Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira Triumph at Surf Abu Dhabi Pro

Photo:Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira with WSL Adu Dhabi trophiesCredit: WSL / Max Physick

In only her third season on the Championship Tour, Caitlin Simmers (USA) showcased her skill and composure, securing her seventh CT victory. After finishing as runner-up in the season opener at the Lexus Pipe Pro, she now leads the rankings.

Simmers' performance reached a high point in her Semifinal against Gabriela Bryan (HAW), where her fluid style contrasted with Bryan’s raw aggression. She delivered the event’s highest single-wave score, a 9.57, executing a smooth and powerful roundhouse cutback. In the Final against Molly Picklum (AUS), the competition remained intense until the last wave.

"I feel like when me and Molly are out there we just laugh at each other. It's pretty fun. The most pressure you're going to feel is when you're in a wave pool waiting for your wave, and you know exactly what you need, and you know you're going to get the opportunity to get it, but you don't know if you're actually going to. It's pretty much just skill. It’s not luck, like when you're in the ocean hoping for the right wave. The pool is going to send you the wave, and you have to deliver. That makes it really special for me."

Photo: Caity Simmers - Adu Dhabi tube Credit: WSL / Max Physick

With a decisive final wave, Simmers secured her win, edging out Picklum in a closely contested battle. Picklum, who has historically performed well early in the season, now sits at World No. 2 heading into the next event in Portugal.

"All I can think of is really just how thankful I am, honestly. I'm thankful for surfing, for just being able to ride waves. It's like the funnest thing ever, I really enjoy it. And I'm thankful for Molly because she makes me surf my best, and I feel like we both do that to each other, so that's always fun. And yeah, I'm thankful for my friends and my family and all the love I got around me."

Ferreira Secures 10th CT Victory, Claims Top Ranking

Brazilian Surfer Italo Ferreira (BRA) continued his strong momentum from the previous season, securing his 10th CT win. His path to victory included a commanding performance in the Semifinals, where he posted a 17.37 score, and a dominant display in the Final against Rio Waida (INA).

"Wow, I was super excited. I woke up today watching, moving, preparing my mind for those runs. In a wave pool, it’s always super exciting when you have a wave or a chance to perform. You're always going harder and bigger, and that's what I did. I was so glad to have those moments and have all my team behind."

Ferreira’s win was particularly significant, given his previous runner-up finish at a similar wave pool event. His aggressive and high-speed approach left Waida with no room to respond in the Final, firmly establishing Ferreira as a title contender.

Waida’s Strong Finish Signals Rising Momentum

Rio Waida (INA) displayed remarkable confidence throughout the event, securing a spot in his second career Final. After overcoming Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Ethan Ewing (AUS), he continued to push his limits but ultimately fell short against the dominant Ferreira.

"I feel happy and sad, you know. Of course, I was stoked to make the Final, but at the same time, I was like, ‘Damn it, I lost.’ I'm happy the fire is there. I wasn't satisfied, so I feel like I will go back home and train harder for Portugal. I'm excited and happy to be here. Abu Dhabi is so beautiful, and everyone is welcoming, so I’m just blessed."

Photo: Italo Ferreira wins Abu Dhabi 2025 Credit: WSL / Manel Geada

Fierro and Robinson Shine in Semifinal Appearances

Vahine Fierro (FRA) delivered a standout performance, earning the event’s first excellent score with an 8.00 in the Quarterfinals. Her strong backhand technique allowed her to eliminate defending World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) before falling to Picklum in the Semifinals.

Jack Robinson (AUS) also impressed, overcoming Yago Dora (BRA) in the Quarterfinals before being halted by Ferreira. His performance marked a turnaround from previous wave pool struggles, reinforcing his growing confidence in controlled environments.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro 2025 Final Results

Women’s Final

1 - Caitlin Simmers (USA) 16.10
2 - Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.70

Men’s Final

1 - Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.27
2 - Rio Waida (INA) 14.50

Women’s Semifinals

HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.77 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 10.53
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 15.14 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.53

Men’s Semifinals

HEAT 1: Rio Waida (INA) 15.93 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.70
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.37 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.03