LOS ANGELES, Calif./USA (Thursday, January 13, 2022) - Today, 16-year-old Caitlin Simmers announced her withdrawal from the 2022 WSL Championship Tour to focus on her personal development. The WSL fully supports Simmer's decision to withdraw from the CT this year and is looking forward to seeing her bright future in surfing.
"Although it is eventually a goal to be on the CT, I'm declining the spot for 2022," said Simmers. "I'd like to work on my surfing, spending time with my family and friends, and school to be more mentally and physically ready to face that challenge."
Simmers will be replaced by Molly Picklum, who placed 8th on the 2021 Challenger Series rankings, one place below qualification.
"The WSL fully supports Caity's decision to withdraw from the 2022 Championship Tour," said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL SVP of Tours and Head of Competition. "We understand how important it is to set boundaries and respect your own pace of development, so we're very proud of Caity for taking care of herself. She has an amazing future in professional surfing ahead and we can't wait to watch all of the great things she will continue to do for the sport. We're also very excited to welcome Molly Picklum to the Championship Tour."
"I'm so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be on the CT in 2022, competing alongside the world's best really is a dream come true," said Picklum. "Qualifying was the next step for me, my team and I have worked so hard for this. I feel ready to go and can't wait to get started in Hawaii in a few weeks' time. I wish Caity all the best for her career, she is an incredible surfer and I have no doubt we will have many years on tour together."