Missing Fiji will be a bit of a setback in Caity Simmers’ pursuit of a second world title. Photo: Hannah Anderson//WSL
After initially appearing in the heat draw, the World Surf League announced that Caity Simmers has withdrawn from the Fiji Pro due to injury. While neither Simmers nor the WSL responded to requests for comment on the injury and recovery time, it appears to be related to the wipeout she took during the Tahiti Pro earlier this month.
In her quarterfinal heat against Yolanda Hopkins, the 2024 world champion fell riding an unassuming wave on the inside portion of the reef. The spill over coral was bad enough to keep her out of the remainder of the heat as Hopkins surfed without an opponent. Simmers sat in the channel, holding her back and checking her mobility in various parts of her body. It’s unclear what specific injury kept her out of the heat, and if that’s the same injury that is lingering. Simmers was wearing a helmet when the incident occurred.
View this post on Instagram
Simmers has competed in Fiji twice. She lost to Caroline Marks in the third-place heat at the Final 5 last year, and placed fifth in 2024 when Fiji was a regular stop on the Championship Tour. Simmers, currently ranked sixth overall, has yet to make a final this season.
Sophie McCulloch will replace Simmers after four surfers — Annette Etxabarri, Sierra Kerr, Isla Huppatz, and Johanne Defay — all declined the wildcard. As a result, the heat draw got shuffled around, and McCulloch will face Erin Brooks in round one.
The window for the Fiji Pro kicks off August 25 and runs through September 4.
