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Australians Isabella Nichols and Jordan Lawler Win 2024 GWM Sydney Surf Pro

Nichols Goes Back-to-Back at GWM Sydney Surf Pro; Lawler Claims Biggest Career Win on Home Soil

29/Mai/2024 - WSL

NORTH NARRABEEN, Sydney, NSW, Australia (Tuesday, May 14, 2024) - Today, Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Jordan Lawler (AUS) claimed victory at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 2 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS). In front of a packed beach at North Narrabeen, the Aussie duo was able to overcome a massive international field to take the win in super clean two-to-three-foot surf.

Nichols Goes Back-to-Back at GWM Sydney Surf Pro

Only three weeks after falling short of the Mid-season Cut and being relegated from the Championship Tour to the Challenger Series, Isabella Nichols (AUS) has bounced back with a massive win at North Narrabeen, her second at this location in as many years. Nichols looked on point all week, posting solid scores and taking down some of the event's big names, including Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), in the Semifinals. Nichols’ win today has locked her in a second on the Challenger Series rankings and, along with her third-place finish on the Gold Coast, has put her in a great position to find her way back to the CT by the year’s end.

“There’s a lot going through my mind right now,” Nichols said. “I came into this event feeling really positive and good about things, which has worked for me. Last year, I came into this event feeling super down, and that obviously worked for me, but it is nice to have less pressure and emotion being in the same position and still getting a result. It’s been so good being in such a good headspace compared to last year. It just shows, regardless of your headspace, if you go through the process, you can get it done.”

Nichols saved her best performance for last when she came up against the form surfer of the Challenger Series, Erin Brooks (CAN). Nichols surfed a smart heat, holding on to priority for long stretches and executing on the best-set waves of the matchup. Brooks was left needing a solid score and almost got it with a huge frontside full-rotation air-reverse but fell, leaving Nichols to take the win with a two-wave total of 15.27 (out of a possible 20). Today’s result locks Nichols in at second on the rankings ahead of the next event in South Africa, the Ballito Pro.

“I want to give a shout-out to Erin Brooks," said Nichols. "She inspires me so much, and I feel so fortunate to have spent time with her over the last few years. She is so dedicated, so driven, and so incredibly talented. She’s like a little sister to me, and I’ve really enjoyed spending time with her over the last few weeks. I also just want to thank Matt (Grainger), who has been coaching me this week. The energy he brings is amazing, and it obviously works for me with two wins now.”

Erin Brooks and Alejo Muniz Finish Runners-Up

Today Erin Brooks (CAN) made her third Challenger Series event Final in as many events. The 16-year-old has been the form surfer of this season, and it showed today, especially in the Semifinal, when she almost posted another perfect score. Unlike last week, where she went perfect for a huge, backside tube ride, today, Brooks landed a super quick frontside air-reverse to earn a near-perfect 9.57 (out of a possible 10). This runner-up finish consolidates Brooks’ position on top of the rankings as she pushes for CT qualification in 2025.

“To make another Final feels really good,” Brooks said. "I want to thank Bella (Nichols) for giving me a run for my money. I got her in Snapper, so she got one back on me here, but it’s all good. Making the CT is definitely my goal, but there are a lot of events left this year and so many amazing girls competing, so we will just have to wait and see. If I get there, I’ll definitely take up that opportunity.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA) has had a challenging few years recovering from different injuries whilst trying to navigate re-qualification and find results on the Challenger Series. The 34-year-old veteran has had success on the Northern Beaches before, having finished runner-up at Manly in 2018. Muniz fell short of the win today, but his runner-up finish, coupled with a 9th on the Gold Coast, is enough to see him move to second on the rankings as he continues to fight for a spot on the CT in 2025.

“I’m really happy to be here standing on this podium,” Muniz said. "I’ve been working so hard for so long to get back to the top level. I’ve been through two surgeries and have missed out on qualifying by a small amount twice, so to be back in the Finals means so much to me. When I left home, I promised my son I’d bring him home a trophy from one of the events in Australia, so daddy has kept his promise.”

For highlights from the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men's Final Results:

1. Jordan Lawler (AUS) 15.76

2. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.33

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Final Results:

1. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 15.27

2. Erin Brooks (CAN) 12.43

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Men's Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.10 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.87

HEAT 2: Jordan Lawler (AUS) 13.90 DEF. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) 13.20

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy Women’s Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: Erin Brooks (CAN) 16.57 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 6.16