Finals day. The climatic ending to an event that crowns an event winner. But when there are three events in one, the atmosphere of a finals day can be electric and Cocoa Beach, Florida, was not short on energy today to make up for its tough conditions on offer.
As a young competitor it can be magnified with the amount of excitement and 13-year-old Caitlin Simmers embodied that stoke, breaking through for her first WSL victory on just her second go.
Simmers smashed through each of her heats en route to a maiden win. - WSL / John Ferguson
Simmers powered through the Quarterfinals, attacking the small waves to post some of the day's highest scores en route to the Final -- including her 15.90 (out of a possible 20) heat total in Quarterfinal Heat 3. Palm City, Florida's, own Zoe Benedetto looked to give Simmers a run with a 6.20 of her own, but couldn't find the back up needed as Bree Smith and Ella McCaffray both needed near-excellent scores to catch Simmers.
"I'm really happy to win this event and I'm just looking to have fun while doing more contests this year," Simmers said. "All the top girls were in Australia so I feel like we got a window to get a chance to show what we can do. It's pretty cool to capitalize on that opportunity. Hopefully I can get into all the events this year and try to do them."
The young Californian was in good company, each of which earned their first respective WSL win. Kade Matson (L), Matheus Navarro (Center) and Simmers (R). - WSL / John Ferguson
After proving herself six-to-eight foot Zippers at the Los Cabos Open of Surf, Simmers now shows her ability in small waves to match and will be one to keep an eye on when the likes of Kirra Pinkerton, Samantha Sibley, and Alyssa Spencer return.
Benedetto Nearly Secures Floridian's First Win at Cocoa Beach
Benedetto represented well alongside Smith for Florida on finals day. - WSL / John Ferguson
The next generation of juniors made their breakthrough count and Benedetto earned a career-best runner-up result. Benedetto, 13, joins Simmers, Smith and McCaffray as that next surge of talent and showcased it this week after a dominant start to the event. While the Palm City native thrives on surfing, it's competing and balance that keep the young up-and-comer at her best.
"It feels good and I always want to do my best, even though I want to win all the time (laughs)," Benedetto said. "It's a good start to the year and I'm really happy with how I surfed. I think I'll try to do as many contest as I can this year. Whenever I'm able to and there's time, I also play competitive soccer so I just try to find the balance. I'll use this momentum, happiness and now wanting to get first -- that drive will help me want to do better."
If Benedetto can maintain her position within the Top 2, she'll earn her spot among the world's best juniors at the WSL Junior Championship.
Take Note: Smith and McCaffray Make Their Move
Merritt Island native, Smith, showcasing her talent and comfort near home. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Smith and McCaffray finished third and fourth in the women's junior and keeps them in contention early on toward finishing in the coveted Top 2 placings. It also marks their best results in a Pro Junior to continue their young careers as Smith just turned 13 to start 2019 and McCaffray, 15, both look to continue their momentum toward building a successful future.
McCaffray, Cardiff, California, proved she can be a threat in small surf and now looks forward toward the next event. - WSL / John Ferguson
The next North America men and women's Pro Junior event will be the Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California, beginning July 28 - August 7.
Ron Jon Junior: Welcome to the Show Caitlin Simmers
Andrew Nichols
Finals day. The climatic ending to an event that crowns an event winner. But when there are three events in one, the atmosphere of a finals day can be electric and Cocoa Beach, Florida, was not short on energy today to make up for its tough conditions on offer.
As a young competitor it can be magnified with the amount of excitement and 13-year-old Caitlin Simmers embodied that stoke, breaking through for her first WSL victory on just her second go.
Simmers powered through the Quarterfinals, attacking the small waves to post some of the day's highest scores en route to the Final -- including her 15.90 (out of a possible 20) heat total in Quarterfinal Heat 3. Palm City, Florida's, own Zoe Benedetto looked to give Simmers a run with a 6.20 of her own, but couldn't find the back up needed as Bree Smith and Ella McCaffray both needed near-excellent scores to catch Simmers.
"I'm really happy to win this event and I'm just looking to have fun while doing more contests this year," Simmers said. "All the top girls were in Australia so I feel like we got a window to get a chance to show what we can do. It's pretty cool to capitalize on that opportunity. Hopefully I can get into all the events this year and try to do them."
After proving herself six-to-eight foot Zippers at the Los Cabos Open of Surf, Simmers now shows her ability in small waves to match and will be one to keep an eye on when the likes of Kirra Pinkerton, Samantha Sibley, and Alyssa Spencer return.
Benedetto Nearly Secures Floridian's First Win at Cocoa Beach
The next generation of juniors made their breakthrough count and Benedetto earned a career-best runner-up result. Benedetto, 13, joins Simmers, Smith and McCaffray as that next surge of talent and showcased it this week after a dominant start to the event. While the Palm City native thrives on surfing, it's competing and balance that keep the young up-and-comer at her best.
"It feels good and I always want to do my best, even though I want to win all the time (laughs)," Benedetto said. "It's a good start to the year and I'm really happy with how I surfed. I think I'll try to do as many contest as I can this year. Whenever I'm able to and there's time, I also play competitive soccer so I just try to find the balance. I'll use this momentum, happiness and now wanting to get first -- that drive will help me want to do better."
If Benedetto can maintain her position within the Top 2, she'll earn her spot among the world's best juniors at the WSL Junior Championship.
Take Note: Smith and McCaffray Make Their Move
Smith and McCaffray finished third and fourth in the women's junior and keeps them in contention early on toward finishing in the coveted Top 2 placings. It also marks their best results in a Pro Junior to continue their young careers as Smith just turned 13 to start 2019 and McCaffray, 15, both look to continue their momentum toward building a successful future.
The next North America men and women's Pro Junior event will be the Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California, beginning July 28 - August 7.
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