Oceanside’s Caitlin Simmers Makes History as Youngest Female World Surf Champion
In a historic event at the World Surf League Finals held at Lower Trestles in San Onofre State Beach, Caitlin Simmers of Oceanside emerged as the youngest female world surfing champion at the age of 18.
Competing against seasoned athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks, of San Clemente, Simmers delivered impressive performances throughout the day. In the final heat, she scored a combined 15.16, decisively outpacing Marks, who scored 7.17. Her performance secured her the championship and broke the age record previously held by five-time world champion Carissa Moore.
Simmers expressed the emotional weight of the competition, noting the intense pressures and personal challenges she faced. “It means so much. I was literally going through every single emotion today,” Simmers shared with the Orange County Register. “I literally have no words. I was feeling so much love today from everyone.”
You can watch the final between Simmers and Marks here:
