It’s no wonder the teenage surfer has earned the moniker “pride of Oceanside.”
Caitlin Simmers, at just 18 years old, showed the surfing world what she’s capable of at the first World Surf League World Tour stop of the 2024 competitive season, conquering the barreling, death-defying waves at bombing Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu and earning the prestigious Pipe Pro title. She’s now in first place in the rankings.
Simmers battled Australian Molly Picklum in the finals on Saturday, Feb. 10, after winning heat after heat against the world’s best women surfers. The women’s event at Pipeline was added just a few years ago – the surf break tests athletes’ barrel-riding skills.
Simmers, who kicks off her second year on tour, showed no hesitation in the 6- to 8-foot surf, pulling deep into the barrel and getting completely covered up by the wave’s lip at times.
“This wave is terrifying; I respect everyone who wants a part of it and everyone who doesn’t because it’s really scary out there,” Simmers said in an interview with the WSL following her win. “It starts with all the girls that battled the guys and barely got any waves, and I hope that this event showed the girls can do it … I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
Picklum posted an early near-perfect score of 9.27 to take the lead, but Simmers found a 8.83 and followed it up with a smaller wave to surpass her opponent. Picklum couldn’t find the backup score she needed to secure the win and Simmers earned the title.
“Molly’s a guru, she’s probably the best girl out here in my opinion,” Simmers said of her opponent. “One heat out here is like months of experience, and getting barreled in a heat with your friend is the most fun thing in the world.”
Picklum said being out in the water with Simmers was “amazing.”
“I was enjoying every moment and enjoying the rides,” she said. “It feels like a second home here, and I’m thankful for all the locals that are really encouraging us women, show us around and show us how it’s done.”
The victory was Simmers’ third World Tour win in her short career. Last year, she had enough wins to make it to the Final 5 championships at Lower Trestles. Though she was knocked out in early rounds, she proved she’s a force.
On the men’s side, it was an all-Hawaiian match up with Barron Mamiya going up against John John Florence – both grew up on the North Shore.
The San Clemente surfers on tour – brothers Griffin and Crosby Colapinto, Kade Matson and Cole Houshmand on the men’s side – saw early-round exits from the event, as did San Diego surfer Jake Marshall. On the women’s side, San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad and San Diego’s Alyssa Spencer earned an equal ninth place result.
In other news that shocked the surf world, current and two-time world champion Filipe Toledo, a Brazilian who calls San Clemente home, withdrew from the remainder of the 2024 season, citing the need for a mental health break.
“In the past, I have been honest about some of my challenges not only with injuries, but also with mental health. Competing at the highest level for the past decade has taken a toll on me, and I need a break to recover for the next chapter of my career,” Toledo said in an announcement.
“I have so much passion for the sport, but I need some time off to fully recover so I can come back stronger than ever,” he said, noting the WSL will give him a wildcard for the start of the 2025 season. “I hope my fans around the world understand this decision and will stick with me when I return to the tour next year.”
The WSL supports Toledo’s decision to prioritize his mental and physical health. Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL chief of sport, said, “The commitment and dedication involved in competing at the highest level can be all-consuming.”
Toledo is expected to still compete at the Olympics later this year for country Brazil.
Surfers will now gear up for the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, also in Hawaii, with the competition window running through Feb. 22.
More information: worldsurfleague.com