Despite her age, Erin Brooks has an impressive surfing resume. In 2021, she won the Rip Curl GromSearch. In 2022, she won gold at the ISAs for team Canada. In 2022, she competed in the Padang Padang Cup, making the final against a field of men nearly twice her age. In 2023, during her rookie year on the Challenger Series, she took home the win at the Corona Pro. This year, she upped the ante by scoring a perfect 10 at Snapper to win the Gold Coast Pro and is well on her way to qualifying for the 2025 Championship Tour.
At just 17 years old, Brooks has developed a reputation as a fierce competitor matched by her friendly demeanor off the water. She’s known for her prowess at barrel riding and her impressive aerials. She attributes her success in heavy waves to her upbringing on Oahu’s North Shore and a nomadic lifestyle that has allowed her to surf big waves around the world. Thanks to her success on the Challenger Series and her knack for riding big, barreling waves, Brooks has been awarded the wildcard for the Fiji Pro. We caught up with Brooks between sessions and asked how the year has been going, her experience at Cloudbreak, and where her head’s at leading into the competition.
SURFER: How has this year’s Challenger Series been going?
Erin Brooks: The Australia leg of the CS was awesome. I won the first event at Snapper and finished second at Narabeen. My 10-point ride at Snapper was something I will never forget. I came out of the barrel, and I could hear the crowd cheering. It was my first 10-point ride ever and a special moment for me. I really love surfing in Australia.
Shortly after I tore two ligaments in my ankle, so the last two events were more difficult for me to surf in because I was wearing a brace. I’m slowly getting better and looking forward to the rest of the year. I’m really hoping for a strong finish so I can qualify for the CT next year.
Pat Nolan / WSL
A performance you’re particularly proud of or anything else?
This year has been one with amazing highs and lows and I’m most proud of how I’ve handled both. I’ve enjoyed the wins and I’ve learned to let the losses motivate me to push harder to improve. I’ve also made some really good friends on the CS from around the world and that has made the whole experience of surfing and competing so much more fun.
You’re on track for Championship Tour qualification. Are you hoping to qualify?
I am really excited for the opportunity to qualify for the CT, and I will definitely do the tour if I qualify. The waves on the CT are all so fun and I want the chance to surf them with the best girls in the world.
What does it mean for you to have the wildcard at Cloudbreak?
I’ve always dreamed of being on the CT, so it was a dream come true to get the wildcard for Cloudbreak. I love warm water and left-hand barrels, so I couldn’t have hoped for a better location. I’m just praying for big barreling conditions and sunny days.
This is my first CT event. I’m excited to surf against the best female surfers in the world but I’m also nervous because the girls on the CT are amazing. I feel like left hand barrels really suit my surfing so I feel I can give anyone a run for their money if it’s big and barreling.
What’s your experience surfing Cloudbreak?
I came to Cloudbreak for the first time this past April with Jarvis Earle and Luke Swanson and had some of the best barrel rides of my life. Fiji is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the waves are so fun. I’m just so happy to be here and so excited for this opportunity.
Do you have a strategy going into the comp?
My strategy is to have as much fun as possible and to learn as much as I can. I really have nothing to lose out there and everything to gain. I’m just going to go out there and send it.
I surf best when I’m happy and I’m happiest when I free surf, so in contests I just go out and treat the heat like a free surf session. The only real difference is that I catch less waves and I’m more patient which is hard when you are in the lineup with only a few girls.
Do you have a surfer on tour who you particularly admire?
I am actually up against Caroline Marks and Tatiana Weston-Webb in my first heat and they are two of my favorite goofy foot surfers. They also just won gold and silver medals at the Olympics, so I admire both of them. That being said, if I had to pick one surfer, I admire the most on tour it would be Gabriel Medina. He is so good in every condition, and he is the ultimate competitor.
How do you keep your composure going up against the best in the world?
I learned to surf in Hawaii so almost every session there are pros in the water and every surf can feel like a contest so I’m kind of used to it. I try to only focus on what I’m doing and not worry too much about who I’m competing against. I know if I can catch two good waves, I have a chance against anyone.
Related: Sierra Kerr and Erin Brooks to Make CT Debut as Wildcards in Fiji Pro
With you, Caity Simmers, and Sawyer Lindblad all competing, there’s a solid representation of the next generation of female surfers. What’s it like being part of this up-and-coming crew of women?
I’ve been so inspired by what Caity and Sawyer have done so far in their professional careers. They are both amazing surfers and more importantly really nice people. Just being able to compete with them is exciting. I hope we get to travel and compete together for years to come.
What would you say your greatest strengths are as a surfer?
I wasn’t gifted with natural strength or size. My nickname growing up was “Itty Bitty” because I was so small. Being a small surfer has forced me to work hard on the things I can control, which are my technique, strength training, and the placement of my maneuvers on waves. This has allowed me to be a fast and progressive surfer, which I think is my greatest strength. My Dad always tells me that little people can do big things and that’s my goal every time I paddle out.
What are some things you’re working on?
Surfing is so fun because there is always something new to work on or a new wave to surf. I’m always working on airs because they are so fun and challenging at the same time. I’m also trying to improve my overall knowledge as a competitor.
What are your goals looking forward?
My short-term goal in the water is to qualify for the CT this year and my goal out of the water is to find the time to get my driver’s license. My long-term goals are to compete for WSL World Titles and Olympic medals someday.
Anything else?
I am so excited to see Surfer back in print. Seeing yourself online or social media is cool but there is just something special about being in the magazine!
Related: Who Will Win at Cloudbreak? SURFER Staff Makes Picks for Fiji Pro.
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