Brisa’s recipe for success going into this weekend’s WSL final.
Brisa Hennessy interview by Beth Franklin. Photos WSL.
“This was a big year for believing in myself”
After an incredible season that saw the world’s best surfers compete at some of the most challenging waves in the world, the WSL will crown its 2024 champion this weekend.
The Final 5 surfers vying for the title have tackled every sort of wave, from Pipeline to Teahupo’o. They will now compete in a single day at Lower Trestles to win the world title.
Caitlyn Simmers is heading into finals day wearing the Yellow Jersey and will have to compete against either Caroline Marks, Brisa Hennessy, Molly Picklum or Tatiana Weston-Webb across three heats to claim her first world title.
Ahead of the big weekend, we caught up with the current world No.3 Brisa Hennessy who will need to knock out Molly Picklum or Tatiana Weston-Webb to keep her title dreams alive.
Brisa, how will you approach the World Tour Final compared with regular tour stops?
It’s definitely going to be more of an endurance-filled day, and it’s going to be a pressure-filled one too. This event is intense and exciting. I think we’re hopefully all going to bring the heat.
Do you do anything different or keep your same game plan for finals weekend?
I think a little bit of both. I think just really trying to navigate my stress and make sure my energy levels are good.
I’ll make sure I’m taking those mindful little rests so that I’m able to show up in every heat as my best self and of course ensure I’m well recovered and rejuvenated.
You’ve had your best season so far this year, what do you put that down to?
I’ve made so many different changes this year, I was able to take all my challenges and use it as my greatest weapon. I’ve been able to see the strength I have within me. It was a big year for believing in myself and I think that was the key ingredient.
Also enjoying the process which is easier said than done. This year I was really able to take a step back and enjoy all the little in between moments, which I think took away the pressure. I think I was able to find my flow within that.
What will you be doing on the day to stay psyched? What tunes do you listen to?
It just depends on how I’m feeling on that day, I’ll wake up and see how I’m feeling. There’s certain days where I feel amped and need that ramp up, so I’ll listen to rap or some crazy psycho stuff. Then other days when I need to listen to soothing sounds or do more breath work.
What keeps you motivated every season?
I think as competitors we’re just addicted to that feeling. I don’t know what I would be without surfing. I love the challenge that you have to constantly reinvent yourself. You learn so much about yourself when you’re on the World Tour and I feel like I’ve just grown so much as a person and an athlete every single year.
I love that I can show up and be anyone that I want to be in a jersey and that’s super refreshing to me. It has given me a new strength, and view to see the world.
What would you say to young girls hoping to get into competitive surfing?
I always think about what I would say to my younger self. It’s so simple but just trying to not look too far ahead. Those moments when you’re younger, you’re passionate and fresh, I think that’s the secret ingredient to going far.
If you’re able to tune into yourself, and you’re surfing for yourself, having fun and loving it because that’s what you started surfing. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself.
Also enjoy the process because we’re not in a rush. It’s a marathon not a sprint.
