Simmers’ undeniable backhand took her all the way atop the podium. Credit: WSL/ Morris

Caitlin Simmers (USA) claimed the 2021 US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach presented by Shiseido, the opening stop on the 2021 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS), victories. Simmers’ dynamic win against Gabriela Bryan (HAW) marked the biggest WSL win in her young career.

Simmers’ decimating backhand put Bryan against the ropes with a 7.17 (out of a possible 10) at the 14-minute mark, leaving the surfer from Kauai, Hawaii, in need of a 7.83 heading in the dying minutes. With the ocean not providing limited high-scoring possibilities, Bryan was left waiting for a wave as time expired. Pure elation from Simmers followed the final horn as the 15-year-old immortalized herself with her first major WSL victory. She has now gone back-to-back in Huntington Beach after winning the US Open Pro Junior trophy in 2019.

“I don’t really have much to say other than I’m really happy and stoked everything went my way,” expressed Simmers. “I noticed it was really high tide so I couldn’t do what I did in my last heat where I waited 20-minutes for a wave so I just tried to get a quick start. I’m not really trying to qualify and just want to have fun in France and Portugal, and just surf, and enjoy myself.”

In the Semifinals, Simmers had to overcome two-time US Open victor and CT veteran Courtney Conlogue (USA), which she did via a near-excellent 7.83 and and solid 14.83 (out of a possible 20) heat total. While the Oceanside, California, competitor may not be thinking about joining the world’s best just yet, her incredible start to 2021 ends with a hoist up the beach.

“Nothing’s really changed in my mindset this year and I think it’s just doing what I usually do and it’s working out,” Simmers added. “I’m just so stoked to win this one after winning the Pro Junior the last time this event ran and it feels really good to beat Gabriela (Bryan) because she was ripping this whole event.”

Bryan looked unstoppable and overpowered CT veteran Coco Ho (HAW) in brilliant fashion. Credit: WSL/ Morris

This marks Bryan’s biggest result of her young career as the 19-year-old adds 8,000 points towards CT qualification. Bryan had to overcome one of her idols Coco Ho (HAW) in a tight Semifinal battle that witnessed the next generation overpower the veteran experience of Ho before her showdown with Simmers. Now, she prepares for a two-event Challenger Series run through Europe to try and solidify herself within the Top 6 and make her dreams of joining the world’s best come true.

“I knew the surfing had to be sevens or above and unfortunately I just didn’t get the waves that I wanted,” said Bryan. “I’m really happy with the way I performed this week and now I’m looking forward to Europe. Second-place is an amazing accomplishment and I’m super proud of myself even though I would’ve like to have won. But I couldn’t ask for a better support crew and everyone sending messages – I really appreciate it.”

Former CT competitor and world-renowned surfer Coco Ho (HAW) fell just shy of a Finals appearance after a brilliant showing from eventual runner-up Bryan. Ho notches 6,500 points toward rejoining the world’s best before heading to Europe in hopes of solidifying another big result.

A dominant run by two-time US Open victor Courtney Conlogue (USA) was cut short by in-form, eventual winner, Simmers. Conlogue now looks to train hard in the offseason and prepare for a World Title run on the CT next year beginning at Pipeline in January.

Next, competitors prepare for the MEO Vissla Pro Ericeira held at the iconic Portuguese pointbreak of Ribeira D’Ilhas beginning October 2 – 13. It’s the first of two stops in the Old World. The second stop will be the Quiksilver Pro France October 16 – 24.

Challenger Series surfers are competing for a chance to advance to the elite Championship Tour in 2022. The top three results will be counted at season’s end. For the men, that means finishing in the Top 12. For the women, a Top 6 finish in this year’s condensed four-event season earns a spot to the CT.

Global partners for the US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach pres. by Shiseido include Michelob Ultra, Jeep, Hydro Flask, Expedia, Red Bull, Oakley Sunglasses, and BFGoodrich join with event partners Frontier, Flying Ember, US Army, Apple Test, Fu Wax, Super73, Regional, DraftKings, and Waterloo along with local sponsor Visit Huntington Beach representing for Surf City USA.

US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach Women’s Final Results:
1 – Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.90
2 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 10.60

US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach Women’s Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 11.60 DEF. Coco Ho (HAW) 7.94
SF 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 14.83 DEF. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.34