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Caity Simmer. Photo: Matt Dunbar//WSL
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Jack Robinson. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
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Carissa Moore drops in on Caity Simmers. Photo: Matt Dunbar//WSL
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Carissa Moore and Caity Simmers. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
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Gabriel Medina. Photo: Matt Dunbar//WSL
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Caity Simmers. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
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Gabriel Medina. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
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Yago Dora. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
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Jack Robinson. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
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Gabriel Medina. Photo: Matt Dunbar//WSL
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Caity Simmers. Photo: Matt Dunbar//WSL
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Finalists. Photo: Andrew Shield//WSL
The first-ever Championship Tour event at Cloud 9 is in the books, and I don’t think anyone is complaining. After the cancellation of the Abu Dhabi wave pool stop, the Philippines Pro injected the schedule with a wave that was equal parts barrel and performance – unlike any other events on the circuit thus far.
The CT surfers gushed about the tour’s new wave, and the event finished quickly without the need for many lay days. From huge airs, backdoor tubes, and drama-inducing interferences, it was all a surf fan could ask for. The WSL has to be thinking about how they can work Cloud 9 into the schedule again next season.
Ultimately, Gabriel Medina and Caity Simmers took the wins, improving their positions ahead of the final sprint to Pipeline. Both surfers have found their grooves at the most crucial time of the season. It’ll be hard to bet against them.
