After a few days of waiting for swell, the Surf City Pro El Salvador resumed on Friday to wrap up the semifinals and finals for both the men and women.
On the men’s side, it was a rematch of last year with Griffin Colapinto taking on Filipe Toledo. This time, however, Toledo bested Colapinto for the win. On the women’s draw, Caroline Marks faced Tyler Wright, and although Wright suffered an injury in the final heat, forcing her to exit the water early, Marks had already sealed the deal.
Hit play below for full event highlights.
“I was like Griff, give me a break [laughs],” said Toledo. “We’ve been meeting every Final. It’s been fun. I was just super focused. I was concentrating on what I was doing and what I wanted to do. I woke up yesterday and my back was feeling kind of weird. I tried to surf and it was bothering me, so I took a break in the afternoon yesterday. This morning I woke up even worse. I could barely walk. But I’m grateful for the whole team that I have. And shout out to my mom. It’s her birthday today. That’s for you, mom. That’s your present. Love you.”
“This time last year was my first event back after one of the hardest times of my life, so I’m emotional,” said Marks. “I’ve been super inspired by the younger girls and all the new energy on Tour. It’s been really cool. I haven’t won a CT since 2021, so I’m just super stoked. This is the best feeling ever.”
As for the rankings, Colapinto still maintains the number one spot, with Toledo trailing close behind. On the women’s side, Carissa Moore sits on top, with Wright nipping at her heels.
Next up, the Championship Tour heads to Brazil for the VIVO Rio Pro, an event known for its thumping, yet often wonky, beachbreaks and its rabid fans. Following the judging controversy at the Surf Ranch event earlier this season, it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. Count on some drama from that one.
The VIVO Rio Pro is slated for June 23rd – July 1st; stay tuned.
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