push myself a little bit. It’s been a crazy year of growth personally and competitively. I’m trying to stay positive and focus on the present. I just want to have fun the rest of the year and whatever happens is meant to be.”


Caption: Three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) dominated the Lowers lineup today at the Swatch Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris

Previously, Wright took down event wildcard Macy Callaghan (AUS) in Heat 3 of Round 2. Callaghan put on a great performance with a solid 7.33, but the defending event winner got the edge with a 7.43. The Australians then tied their back-up scores with a 5.50. Callaghan was not able to close the 0.10-point gap to advance through to the next round. 
 
The opening heat of non-elimination Round 3 saw incredible surfing from World No. 15 Silvana Lima (BRA) as she defeated six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and World No. 5 Johanne Defay (FRA). Lima, who has only accumulated four heat wins so far on the 2017 CT season, showcased a new level with a near-perfect 18.10, the highest combined score of the day. Even Gilmore, with two 7-point rides, was forced into a combination situation that she could not escape. 
 
“I’m so happy right now and can’t believe I’ve made it through to the Quarterfinals,” Lima said. “Steph [Gilmore] is such a great surfer and Johanne [Defay] too, so I just thought about myself out there. I just wanted to do my best and find those two waves. I was happy with that really good one -- I still can’t believe it. It’s big for my momentum and it’s so good to finally take some success from the QS to the CT. This is so good for my confidence moving forward as well and already a Quarterfinal result feels amazing, but I know it’s going to take my best in the next heat.”
 
2017 CT Rookie Bronte Macaulay (AUS) and CT veteran Coco Ho (HAW) were not able to escape elimination Round 2 and will exit with an Equal 13th place finish. 
 
Round 2 also saw current World No. 8 Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) and World No. 16 Laura Enever (AUS) lose to Pauline Ado (FRA) and Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), respectively. Ado and Van Dijk will surf in the remaining heats of Round 3 when competition resumes tomorrow.  

Earlier today, the Hurley Pro kicked off the morning with the remaining eight heats of elimination Round 2. With the first men’s eliminations now complete, the field will continue to narrow with the upcoming elimination Round 3, which will again cut the field in half. 
 
Hometown hero Kolohe Andino’s (USA) patience ended up costing him an early Round 2 exit and upset as Jadson Andre (BRA) stayed busy throughout the heat to accumulate a 12.93 heat total. Despite Andino’s 7.17 to match Andre’s 7.00, his final opportunity to meet the requirement fell short. This result marks the Californian’s third Round 2 loss of 2017. World No. 32 Andre now moves into Round 3 for the fourth time this season. The Brazilian is in-need of a strong finish as he is currently ranked outside of requalification. 
 
“I don’t think Kolohe’s [Andino] hometown support added any pressure on me,” said Andre. “I just wanted to go out there and surf my best, not think about requalification or my opponent. That was a close one. I remember at J-Bay I mentioned I don’t want to be in the same position I was last year ever again, but that seems to be my situation every single year. The second part of the year is when I have my back against the wall, so I’ll just try to do my best and hopefully mount a comeback.”
 
Huntington Beach local Kanoa Igarashi (USA) earned a big win over Caio Ibelli (BRA) in what is becoming a healthy rivalry between the CT-sophomore duo. Nineteen-year-old Igarashi continues to show a competitive mindset beyond his years with patience and smart wave selection in his heats. It was a tight battle that left Ibelli in need of a strong 7.23, but the Brazilian fell on his last attempt and was not able to find the required score. 
 
“The biggest thing is the mental side of these heats,” Igarashi said. “I feel like I’m having good freesurfs and then you get in a heat with only thirty minutes. I get the wave and then choke on it then don’t do the surfing I want to do. I’m just going to roll with it. I’m sure one day it’ll turn around to where I won’t surf with any pressure and overcome those fears of losing. Doing well on the QS is good for my mental space and I feel like I’m surfing well. You just have to be strong and fight for it, and I feel like I’m getting the hang of it.”
 
Miguel Pupo (BRA) continued the trend of upsets with a huge performance over Tahitian powerhouse Michel Bourez (PYF). The Brazilian took to his progressive forehand with a variety of power carves and aerial antics to dispatch the CT veteran. 
 
Round 5 Heat 7 saw 2017 CT Rookie Joan Duru (FRA) take down injury replacement and former CT competitor Nat Young (USA). Duru dominated with two 7-point rides and will now advance to Round 3. Duru will also be joined by Ezekiel Lau (HAW) who eliminated Ian Gouveia (BRA) in Heat 12. Fellow rookie Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) will not continue with the freshman class after falling to Brazilian threat Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) in Heat 9. 
 
Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) will also advance to the next round after winning their Round 2 heats against Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Jack Freestone (AUS), respectively. 

Event officials have called the remaining two heats of women’s Round 3 ON for an 8:00 a.m.start tomorrow morning. The remaining schedule for the day will be decided at 7:30 a.m. PSTtomorrow morning. 

Surfline, official forecaster for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, are calling for:
 
Fun size, rippable S swell will continue Tuesday off a mix of the current S swell and new, very long period S swell that will slowly build. Look for this new, long period S swell to fill in further through the day on Wednesday and continue Thursday to offer the larger surf of the waiting period. Fading surf takes over on Friday and that trend continues through the weekend. Conditions look generally favorable Tue-Thur in the mornings, with moderate WNW wind in the afternoons. S wind may develop on Friday.
 
The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL’s Facebook page.  Also check local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal, Sport TV in Portugal and the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
Hurley Pro Remaining Round 2 (Heats 5 - 12) Results:
Heat 5: Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.93 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.50
Heat 6: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 14.60 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.67
Heat 7: Joan Duru (FRA) 14.83 def. Nat Young (USA) 10.50
Heat 8: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.60 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 13.70
Heat 9: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 14.84 def. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 7.60
Heat 10: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 13.80 def. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 11.30
Heat 11: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.93 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 14.74
Heat 12: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 16.83 def. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.50
 
Hurley Pro Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 2: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Italo Ferreira (BRA)
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 4: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA)
Heat 7: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
Heat 8: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Heat 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 11: Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 12: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)

Swatch Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.56 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.70
Heat 2: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.63 def. Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) 12.43
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.93 def. Macy Callaghan (AUS) 12.83
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.17 def. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 9.50
Heat 5: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 13.03 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 12.67
Heat 6: Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.60 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 12.13
 
Swatch Pro Round 3 (H1-2) Results:
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 18.10, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.40, Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.36
Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 17.43, Lakey Peterson (USA) 15.83, Tyler Wright (AUS ) 14.60
 
Swatch Pro Remaining Round 3 (H3-4)  Match-Ups:
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA), Sage Erickson (USA), Pauline Ado (FRA)

Caption: Event wildcard Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) upset the competition today with his win over current World No. 4 Owen Wright (AUS) in Round 2 of the Hurley Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris

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SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Monday, September 11, 2017) - The Hurley Pro at Trestles, Stop No. 8 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), kicked off today with Round 1 and the first four heats of Round 2 in three-to-four foot (1 - 1.2 metre) waves at Lower Trestles. 
 
With the Top 5 surfers on the Jeep Leaderboard separated by less than 5,000 points, the Hurley Pro at Trestles is critical to the 2017 World Title race. The Men’s CT is currently lead by defending event winner Jordy Smith (ZAF) and followed closely by John John Florence (HAW) in second. Both surfers are off to a strong start at Lower Trestles with wins in their Round 1 heats, but today’s competition also saw huge shake-ups as World No. 3 Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and World No. 4 Owen Wright (AUS) were eliminated by the event wildcards in Round 2. 
 
Smith showed his world-class form at the famed cobblestone break of Lowers with big turns and powerful maneuvers. Smith’s opening ride showed what he is capable of as he earned a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10). Even though the South African was not able to find a suitable backup, 2017 CT Rookie Ian Gouveia (BRA) and event wildcard Evan Geiselman (USA) could not find the 13.28 (out of a possible 20) heat total needed to overtake Smith. 
 
“I was stoked to get that first wave because there were a lot of things going on in that heat with the paddle battle to get things started,” Smith said. “You can’t over surf the wave out there. I was happy to get that 9-pointer to start. I just had to control that heat, and if a good wave came at the end, I was going to go and try to better my score. It’s important to me to just maintain calm out here I think. It’s just another day at Lowers. I know exactly what I’m riding and how it’s going to be, and you can just give your best in that thirty minutes.”
 
Italo Ferreira (BRA) nearly provided a massive upset over current World No. 2 and reigning WSL Champion Florence in Round 1 Heat 5, but Florence’s final wave earned him a vital win. After Ferreira blasted numerous backhand attacks to earn an 8.50, Florence responded with his own near-perfect 9.07 on a huge layback maneuver to start his wave before opening up on his signature power-carve. But, the heat was not done yet as Ferreira fought back once more with a 6.80 to raise the requirement for Florence to a 6.83, which he narrowly missed – earning a 6.33. Florence had one last opportunity to strike and blasted a 7.00 to take the lead, which required a 7.58 that Ferreira was unable to attain on his final wave with a 7.40. 

“Italo [Ferreira] has one of those wildcard factors about him -- you don’t know what he’s going to do,” Florence said. “You see him pumping down the line on a left going real fast and you get a little nervous. I’m just stoked I got two waves in that heat since it was a good battle. This year is really exciting with everyone at the top needing to perform and makes every heat that much more exciting because there’s a lot to lose, as well as a lot to win. I just want to surf through it and have fun.”
 
World No. 3 Wilkinson and No. 4 Wright will not join the other Top 5 surfers in the event after suffering shock Round 2 eliminations today. Earlier this morning, Wilkinson and Wright lost in Round 1 to CT veterans Bede Durbidge (AUS) and Jeremy Flores (AUS), respectively. The Australians were then relegated to Round 2, where they were eliminated by event wildcards Geiselman and Hiroto Ohhara (JPN). The eliminations of the top seeds will surely open the door for the 2017 WSL Title race as they exit in Equal 25th place. 
 
“I know I have to surf my best if I’m going to even compete against these guys,” Geiselman said. “I think Wilko [Matt Wilkinson] surfed as good as you could’ve and got that 7-point ride. I’m just happy to have a good heat. I want to be here on the CT one day so I’m going to have to surf against these guys anyway and there are not really nerves there. I put higher expectations on myself than who I’m surfing against, but it’s fun. This is a huge opportunity. We have the business end of the QS coming up with three QS 10,000s left. This is a confidence boost and hopefully I can carry this forward.”

“That left was really suiting those airs for Evan [Geiselman], but I had my plan, which was to get some good rights,” Wilkinson said. “They were pretty tough to surf, so I didn’t really get too much going. My last one I thought may have put me back in the heat, but the judges didn’t seem to like it too much. Hopefully, I can get on a little roll heading into this next leg and get some momentum from France and Portugal, then into Pipe. To lose that one so early in the contest is tough, but now you’ve got to go to France and try to not lose.”
 
Durbidge started the Round 1 heat against Wilkinson and Ethan Ewing (AUS) with a commanding 7.83 and 5.60 to capture and hold an early lead. Competing in his 12th Trestles event,  Durbidge utilized his experience to take the win. The Australian also expressed his motivation to perform well with this being his final Trestles event as a full-time CT competitor.
 
“It’s great to be back here at Lowers with such a good history for me,” said Durbridge. “I just love the place and the whole community. Out of all the events on tour, it’s probably where I’ve had most of my success. Even though it’s early on in the event, I’m feeling good, healthy, and I’m having fun. I’m just really enjoying my last Lowers event. It’s crazy that it’s my last and that’s why I want to surf so well and when you’re doing well you’re having a lot fun so that’s my goal is to make as many heats as possible and just enjoy myself.”
 
WSL Champions Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Adriano de Souza (BRA) are well in the 2017 World Title conversation as they sit just behind the Top 5 in 6th and 7th place on the Jeep Leaderboard. Both Brazilians are looking in great form at Lowers, with big Round 1 victories to kick off their Hurley Pro campaigns. 
 
2014 WSL Champion Medina brought his explosive backhand to Lowers and cracked an excellent 8.00 by taking to the air, adding to his 5.67, for an early lead over Nat Young (USA)and Adrian Buchan (AUS). Both Young and Buchan tried to fight back with their own dangerous backside attacks, but couldn’t find their rhythm against Medina until the final minute where Young had a chance and fell short of the requirement -- earning a 6.80 needing a 7.25. 
 
“I feel like I made some mistakes and Nat [Young] almost got me on those last two waves, but it’s always great to win the first heat and skip that next round,” Medina said. “I change a little bit when the heat is on because we’re competing and I want to surf really well, get high scores, and go for those airs. That’s how you beat someone is by going hard and that’s what I try to every time, and that’s why I always look so serious out there.”
 
Fellow WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) was less than fortunate against an in-form Conner Coffin (USA) who had the current World No. 8 in a combination situation, meaning he needed two new scores to match Coffin’s heat total, with a 14.67 heat total and Stuart Kennedy (AUS) needing an excellent 8.00. This marks the Santa Barbara, California, native’s second Round 1 heat win of 2017 and looks to capitalize on the opportunity ahead of him.
 
Parkinson went on to battle first-year Ewing in Round 2 Heat 3. A slow heat forced both surfers to chase mid-range scores. Ewing was able to open the exchange with a 6.33, putting early pressure on the CT veteran. Parkinson was left chasing the 5.87 requirement until the end of the heat and was not able to close the 1.96 gap. World No. 8 Parkinson will exit with his first 25th place finish of 2017, while Ewing earns his second heat win of his rookie year. 
 
Current Jeep Rankings Leaderboard No. 5 Julian Wilson (AUS) found his form early on and continued improving each wave, ultimately accruing a solid 13.27 over Brazilians Jadson Andre (BRA) and Caio Ibelli (BRA). The Australian heads straight into Round 3 as Andre and Ibelli will have to survive elimination Round 2 when the competition resumes.
 
Current World No. 9 Filipe Toledo (BRA) will join the Brazilian Champions in Round 3 after putting on an incredible show at Lowers to win his Round 1 match-up. Toledo posted the highest two-wave total, a 17.60, with a with a near-perfect 9.43 and excellent 8.17. Rookies Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Joan Duru (FRA) will compete again in elimination Round 2 for a chance to stay in the competition. 
 
“That was a tough one with smaller waves in the heat, but I knew it had potential after surfing here so much and knowing it,” Toledo said. “I knew I had to go big with the airs if I wanted to get the score and also variety on the turns. It feels good to be here. It feels like home and I always love surfing this wave in events. I’m in my own bed with my family and get home cooking over there, and just having my wife and little one with all my friends as well. It’s pretty special. It’s motivation to do better and get a big result here.”
 
Sebastian Zietz (HAW) threw himself into high-gear and took down 2017 Rookie of the Year contender Connor O’Leary (AUS) and Californian Kanoa Igarashi (USA) with brilliant surfing to earn a near-perfect 9.50. Zietz’s powerful wrapping carves sent spray flying out the back with each maneuver all the way to the inside. The Kauaian talent is looking for a spark this year to surpass his best result of an equal 13th and showed he’s hungry for one today. 
 
Frederico Morais (PRT) was the only rookie to find success in Round 1 today after defeating Jack Freestone (AUS) and hometown hero Kolohe Andino (USA). The CT freshman posted a near-perfect 9.47 to punch his ticket directly through to Round 3. 
 
“That was a fun heat and I knew it was going to be a hard one against Kolohe [Andino] and Jack [Freestone] -- especially Kolohe just being here at his homebreak,” Morais said. “I started off really good and the rest of the heat I couldn’t find a backup until I found that 5-point ride. Then it became all about managing time and trying to improve upon that. I’m frothing to be here at Trestles. I’ll just keep doing my surfing and if I have to switch it up a bit I’ll do that.” 

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PST to reassess the conditions and make the next call for a potential 8:00 a.m. start. 
 
Surfline, official forecaster for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, are calling for:
 
Modest, new S swell will build in through Monday and continue Tuesday. A larger S swell will build through the day on Wednesday, peak Thursday and fade Friday and should offer the largest surf of the waiting period late Wednesday and Thursday. Conditions look generally favorable Mon-Thur  in the mornings, but may turn problematic by Friday as S wind develops.
 
The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL’s Facebook page.  Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal, Sport TV in Portugal and the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
Hurley Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.50, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 9.67, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 6.90
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.27, Caio Ibelli (BRA) 10.90, Jadson Andre (BRA) 10.84
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.40, Owen Wright (AUS) 12.63, Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.17
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS 13.43, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.20, Ethan Ewing (AUS) 6.33
Heat 5: John John Florence (HAW) 16.07, Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.90, Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 12.40
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.23, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.70, Evan Geiselman (USA) 9.76
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.67, Nat Young (USA) 13.03, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 9.30
Heat 8: Conner Coffin (USA) 14.67, Stu Kennedy (AUS) 6.67, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 4.66
Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.60, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 15.86, Joan Duru (FRA) 14.07
Heat 10: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 16.83, Connor O’Leary (AUS) 9.26, Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 7.90
Heat 11: Frederico Morais (PRT) 14.90, Jack Freestone (AUS) 12.34, Kolohe Andino (USA) 8.13
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.10, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 13.43, Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.00

Hurley Pro Round 2 (Heats 1 - 4) Results:
Heat 1: Evan Geiselman (USA) 15.50 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 12.96
Heat 2: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 15.73 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 15.43
Heat 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 11.03 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 9.07
Heat 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.50 def. Connor O'Leary (AUS) 13.00
 
Hurley Pro Remaining Round 2 (Heats 5 - 12) Match-Ups:
Heat 5: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 6: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 7: Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Stuart Kennedy (AUS)
Heat 9: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 10: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Heat 11: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 12: Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)

Swatch Pro Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 5: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
Heat 6: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)

Caption: Silvana Lima (BRA) earned her first Round 1 CT victory of 2017 today over WSL Champions Carissa Moore (HAW) and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) at the Swatch Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris

SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Wednesday, September 6, 2017) - The opening day of the Swatch Pro at Trestles, Stop No. 7 of 10 on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), kicked off today with Round 1 in  two-to-four foot (0.5 - 1.2 metre) waves. The women took full advantage of the famed cobblestone break of Lower Trestles and pushed the boundaries of surfing with innovative performances in the opening heats of the event. 
 
Silvana Lima (BRA) took out her first Round 1 win on the CT this season in an exciting battle against WSL Champions and former event winners Carissa Moore (HAW) and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS). The 35-minute heat saw consistent waves and multiple lead changes between the three veterans. Moore opened with a 7.00 to set the tone, but Lima put pressure on the three-time WSL Champion with a 7.33. In a battle of the backup scores, Moore fired a 6.87, but in a dramatic finish, Lima earned the win with a 6.97. Lima will advance straight through to Round 3, while Moore and Gilmore will surf again in elimination Round 2. 

“Oh my goodness, I saw my first surf heat was against Carissa [Moore] and Steph [Gilmore] and can’t believe I won this heat,” Lima said. “Could you believe that? My first heat win of the year against those two girls. It feels so good right now. I’ve been doing well on the QS and now I have more confidence coming back here to Lowers. I love surfing this wave. I just believed in myself and knew I just had to surf my best out there. Carissa is such a good surfer and Steph has so much style with her power surfing so I had to surf like myself and just keep going in that heat.”
 
Another major upset saw second-year CT surfer Keely Andrew (AUS) take down Tyler Wright (AUS), reigning WSL Champion, defending event winner and current World No. 1, and event wildcard Macy Callaghan (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 3. Wright captured an early lead with powerful turns for a 7.00 and 5.83, but Andrew stayed persistent and locked in a 6.00 to get back into the heat. With time winding down, Andrew capitalized on one last opportunity to take the lead with a 7.17. Wright was not able to meet the requirement on her last score and will be relegated to Round 2 with Callaghan. 
 
“I was pretty nervous going into the water, I just have so much respect for Tyler [Wright] and she’s smoked me so many times so to finally get a win is pretty great,” Andrew said. “I’m pretty happy, but it’s only one heat so it’s a good confidence booster moving forward. It’s nice though with the results I've gotten on the QS  to help give some leeway and some more confidence. It’s also nice to do it a bit earlier than last year so I can focus more on the CT starting now rather than later.” 


Caption: Courtney Conlogue (USA) put on a show for the San Clemente crowd with her progressive aerial maneuvers in Round 1. 
Credit: © WSL / Rowland

An extremely heated battle in Round 1 Heat 5 saw Californians Courtney Conlogue (USA) and Lakey Peterson (USA) compete with the highest single-wave scores of the day. Conlogue opened with a commanding 8.67, while Peterson fought back with a 7.67. Conlogue gained the advantage again with an 8.00. Peterson had one last attempt to take the heat, needing a near-perfect 9.00, but fell just short with an 8.33. Conlogue will advance to Round 3, while Peterson and Laura Enever (AUS) will compete again in Round 2. 
 
“It was definitely a great heat and Lakey [Peterson] has been looking really good out here just watching the training sessions, so I just wanted to get the ball rolling,” Conlogue said. “You had to time your turns properly and I ended up linking up with some good sets, and I was just having a blast. Pretty much my mission this year has been finding empty waves. I’ve just been surfing and doing a lot of yoga, which is great because it creates some structure and discipline to my routine.”
 
Current World No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) is off to a strong start at the Swatch Pro with a big win over 2017 CT Rookie Bronte Macaulay (AUS) and Coco Ho (HAW) in Round 1 Heat 4. Fitzgibbons earned a last-second victory with a 14.53 two-wave heat total over Macaulay’s 13.07 and Ho’s 11.27. Fitzgibbons showcased her sharp rail carves to earn the win and will look to deliver another high-performance display in Round 3. 
 
“I saw those last few heats and it looked a little tricky as the tide filled in and to have those back-and-forth conditions gave you that real excitement factor inside,” Fitzgibbons said. “I saw Bronte [Macaulay] take one and it had a good line to it so I kind of assumed she would get the score. So I started paddling in and had to get my hands off the rails with only five seconds left, and I just felt really nice and silky on that last one. It’s awesome to feel that competitive experience each time, especially Coco [Ho] and myself, being on tour nine or ten years. We continually match-up against each other, but I feel like you never really know a surfer just because the sport and all the women are evolving so fast and improving their game.”
 
The last heat of the day saw Sage Erickson (USA) fly through Round 1 Heat 6 with a 6.50 and 6.93 against Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) and Malia Manuel (HAW). So far, Erickson is keeping pace with her recent success at the Vans US Open of Surfing. The Californian will move directly on to Round 3 for the opportunity to continue her run at a second win in California this year. 
 
“I’ve been competing on the QS for eight years and the CT for five and even with that win [in Huntington Beach], I was still in frantic mode thinking I need to get to the Pantin QS event,” Erickson said. “But, my coach and everyone around just kept telling me ‘you’re fine, just relax,’ and I think there’s a different perspective and way that I’m going this year. I don’t want to just survive on this tour, I want to do well and sometimes it takes a while to choose your focus. Coming into this event, I was a little nervous just because I’ve never been an event winner before and I didn’t know how to go about it. I think that’s where I started getting into my own head again and that’s what has cost me in the past, so I just brought it back to the basics here.”
 
The opening heat of the day saw current World No. 5 Johanne Defay (FRA) take the win to advance straight to Round 3 over No.8 Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) and No. 13 Pauline Ado (FRA). In a close heat, Defay was able to collect a slight 1-point lead over Weston-Webb with an 11.50 two-wave score.
 
“It’s always Tatiana [Weston-Webb] and me, and I think we have a good balance going in heats,” Defay said. “She gets me sometimes and I get her sometimes, so I like competing against her. She’s such a good competitor and she’s surfing really well. It’s good training to be out there with a lot of people because everyone is surfing so well and this wave is just so much fun. I just want to break through the Quarters at this event and keep making the Final series every event for the rest of this year.”
 
With non-elimination Round 1 complete, the stage is set for the first elimination heats of the event in Round 2 when competition resumes. Event officials will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. local time to make the next call. 
 
Surfline, official forecaster for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, are calling for:
 
Fun size SSW swell mix prevails on Wednesday, although it will be gradually easing. Fading and smaller/small SSW swell mix prevails Thur-Fri, coming up slightly for the weekend as small, new SSW swell fills in. Next week looks better as back-to-back SSW to S swells move in Mondaythrough Thursday, with Wed-Thur likely enjoying the largest waves of the waiting period. 
 
The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL’s Facebook page.  Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal, Sport TV in Portugal and the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.
 
Swatch Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.50, Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) 10.50, Pauline Ado (FRA) 9.00
Heat 2: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.30, Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.87, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.97
Heat 3: Keely Andrew (AUS) 13.17, Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.83, Macy Callaghan (AUS) 7.86
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.53, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 13.07, Coco Ho (HAW) 11.27
Heat 5: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 16.67, Lakey Peterson (USA) 16.00, Laura Enever (AUS) 11.83
Heat 6: Sage Erickson (USA) 13.43, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 11.43, Malia Manuel (HAW) 6.47 
 
Swatch Pro Round 2 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 5: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
Heat 6: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Coco Ho (HAW)

Hurley Pro Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 4: Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Ethan Ewing (AUS)
Heat 5: John John Florence (HAW), Italo Ferreira (BRA), Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Evan Geiselman (USA)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Conner Coffin (USA), Stu Kennedy (AUS)
Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Joan Duru (FRA), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 10: Connor O’Leary (AUS), Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Heat 11: Kolohe Andino (USA), Frederico Morais (PRT), Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS), Michel Bourez (PYF), Ezekiel Lau (HAW)

Caption: Current Jeep Frontrunners Tyler Wright (AUS) and Jordy Smith (ZAF) are ready to defend their event titles at the Swatch Pro and Hurley Pro at Trestles. 
Credit: © WSL / Morris

SAN CLEMENTE, California/USA (Tuesday, September 5, 2017) - The world's best surfers have arrived in San Clemente, California for the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles. With the waiting period for Stops No. 7 and 8 of the Women’s and Men’s World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) opening tomorrow and running through September 17, the 2017 World Title contenders are eager to surf the famed cobblestone break of Lower Trestles. 

Current Jeep Leaderboard frontrunners and defending event winners Tyler Wright (AUS) and Jordy Smith (ZAF) are preparing to take on their competitors in Round 1. The CT rankings are extremely tight for this year’s World Title races, and this event will be critical for Wright and Smith to each keep their lead on the elite tours. 

2016 WSL Champion Wright will face 2016 WSL Rookie of the Year Keely Andrew (AUS) and event wildcard Macy Callaghan (AUS) in her first heat at the Swatch Pro. 

"Being in the Jeep Leader Jersey at Trestles is a good position to be in," said Wright. "This part of the year is probably my favorite because it is so interesting and will pretty much tell you who will win in the next contests. I am excited about being in the position I am in now. To be in the Jeep Leader Jersey is my way of saying thank you to the people who have helped me get here and to the people that are continually teaching me to evolve my surfing. I am serious about winning another title. It is what we are all here to do."

Smith will be up against an in-form 2017 rookie Ian Gouveia (BRA) and wildcard threat Evan Geiselman (USA) in Round 1 Heat 6. The South African’s powerful approach fits Lowers to near-perfection, but the two-time event winner will have to bring out his full arsenal against a hungry field that each have their advantages in the lineup.

“I’m pumped to be in the yellow Jeep Leader Jersey, it’s the first time for me and I really enjoy this wave here,” Smith said. “I’ve never been at the front like this. It’s something new for me, but I’m just psyched for this opportunity and where surfing is at the moment. Everyone is pushing themselves and surfing’s in a great place. I’m still chasing even though I’m in the front. It’s a really tight-knit group and I think from here on out it’s going to be the guy who's doing the best in the next four events, so for me it’s just head down and keep chipping away. I think Lowers is consistent and it’s a really high-performance wave so I can’t wait.”

On the women’s side, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) sits just behind Wright in the second position on the Jeep Leaderboard. The Australian earned a runner-up finish at this event in 2014 and is ready to take her first win at Lowers and the top spot on the rankings. Fitzgibbons will match-up against Coco Ho (HAW) and Bronte Macaulay (AUS) in Round 1. 

"I am so stoked to be back at Lowers," said Fitzgibbons. "It really is the ultimate playground for California. I am excited to really express my surfing and have a great time. I am loving the challenge on the CT. The game of surfing is always changing and there are new motivations and thoughts about strategy and approach. You really do not know what is going to happen and it feels like my first year on Tour again. I feel like my surfing has really come a long way since I was previously in that No. 2 spot."

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) currently sits in fourth on the Jeep Leaderboard after a strong start this year during the Australian leg. Recently, the six-time WSL Champion received an early elimination from the Vans US Open of Surfing and now looks to Trestles to revive her 2017 World Title Campaign. Given Gilmore’s past results at this event, a runner-up finish in 2016 and a win in 2014 (the year of her sixth WSL Title), the Australian superstar is undoubtedly a favorite to take out this event. 

"Lowers is one of the greatest waves in the world in my book," said Gilmore. "It is just so fun, playful and perfect. It is one of the world's greatest arenas for professional surfing because it lets every surfer showcase what they want to do on the wave. Lowers has been so good to me. I've won here before and made a Final last year. Lower Trestles shows every little imperfection in someone's surfing. It brings out the worst but it also brings out the best, and you have to surf at a new level and have to pay attention to those fine details. You have to be an entertainer. That is what this event is, you have to be the most entertaining surfer out there."

Courtney Conlogue (USA), Santa Ana local, is the hometown hero at this event. The current World No. 3 feels in great form after a break between events and is committed to performing throughout the Swatch Pro. A win here will mark Conlogue's first CT victory in her home state, but she will first need to defeat fellow Californian Lakey Peterson (USA) and Laura Enever (AUS) in Round 1.

"I've been surfing Lowers since I was six years old and this place is really special to me," Conlogue said. "We would come here on the weekends when I was growing up so I definitely have a great relationship with this wave. My focus is to surf and perform my best in every single heat. I've been working a lot during this break and I'm looking forward to putting my jersey back on." 

Reigning Men’s WSL Champion and current Men’s No. 2 John John Florence (HAW) comes into the Hurley Pro with two equal 13th-place finishes already and faces off in a hefty Round 1 Heat 5 match-up against former Rookie of the Year Italo Ferreira (BRA) and dangerous wildcard Hiroto Ohhara (JPN). However, Florence’s past performances here make him one to watch with his incredible aerial antics and powerful rail game to match his driven mindset. 

“The waves have been really fun the last couple days even though the forecast said it was going to be smaller, so I’m super excited we’ll probably have waves for the event,” Florence said. “I’ve made the Finals here before and I feel like this event is such a cool one because it really suits a lot of guys’ surfing on tour. If you do make the Finals of this one or win it, you’re doing something right. It’s probably the closest thing to a wave pool we have on tour -- it’s just such a machine. The goal is to win the event, but it boils down to the smaller things that add up to the bigger picture and that’s what I’ve been focusing on since I got here. It’s such a close year and everyone’s been on their game so it’ll take something special to really get ahead moving into the last few events. The level of surfing is pretty insane right now, which makes it that much more exciting to see what happens next.”

Current No. 5 on the Jeep Leaderboard Julian Wilson (AUS) is a former runner-up at this event in 2013 but hasn’t done better than equal 13th since. However, Wilson comes into this year’s event with plenty of momentum after winning the Billabong Tahiti Pro and will face a Brazilian duo of Caio Ibelli (BRA) and Jadson Andre (BRA) in Round 1 Heat 2. 

“It was a little while between wins so it’s really nice to get that winning feeling back and I’m happy to be here at Trestles again,” Wilson said. “I’ve had some moments in the past out here where I feel like I’ve been a little more creative and gotten some good scores doing it, so I’ll keep my mind open this week and look forward to the opportunities. I’m definitely back in the conversation coming off a great string of events after a pretty slow start to the year. I honestly feel like the Tour is at the strongest place it’s ever been and I think that is reflected by the seven different winners we’ve had. This year makes it super exciting with every single heat having something to talk about so you have to bring your A-game more than ever at the moment.”

Matt Wilkinson (AUS) already has a win of his own in 2017 at the Outerknown Fiji Pro, but is also counting an equal 13th result toward his Title campaign (he will drop his equal 25th place finish from Margaret River earlier this year). The goofyfooter’s strong backhand attack make him one to watch on the rights of Lowers and is something he’ll have to count on once more against the world’s best. Wilkinson must start off his Trestles campaign in Round 1 Heat 4 against the powerful Bede Durbidge (AUS) and rookie Ethan Ewing (AUS), who’s itching for his first real result of the season.

“It’s crazy to have almost the whole Top 10 in the Title Race coming into the back end of the year and the Top 6 are real tight so to come into this event it might be time to double up on a win and hopefully that’s me,” Wilkinson said. “As a goofyfooter you have hold off the temptation of going left a little bit. It’s one of the most rippable waves on tour and I think just keeping tempo on the waves is pretty key to hunting big scores out here. Last year I started so well then slowly just let it slip away but I definitely gave my best and learned a whole lot about myself. Now, being in that leading pack just makes me a little more hungry to get some more ground on people.”

2017 Oi Rio Pro winner Adriano de Souza (BRA) adds to the stacked list of event winners in 2017 and currently sits at No. 6, in need of a result here at Lowers to propel him back into the conversation of a major World Title threat once more. The 2015 WSL Champion kicks off the match-ups at Lowers in Round 1 Heat 1 against fellow countrymen Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) and Miguel Pupo (BRA). 

“Trestles for me is special because I lived down here a couple of years back and I have a great relationship with everyone here,” De Souza said. “I have respect for the wave, the people, the place, so I feel comfortable. I think this is one of the most high-performance waves we have on the tour. It is a very tight group right now in the World Title race. The next three events will be really important for us to step up.”

Surfline, official forecaster for the Hurley Pro at Trestles, are calling for:

The first few days of the waiting period look slow at this time with a small mix of southerly swells and local NW windswell. The second half of the waiting period looks a bit more promising with potential for fun size S swells and favorable conditions.  

The Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles will be broadcast LIVE via WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app and on Facebook LIVE via the WSL’s Facebook page.  Also check the local listings for coverage on CBS Sports Network in the U.S., Fox Sports in Australia, ESPN in Brazil, Sky NZ in New Zealand, SFR Sports in France and Portugal, Sport TV in Portugal and the EDGEsport Network.
 
For more information, check out WorldSurfLeague.com.

Hurley Pro Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 2: Julian Wilson (AUS), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 4: Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Ethan Ewing (AUS)
Heat 5: John John Florence (HAW), Italo Ferreira (BRA), Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Evan Geiselman (USA)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Conner Coffin (USA), Stu Kennedy (AUS)
Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Joan Duru (FRA), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Heat 10: Connor O’Leary (AUS), Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Kanoa Igarashi (USA)
Heat 11: Kolohe Andino (USA), Frederico Morais (PRT), Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS), Michel Bourez (PYF), Ezekiel Lau (HAW)

Swatch Pro Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1:Johanne Defay (FRA), Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW), Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Carissa Moore (HAW), Silvana Lima (BRA)
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS), Keely Andrew (AUS), Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Coco Ho (HAW), Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 5: Courtney Conlogue (USA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Laura Enever (AUS)
Heat 6: Sage Erickson (USA), Nikki Van Dijk (AUS), Malia Manuel (HAW)