It was only a matter of time before 15-year-old Eden Walla put all the pieces together on a big stage. And that’s exactly what she did last weekend, taking out the Super Girl Pro to become the youngest event winner ever. Facing off against Tahiti’s Kiara Goold, who’s only 14 years old, the final was not only historic, it was a clear sign that the women’s youth movement is going gaining more and more momentum.
With challenging, small-scale conditions on offer at the Oceanside pier, Walla put a little local knowledge to good use. Growing up in San Clemente, her and her brother, Zion, often make the short trip down the freeway to train in the peaky beachbreak surf.
“It means so much to me. I’ve been watching this event for so long and thank you to all my friends for supporting me, they’re the best,” Walla shared afterwards.
The Super Girl Pro has a long, storied history of providing a platform for young women to shine. Previous winners include world champs Caroline Marks and Carissa Moore. And now, after earning wins at prestigious junior events such as the Rip Curl GromSearch, USA Surfing and NSSA contests, as well as a copper medal at the ISA World Junior Championships last may.
“I just tried to channel all my energy that I had today into that last heat and I’m stoked,” Walla continued. “Always have faith in yourself and always believe in yourself, and always have fun.”
For her part in the final, Goold came away with a smile and appreciation for the experience. “It’s super cool this being my first QS ever and I’m super proud of myself because I tried to make a big maneuver going for an air,” said Goold. “Even though I didn’t land it was still really fun and I’m stoked to the make the Final.”
The final between Walla and Goold comes on the heals of 18-year-old Caity Simmers, who hails from Oceanside, winning the 2024 world champ and making history as the youngest WSL world champs, as well as 17-year-old Erin Brooks win at the Fiji Pro and 13-year-old Tya Zebrowski storming the Qualifying Series in Europe.
The WSL’s North America Qualifying Series season continues with the Surf Open Acapulco, which gets underway on October 15 at Playa Revolcadero, Acapulco, Mexico.
Related: Meet 13-Year-Old Tya Zebrowski, the Next Teen Surf Prodigy on the Blocks
Related: Australia Ends Title Drought at ISA World Junior Championships