Big scores were the feature of Sunday’s competition as the Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro Powered by Celsius awarded Alyssa Spencer the coveted red cape. While Spencer won the 2021 Super Girl Pro in Jacksonville, Fla., the Encinitas native had yet to top the podium in the Oceanside competition.
Spencer is the second competitor in the history of the event to win Super Girl capes on both the East and West Coasts and did so before a hometown crowd.
“Winning a coast-to-coast cape is amazing, it’s honestly a dream come true,” said Spencer following her win. “I’ve had this event written down in my checklist of goals for a long time, pretty much since I started surfing. So, to win it feels amazing.”
Spencer faced San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad in the final and the two premier competitors provided fireworks. Spencer’s aggressive forehand set the tone for the final, earning an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) and 5.83 early in the heat to put pressure on Lindblad. But, the defending Super Girl Surf Pro champion Lindblad responded in dynamic form, posting a 7.93 on her first wave. Spencer ended the 35-minute heat with a 16.03 total score to earn the top spot over Lindblad’s 14.30.
“I’m really excited to make it to the podium again. And, if I make a few final heats in upcoming competitions, I will make it on the WSL Championship Tour, which is just crazy to think about,” said Lindblad, who was the youngest Super Girl Pro Surf champion (at age 17) when she won last year’s event in Oceanside.
Putting on a showcase of their own heading into the Semifinals, Zoe Benedetto (USA) and Keala Tomoda-Bannnert (HAW) both provided dazzling moments throughout finals day. Benedetto’s incredible, 8.67 start to her Round of 16 dual with Erin Brooks (CAN)) kicked off finals day in an excellent fashion. One of Kauai’s standout competitors, Tomoda-Bannert extended her rankings’ lead after overpowering Bella Kenworthy (USA) in the Round of 16 and an in-form Taylor Stacy (USA) in the quarterfinals before facing eventual second-place finisher Lindblad in a dramatic semifinal heat.
LONGBOARD CONTEST
Nearly 20 years ago, San Diego’s Summer Romero was WLB’s World Champion. Today she won the third Super Girl Pro Longboard cape, besting Montauk, N.Y.’s Chloe Coleman in the finals. Sally Cohen (HAW) repeated a third-place finish, sharing with Lara Clayton (HAW).
“I’m from an older generation and these up-and-comers inspire me and are just very fun to watch,” noted Romero from the podium. “Longboarding is where it’s at. I think everyone should longboard.”
FESTIVAL VILLAGE
In addition to the world-class surfing, the event featured an action-packed Festival Village with 15 live concerts and family-friendly activities; the annual Super Girl Gamer esports tournament; an all-female DJ Competition; celebrity speakers; panel discussions promoting female leadership and sustainability; a female art exhibition; and autograph signings.
The Nissan Concert Series, part of the Celsius Essential Vibes Tour, included 15 artists performing free live concerts, featuring star acts like Sean Kingston, Aloe Blacc, Bea Miller, Beach Weather, Flipturn, Loren Gray, Bipolar Sunshine, and many more.
“Nissan is proud to be the 2019 title sponsor of the Super Girl Surf Pro,” said Shawn Mirabal, regional vice president, of Nissan North America. “We are committed to the Super Girl Pro Series of surf and snow events and its mission to celebrate female empowerment and strength. As a company, we have the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of women through action sports. We look forward to continuing our support in 2020 at Nissan Super Girl Snow Pro.”
New elements for 2023 included a women’s beach volleyball tournament; a female content creators showcase; a fashion show; and a women’s pro skimboarding event.
“We’re thrilled to continue to grow this event not only as a showcase for the world’s best surfers but also as a platform for women’s empowerment,” said Rick Bratman, CEO of ASA Entertainment, the event’s producer. “By expanding the surf contest to include a full festival — with big-name concerts, art, fitness, fashion, esports, and so much more — we’re able to elevate women across all of those platforms to new audiences.”
The next Super Girl Surf Pro event will be held in Jacksonville, Fla., from Nov. 10-12. For event information, visit supergirlsurfpro.com. Follow @SupergirlPro on Instagram.
