Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Sawyer Lindblood USA and Levi Slauson USA won the 2025 Lexus
U.S. Open of Surfing presented by
Pacifico stop #3 on the World Surf League WSL Challenger
Series in an all time finish to the competition in Huntington
Beach. 3 to 5 occasional 6 foot sets pulsed into the Huntington
(00:22):
Beach Pier Arena for incredible performances, leading to the two
Californians surging into U.S. Open of Surfing history with
today as finalists and event champions.
Major shifts in the rankings indicate new front runners
looking for Championship Tour CTqualification, including event
runner UPS Taya Ziebrowski, FRA who is now ranked number one on
(00:47):
the Challenger Series and Matthias Herde BRA who moves up
to #2 on the Challenger rankings.
Sawyer Lindblood Earned second U.S.
Open of Surfing victory 19 year old Sawyer Lindblood USA added
her name to U.S. Open of Surfing history once
again with her second event victory, joining the likes of
(01:08):
Sally Fitzgibbons AUS, Courtney Conlog USA, Brett Simpson USA,
Kanoa Igarashi USA and more in rarefied air.
Lindblad S win in 2023 helped secure her spot on the
Championship Tour CT where she went on to become Rookie of the
Year and now awaits her 2026 season.
(01:30):
After Requil I being for the CT earlier this year, it feels
pretty good. The first time I felt like I
wasn't expecting it and this time I felt more pressure.
Tia Ziebrowski was surfing supergood so Congrats to her and I'm
just so grateful to have one here again with my family here,
(01:50):
said Lindblood. I feel like I've definitely
grown as a surfer. My first win got me onto the CT
and set me up for my career and this one just feels extra
special, especially after not making the cut.
I knew I could VE made a charge for the final five if I didn't
he get cut, so it felt like thisis a good redemption.
(02:13):
A battle of event standouts unfolded for the women S final
with a quick start from Zebrowski over Lindblood. 14
year old Zebrowski accrued a 12.34 out of a possible 20 in
the 1st 5 minutes of the final before Lindblood found a gem to
unleash her backhand attack on A2 turn combo and earn a 6.50 to
(02:34):
close the gap on Zebrowski. A crucial exchange at the 20
minute mark witnessed Lindblood utilize her forehand power,
earning a 6.23 and the lead before Zebrowski answered back
moments later on a forehand combination all her own, but the
score fell just short of the requirement and Lindblood
(02:55):
remained in the lead. Then Lindblood showcased more of
her forehand dominance and laid into a closeout section with
everything she had to post a 6.67 and push the lead.
Zebrowski S last effort witnessed the teenagers soar and
nearly land an air reverse, but she couldn't he stick the
(03:15):
landing and Lindblood claimed her second U.S.
Open of Surfing title. All year I worked really hard
and it felt deflating when it wasn't he playing out in the
competitions, just not hitting in the heats, continued
Lindblood. But this feels really good and
like it pays off. Thank you to everyone for
watching and supporting me and thank you to my family for
(03:39):
coming down with me every day. Lindblit showed her desire for a
second event title throughout the weekend with some of the
event S best performances. Lindblit S forehand power along
with her backhand precision carried her through finals day,
starting with former sitter Sophie McCulloch AUS.
(04:00):
Then Lindblad took down fellow 2026 CT RE qualifier brisa
Hennessy CRC in a stout semifinal clash that propelled
her toward a second U.S. Open of surfing final.
Levi Slauson claims major breakthrough complete Southern
California sweep Encinitas, CA competitor Levi Slauson SUSA
(04:24):
resume is packed with accolades including multiple qualifying
series and pro junior wins, A runner up at the WSL World
Junior Championships and now AUSOpen of Surfing title after
overcoming perennial qualification threat Matthias
Hurley brought in a nail biting finish, Slauson now moves to #4
(04:45):
on the rankings on his quest to qualify for the 2026 CT.
I've worked so hard for these kind of moments through my
career and I've watched the US Open my whole life and I've
never even dreamt of being here,said Slauson.
Being in the final with Matthiaswas so hard.
He has such a good surfer and you can't really give him
(05:07):
anything. In the end that wave looked
terrible and he almost pulled itoff.
It's just pouring out of me now.This whole week I've just been
trying to keep my cool and I've surfed here so many times and
just focus on good surfing. It's really come down to me just
focusing on myself and believingin myself and just trusting
(05:30):
everything. I'm in disbelief.
The Men S final featured 2 of the Challenger Series top tier
talents with 2024 challengers #20 Slauson and #12 Herbie.
Both posted multiple excellent showings throughout their run to
the final and Slauson started with fireworks on a massive air
(05:51):
reverse to post a 7.33 for an early lead.
Hurley stayed busy and took a slim lead over Slauson with two
minimal scores, but Slauson responded with A2 turn
combination on his backhand to post a 6.17 and push Hurley S
requirement to a 7.93 heading into the 20 minute mark.
(06:13):
But it all came down to the final moments with Hurley
desperately searching for the score and under priority sent
himself soaring and reemerged from the white water.
The score came in at a 7.77 justunder the requirement and
Slauson earned a maiden Challenger Series victory and
(06:33):
piece of U.S. Open of surfing history. 14 year
old Tya Ziebrowski leads next generation with runner up finish
Next Gen. Phenomtai Zebrowski.
FRAC continues to take the worldby storm and now moves to #1 on
the Challenger Series. The Tahitian Zebrowski had to
(06:53):
overcome recent Bolito Pro winner Nadia Eurastar BSP in a
quarterfinal battle where she posted a 9.00 out of a possible
10 before a nail biter victory over rising talent Annette
Gonzales, ex to Barry Euk. This marked Ziebrowski as first
final appearance on the 2025 Challenger Series as she heads
(07:14):
to Portugal in commanding form. It feels so good.
I'm just really happy to be #1 on the Challenger Series
rankings now and really happy tomake it to the final, said
Zebrowski. I really wanted to do better
after getting second at Iracero last year, but I feel so happy
(07:34):
to start really good this seasonand hope to continue like that.
My goal this year is to qualify and now I just want to stay in
the top five and realize my dream.
Matthias Hurley reasserts himself as leading qualification
threat Renowned Challenger Series contender Matthias Hurley
bra proved he remains A perennial qualification threat
(07:57):
with jaw-dropping performances from start to finish.
Hurley S aerial antics set him apart throughout the week
culminating in an event best 9.50 in his quarter final heat
with Dimitri Pulo's USA before agritty semi final bout against
compatriot and former C term Michael Rodriguez bra.
(08:17):
Now Hurdy sits at #2 on the rankings moving into the Urasira
Pro. I didn't he win, but I think
surfing itself won. It was a great final with Levi
Slauson in a snap five final, said Hurdy.
I'm so thankful for everything that has happened here, with my
family here, all my friends. It's pretty awesome.
(08:42):
I really wanted to win, but it was Levi S day and I'm ready for
the rest of the year. I've been so close to qualifying
so many times. I don't want to jinx it.
I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.
All my sponsors, I can't thank them enough and just want to
keep going for the rest of the year.
(09:03):
The next stop on the 2025 Challenger Series is the Urasira
Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29th to
October 5th, 2025. For more information and
highlights from Today S competition at the Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico, please visit
(09:24):
worldsurfleague.com. Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing women's final results one Sawyer Lindblad USA
13.172 Taya Ziebrowski frat 12.57 Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing men's final results one Levi Slauson USA
(09:46):
13.502 Matthias Hurley brought 13.27 Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing women's semifinal results heat 1 Sawyer
Lindblood USA 10.07 deaf Brisa Hennessy CRC 9.50.
(10:07):
He too, tie Aziebrowski frat 12.40 deaf Annette Gonzalez, Etz
Aberry EUK 11.16 Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing men's semifinal
results heat 1. Matthias Heard.
He brought 13.04 Deaf Michael Rodriguez brought 11.56 Heat 2.
(10:31):
Levi Slauson USA 13.43 deaf Hirotohara JPN 11.93 Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing women's quarterfinal results heat 1.
Brisa Hennessy CRC 12.53 Deaf. Vahine Fiero Frat 10.33 Heat 2
(10:53):
Sawyer Lindblood, USA 12.00 deafSophie McCulloch, AUS 9.84 Heat
3. Taya Ziebrowski FRA 15.10 Deaf
Nadia Eurostar BSP 13.50 Heat 4.Annette Gonzalez, Etziberi EUK
(11:14):
12.93 Deaf. Yolanda Hopkins Port 12.50 Lexus
U.S. Open of Surfing Men's
quarterfinal results Heat 1 Matthias Herde BRA 16.33 deaf
Dmitri Pulo's USA 14.57 Heat 2. Michael Rodriguez brought 12.76
(11:38):
deaf. Kanoa Igarashi JPN 12.37 Heat 3.
Hirito Ahara JPN 12.20 Deaf Taroone Abe USA 10.07 Heat for Levi
Slauson USA 15.33 Def Cade Mattson USA 14.20 Next stop on
(12:03):
the 2025 Challenger Series Erosira Pro The next stop, stop
number four of seven on the 2025Challenger Series will be the
Erosira Pro, which holds a competition window from
September 29th to October 5th, 2025.
(12:23):
The event will be broadcast liveon World's URF, league.com and
the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch
from the WSLS broadcast partners.
The Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing presented by
Pacifico is proudly supported byLexus Pacifico, Yeti 805 Beer,
(12:44):
Hope Hospital, Red Bull, Neutrogena, Apple Watch, Best
Western Body Glove, Bonsoy Dachine, Flexfit, Amazon, Eero I
Heart LAIC Jack Surfboards Open Water 3 Olives, Crocken Sun
(13:05):
Cruiser Sea Glass, Cass Amigos Surfline Food Wax No Cap
SpongeBob Visit Huntington BeachHuntington surf export visit El
Salvador and John Wayne airport.For more information, please
visit worldsurfleague.com. About the WSL The World Surf
(13:31):
League WSL is the global home ofcompetitive surfing, crowning
World champion since 1976 and showcasing the world S best
surfing. The WSL overseas surfing S
global competitive landscape andsets the standard for elite
performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports.
(13:52):
With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the
protection of the ocean, equality and the sport S rich
heritage while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit worldsurfleague.com.
Sawyer Lindblood USA and Levi Slauson USA won the 2025 Lexus
U.S. Open of Surfing presented by
Pacifico stop #3 on the World Surf League WSL Challenger
Series in an all time finish to the competition in Huntington
Beach. 3 to 5 occasional 6 foot sets pulsed into the Huntington
(00:22):
Beach Pier Arena for incredible performances, leading to the two
Californians surging into U.S. Open of Surfing history with
today as finalists and event champions.
Major shifts in the rankings indicate new front runners
looking for Championship Tour CTqualification, including event
runner UPS Taya Ziebrowski, FRA who is now ranked number one on
(00:47):
the Challenger Series and Matthias Herde BRA who moves up
to #2 on the Challenger rankings.
Sawyer Lindblood Earned second U.S.
Open of Surfing victory 19 year old Sawyer Lindblood USA added
her name to U.S. Open of Surfing history once
again with her second event victory, joining the likes of
(01:08):
Sally Fitzgibbons AUS, Courtney Conlog USA, Brett Simpson USA,
Kanoa Igarashi USA and more in rarefied air.
Lindblad S win in 2023 helped secure her spot on the
Championship Tour CT where she went on to become Rookie of the
Year and now awaits her 2026 season.
(01:30):
After Requil I being for the CT earlier this year, it feels
pretty good. The first time I felt like I
wasn't expecting it and this time I felt more pressure.
Tia Ziebrowski was surfing supergood so Congrats to her and I'm
just so grateful to have one here again with my family here,
(01:50):
said Lindblood. I feel like I've definitely
grown as a surfer. My first win got me onto the CT
and set me up for my career and this one just feels extra
special, especially after not making the cut.
I knew I could VE made a charge for the final five if I didn't
he get cut, so it felt like thisis a good redemption.
(02:13):
A battle of event standouts unfolded for the women S final
with a quick start from Zebrowski over Lindblood. 14
year old Zebrowski accrued a 12.34 out of a possible 20 in
the 1st 5 minutes of the final before Lindblood found a gem to
unleash her backhand attack on A2 turn combo and earn a 6.50 to
(02:34):
close the gap on Zebrowski. A crucial exchange at the 20
minute mark witnessed Lindblood utilize her forehand power,
earning a 6.23 and the lead before Zebrowski answered back
moments later on a forehand combination all her own, but the
score fell just short of the requirement and Lindblood
(02:55):
remained in the lead. Then Lindblood showcased more of
her forehand dominance and laid into a closeout section with
everything she had to post a 6.67 and push the lead.
Zebrowski S last effort witnessed the teenagers soar and
nearly land an air reverse, but she couldn't he stick the
(03:15):
landing and Lindblood claimed her second U.S.
Open of Surfing title. All year I worked really hard
and it felt deflating when it wasn't he playing out in the
competitions, just not hitting in the heats, continued
Lindblood. But this feels really good and
like it pays off. Thank you to everyone for
watching and supporting me and thank you to my family for
(03:39):
coming down with me every day. Lindblit showed her desire for a
second event title throughout the weekend with some of the
event S best performances. Lindblit S forehand power along
with her backhand precision carried her through finals day,
starting with former sitter Sophie McCulloch AUS.
(04:00):
Then Lindblad took down fellow 2026 CT RE qualifier brisa
Hennessy CRC in a stout semifinal clash that propelled
her toward a second U.S. Open of surfing final.
Levi Slauson claims major breakthrough complete Southern
California sweep Encinitas, CA competitor Levi Slauson SUSA
(04:24):
resume is packed with accolades including multiple qualifying
series and pro junior wins, A runner up at the WSL World
Junior Championships and now AUSOpen of Surfing title after
overcoming perennial qualification threat Matthias
Hurley brought in a nail biting finish, Slauson now moves to #4
(04:45):
on the rankings on his quest to qualify for the 2026 CT.
I've worked so hard for these kind of moments through my
career and I've watched the US Open my whole life and I've
never even dreamt of being here,said Slauson.
Being in the final with Matthiaswas so hard.
He has such a good surfer and you can't really give him
(05:07):
anything. In the end that wave looked
terrible and he almost pulled itoff.
It's just pouring out of me now.This whole week I've just been
trying to keep my cool and I've surfed here so many times and
just focus on good surfing. It's really come down to me just
focusing on myself and believingin myself and just trusting
(05:30):
everything. I'm in disbelief.
The Men S final featured 2 of the Challenger Series top tier
talents with 2024 challengers #20 Slauson and #12 Herbie.
Both posted multiple excellent showings throughout their run to
the final and Slauson started with fireworks on a massive air
(05:51):
reverse to post a 7.33 for an early lead.
Hurley stayed busy and took a slim lead over Slauson with two
minimal scores, but Slauson responded with A2 turn
combination on his backhand to post a 6.17 and push Hurley S
requirement to a 7.93 heading into the 20 minute mark.
(06:13):
But it all came down to the final moments with Hurley
desperately searching for the score and under priority sent
himself soaring and reemerged from the white water.
The score came in at a 7.77 justunder the requirement and
Slauson earned a maiden Challenger Series victory and
(06:33):
piece of U.S. Open of surfing history. 14 year
old Tya Ziebrowski leads next generation with runner up finish
Next Gen. Phenomtai Zebrowski.
FRAC continues to take the worldby storm and now moves to #1 on
the Challenger Series. The Tahitian Zebrowski had to
(06:53):
overcome recent Bolito Pro winner Nadia Eurastar BSP in a
quarterfinal battle where she posted a 9.00 out of a possible
10 before a nail biter victory over rising talent Annette
Gonzales, ex to Barry Euk. This marked Ziebrowski as first
final appearance on the 2025 Challenger Series as she heads
(07:14):
to Portugal in commanding form. It feels so good.
I'm just really happy to be #1 on the Challenger Series
rankings now and really happy tomake it to the final, said
Zebrowski. I really wanted to do better
after getting second at Iracero last year, but I feel so happy
(07:34):
to start really good this seasonand hope to continue like that.
My goal this year is to qualify and now I just want to stay in
the top five and realize my dream.
Matthias Hurley reasserts himself as leading qualification
threat Renowned Challenger Series contender Matthias Hurley
bra proved he remains A perennial qualification threat
(07:57):
with jaw-dropping performances from start to finish.
Hurley S aerial antics set him apart throughout the week
culminating in an event best 9.50 in his quarter final heat
with Dimitri Pulo's USA before agritty semi final bout against
compatriot and former C term Michael Rodriguez bra.
(08:17):
Now Hurdy sits at #2 on the rankings moving into the Urasira
Pro. I didn't he win, but I think
surfing itself won. It was a great final with Levi
Slauson in a snap five final, said Hurdy.
I'm so thankful for everything that has happened here, with my
family here, all my friends. It's pretty awesome.
(08:42):
I really wanted to win, but it was Levi S day and I'm ready for
the rest of the year. I've been so close to qualifying
so many times. I don't want to jinx it.
I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.
All my sponsors, I can't thank them enough and just want to
keep going for the rest of the year.
(09:03):
The next stop on the 2025 Challenger Series is the Urasira
Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29th to
October 5th, 2025. For more information and
highlights from Today S competition at the Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico, please visit
(09:24):
worldsurfleague.com. Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing women's final results one Sawyer Lindblad USA
13.172 Taya Ziebrowski frat 12.57 Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing men's final results one Levi Slauson USA
(09:46):
13.502 Matthias Hurley brought 13.27 Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing women's semifinal results heat 1 Sawyer
Lindblood USA 10.07 deaf Brisa Hennessy CRC 9.50.
(10:07):
He too, tie Aziebrowski frat 12.40 deaf Annette Gonzalez, Etz
Aberry EUK 11.16 Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing men's semifinal
results heat 1. Matthias Heard.
He brought 13.04 Deaf Michael Rodriguez brought 11.56 Heat 2.
(10:31):
Levi Slauson USA 13.43 deaf Hirotohara JPN 11.93 Lexus U.S.
Open of Surfing women's quarterfinal results heat 1.
Brisa Hennessy CRC 12.53 Deaf. Vahine Fiero Frat 10.33 Heat 2
(10:53):
Sawyer Lindblood, USA 12.00 deafSophie McCulloch, AUS 9.84 Heat
3. Taya Ziebrowski FRA 15.10 Deaf
Nadia Eurostar BSP 13.50 Heat 4.Annette Gonzalez, Etziberi EUK
(11:14):
12.93 Deaf. Yolanda Hopkins Port 12.50 Lexus
U.S. Open of Surfing Men's
quarterfinal results Heat 1 Matthias Herde BRA 16.33 deaf
Dmitri Pulo's USA 14.57 Heat 2. Michael Rodriguez brought 12.76
(11:38):
deaf. Kanoa Igarashi JPN 12.37 Heat 3.
Hirito Ahara JPN 12.20 Deaf Taroone Abe USA 10.07 Heat for Levi
Slauson USA 15.33 Def Cade Mattson USA 14.20 Next stop on
(12:03):
the 2025 Challenger Series Erosira Pro The next stop, stop
number four of seven on the 2025Challenger Series will be the
Erosira Pro, which holds a competition window from
September 29th to October 5th, 2025.
(12:23):
The event will be broadcast liveon World's URF, league.com and
the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch
from the WSLS broadcast partners.
The Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing presented by
Pacifico is proudly supported byLexus Pacifico, Yeti 805 Beer,
(12:44):
Hope Hospital, Red Bull, Neutrogena, Apple Watch, Best
Western Body Glove, Bonsoy Dachine, Flexfit, Amazon, Eero I
Heart LAIC Jack Surfboards Open Water 3 Olives, Crocken Sun
(13:05):
Cruiser Sea Glass, Cass Amigos Surfline Food Wax No Cap
SpongeBob Visit Huntington BeachHuntington surf export visit El
Salvador and John Wayne airport.For more information, please
visit worldsurfleague.com. About the WSL The World Surf
(13:31):
League WSL is the global home ofcompetitive surfing, crowning
World champion since 1976 and showcasing the world S best
surfing. The WSL overseas surfing S
global competitive landscape andsets the standard for elite
performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports.
(13:52):
With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the
protection of the ocean, equality and the sport S rich
heritage while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit worldsurfleague.com.
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