Caity Simmers in a red jersey and cap holding a wooden winner's trophy above her head on the podium, with other finalists and officials beside her in front of sponsor boards

Photo: WSL/Andrew Shield

Caity Simmers wins the first Philippines Pro at Cloud 9

Caity Simmers won the inaugural Philippines Pro at Cloud 9, on the island of Siargao in the southern Philippines, beating Isabella Nichols in the Final after taking seven stitches to her ankle earlier in the event. It is her first World Surf League Championship Tour win of 2026 and moves the 2024 World Champion into third on the rankings before the season finale at Pipeline in Hawaii.

Simmers Claims First Win of 2026 Season to Reenter Title Conversation

Caity Simmers (USA) has claimed her first event win of the 2026 season at the inaugural Philippines Pro. Simmers looked to be one of the women to beat all event with her trademark tube riding and committed turns, earning some of the biggest scores of every round this week. It was a tough road to the final for Simmers, as a collision with opponent Yolanda Hopkins (POR) in her Quarterfinal resulted in an unintentional interference call and seven stitches to her ankle. It was a breakthrough victory for the 2024 WSL World Champion, who, before today, had only managed one event win from five finals since the start of the 2025 season, but with back-to-back Finals in Portugal and the Philippines, Simmers has shot up into third place on the rankings and well and truly into the world title conversation ahead of next month’s championship showdown at the Lexus Pipe Masters.

Caity Simmers in a red jersey turning off the top of a blue wave, with a support boat and a drone in the background

Photo: WSL/Andrew Shield

“Coming here from Portugal was so back-to-back that my brain was so busy trying to work on things to change, and that was really overwhelming,” Simmers said. “What really kept me grounded and happy was spending time in the ocean and spending time with my mom. I’m just so grateful for those two things. This is also one of my favorite waves in the world, and I was almost in tears paddling out for the Final because I could really feel the love from everyone watching from the water. It was a really beautiful moment, and I kind of let go of my attachment to winning or losing, and just focused on surfing.”

Crowds of spectators wading in shallow turquoise water beside the wooden boardwalk and yellow judging tower at Cloud 9, with flags along the walkway and waves breaking beyond

Photo: WSL/Matt Dunbar

In the Final, Simmers took on an in-form Isabella Nichols (AUS), who was returning from an ankle injury of her own. Simmers kept busy throughout the matchup, pulling into multiple tubes and belting multiple sections without being able to ride out, spending a lot of time underwater. Nichols, on the other hand, posted a solid score early and stayed patient, just needing another similar score to post the winning score. In the end, it was the busy approach that paid off, with Simmers finding a backup wave to post her winning heat total of 12.00 points from two tidy tube rides, securing her 8th CT victory.

“My approach is new and different because I’m feeling much more confident this year,” Simmers continued. “This is my fourth year on Tour, and I’m feeling really comfortable now. My goal right now isn’t to go and win it (The World title); I feel like I’ve already accomplished my goal, which is to be able to be in a place and be grateful and thankful for the beauty of it. I’m just so grateful.”

Nichols Makes the Final Six Weeks After Ankle Surgery

After undergoing ankle surgery just six weeks ago and missing the last two events of the season, Isabella Nichols (AUS) made a last-minute decision to travel to the Philippines and see if she was able to make a heat or two to ensure she holds onto her spot on Tour coming into 2027. The decision paid off as Nichols was able to make it all the way to the Final to claim her second runner-up finish of the season, posting some of the best scores of the event for some impressive tube riding and rail surfing at Cloud 9. Although she fell short of claiming her first event win since Bells in 2025, her third event in a row in the Semifinals and back-to-back Finals have filled Nichols with confidence heading into the last event of the year and the 2027 season.

Isabella Nichols in a red jersey paddling her surfboard through splashing water, with palm trees and cloud behind her

Photo: WSL/Matt Dunbar

“I came here to try and get a couple of points and dip my toe in the water,” said Nichols. “And for me to be in the Final, I’m just blown away. Thanks to the Philippine Government for having us, and to all the fans, you guys have been absolutely amazing. We love you. Congrats to the other finalists. It’s been an amazing event. Thanks to all of my support crew, including local legend Nilbie Blancada, for all of your help.”

Up Next: The Lexus Pipe Masters

The Lexus Pipe Masters holds a competition window from December 8 to 20, 2026.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission Women’s Final Results

1 - Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.00
2 - Isabella Nichols (AUS) 10.77

Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission Women’s Semifinal Results

HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 9.43 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 5.67
HEAT 2: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 10.17 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.00