Oceanside Female Captures U.S. Open of Surfing Title
Photo Credit: CaitySimmers IG
After winning the bronze medal at the World Surfing Games in Japan, Oceanside surfer Caitlin Simmers was ready to add more to her trophy collection.
The talented 15-year-old surfer battled her way to the top for the biggest win of her career at the U.S. Open of Surfing. In true surfing fashion, Caitlin Simmers defeated some big names, including 29-year-old Courtney Conlogue, who has three US Open crowns.
It was a great weekend for California natives, Oceanside’s Simmers and San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto both earned titles at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, the opening stop on the 2021 World Surf League Challenger Series.
US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach by World Surf League
Simmers’ dynamic win over Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan and Colapinto’s massive triumph over Encinitas’ Jake Marshall marked the biggest WSL wins in their young careers.
Women’s Final:
1 – Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.90
2 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 10.60
Women’s Semifinals:
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
What is the World Surf League (WSL)?
The World Surf League (WSL) was established in 1976 — and is denoted as the global home of surfing. The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality, and stoke.
Headquartered in Santa Monica — the WSL possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation, and performance at the highest levels.
The WSL is comprised of Tours & Events and celebrates the world’s best surfers across with more than 180 global contests and crowning the undisputed World Champions across all divisions.
Who is Caitlin Simmers?
Remarkably talented — it's hard to miss Caitlin Simmers when she's riding the waves. At only 15 years old, Simmers has been called the next big talent to take over women's professional surfing. Caitlin is advanced, powerful, and beholds a maturity and style well beyond her years.
The Oceanside, California Simmers, recently stated, “It was really fun to have all my friends and family come down to get me amped up before my heat."
Simmers has racked up an impressive number of surf competition wins including a gold medal win in the 2018 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach, the 2019 Vans US Open Pro Junior Winner and the 2020 USA Prime Series.
