Erin Brooks from Canada showcased her surfing prowess by clinching the Fiji Pro title, marking her second consecutive victory on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. The 19-year-old secured the win after Australian competitor Isabella Nichols withdrew from the final due to an ankle injury sustained during a semifinal clash with Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy.
Expressing her elation, Brooks remarked on her remarkable performance in the past two events, emphasizing her disbelief at achieving back-to-back wins at the start of the year. Despite her joy, she expressed disappointment for Nichols, whom she regards as a dear friend and wished a speedy recovery. Brooks previously made history in Fiji two years ago, where she emerged as a wild-card entrant and secured her first Tour victory by defeating Olympic silver medalist Tatiana Weston-Webb in the final.
Following her triumph in Fiji, Brooks continued her winning streak by claiming victory at the Tahiti Pro competition last month, making her the youngest surfer to win the event by defeating Israel’s Anat Lelior. These consecutive wins have propelled Brooks from 19th to eighth place in the global women’s rankings.
Lionel F. Conacher, the director-chairman of Surf Canada, commended Brooks for her remarkable achievements, highlighting her victories as groundbreaking for Canadian surfing. Brooks, who has ties to Canada through her family, recently obtained Canadian citizenship in 2024 after a prolonged battle. Her citizenship status impacted her Olympic qualifying opportunities, limiting her participation to the ISA World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico.
Brooks kicked off the Fiji Pro competition with a perfect 10-point ride in her opening round, securing an 18.00 heat total against Australian competitor Sophie McCulloch. Throughout the event, Brooks displayed exceptional skill, overcoming tough opponents like Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks and former world champion Carissa Moore.
With her confidence soaring, Brooks looks ahead to the next WSL event, the Lexus Trestles Pro in San Clemente, California, scheduled from September 11-20. Her recent successes have not only elevated her standing in the surfing world but have also brought pride to Canadian surfing on the international stage.
