San Clemente’s Eden Walla is the youngest ever to wear the prestigious winner’s cape at the Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside.
The 15-year-old made history Sunday, Sept. 22, after winning the all-girls event at the Oceanside Pier. Walla faced 14-year-old Kiara Goold, of Tahiti.
It was Walla’s first-ever qualifying series final, a finish that catapults her to the top-ranked spot in the North American region, earning her points that allow her to enter higher-ranked contests and could mean a spot in the junior world championships.
“It means so much to me. I’ve been watching this event for so long and I just tried to channel all my energy that I had today into that last heat. I’m stoked,” Walla said in a World Surf League interview Sunday. “Thank you to everyone watching me and supporting me, my sponsors, and my friends, they’re the best. Always have faith in yourself and always believe in yourself, and, of course, always have fun.”
Goold’s second place finish has her now residing atop the Hawaii/Tahiti Nui rankings.
“It’s super cool this being my first (qualifying series) ever and I’m super proud of myself because I tried to make a big maneuver going for an air,” said Goold. “Even though I didn’t land it, it was still really fun and I’m stoked to make the final.”
The longboard competition also saw a teenage victor, with Ventura’s Malia Ilagan, 17, winning her first Super Girl cape against Hawaii’s Cash Hoover, 15, in a close final.
The event brought more than just a surf contest, but also showcased a Festival Village with 15 live concerts and an all-female DJ competition, volleyball and soccer tournaments and clinics, a cheer and dance competition, a professional skateboarding contest, celebrity speakers, panel discussions promoting female leadership and sustainability, a female art exhibition and autograph signings.
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