Day 1: Men’s Opening Round – No suprises Toledo on fire, Slater Knocked Out Early

Competition began in clean 3-4 ft surf, ideal for Lower Trestles’ long, rippable walls. While the conditions allowed for technical surfing and power carves, a few surprising outcomes emerged.

Standout Heat: Heat 3 – Italo Ferreira vs. Kelly Slater vs. Marco Mignot
This was the most talked-about heat of the day—not just because of the return of 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, but because of how sharp Italo looked. He combined speed with committed lip attacks and earned a 15.20 heat total. Slater, who looked tentative and underpowered, bowed out early with a total under 10. His turns lacked explosiveness, and his wave selection let him down.

Best Performance of the Day – Filipe Toledo
Toledo came out looking focused, with fast, precise rail work and a near-flawless flow between maneuvers. He posted one of the highest heat totals of the round (16.70), putting himself firmly in the conversation as a top contender.

Other Key Results:

• Griffin Colapinto edged out a scrappy heat over Ethan Ewing in Heat 6, leveraging local knowledge.

• Yago Dora showed good form, progressing with solid backhand surfing.

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Day 2: Women’s Opening Round – Youth Shine, Veterans Steady

The women hit the water on day two, with slightly smaller surf but still clean lines. The field is deep this year, with several younger surfers looking sharp and the veterans showing consistency.

Breakout Heat: Heat 4 – Caroline Marks vs. Luana Silva vs. Brisa Hennessy
Marks surfed with confidence and power, linking tight snaps and strong finishes. Her 14.83 heat total showed she's still one of the most technically sound surfers on tour. Silva, though younger, pushed the pace and kept it close.

Top Score of the Day – Caitlin Simmers
Still only 19, Simmers laid down an electric performance in Heat 2. Her variety, particularly air attempts and backside blow-tails, earned her the highest single-wave score of the day (an 8.67) and a total of 16.30. She’s fearless and may be a serious threat if conditions hold.

Other Highlights:

• Tyler Wright advanced with a solid, no-frills approach, showing her typical control and polish.

• Gabriela Bryan snuck through a slow heat with sharp backhand work.

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Early Favorites for the Event

Men:

• Filipe Toledo – His speed and precision are well suited to Trestles’ right-hand walls.

• Griffin Colapinto – Local advantage and great rail game.

• Italo Ferreira – Looking sharp and aggressive; thrives in high-paced heats.

Women:

• Caitlin Simmers – Most dynamic surfer so far; can beat anyone if conditions stay playful.

• Caroline Marks – Smart, composed, and powerful in her turns.

• Tyler Wright – Veteran edge, and her fitness gives her consistency in shifting conditions.