SURFING NEWS - South Africa’s Jordy Smith, the no. 2 seed heading into the 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero, is preparing to make his run at the World Title as the waiting period officially opens.
With competition scheduled for a single best day of waves between today and September 4, anticipation is building as surfers and fans alike wait for a powerful incoming swell expected early next week.
The official practice session featuring all 10 competitors will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com
on Friday, August 29, starting at 8:00 a.m. GMT+12. The next event update will be Monday, September 1, at 7:30 a.m. GMT+12, when officials will determine whether to trigger a Yellow Alert, giving competitors 24-hour notice for a possible start.
“We're putting the competition on standby until Monday,” said Renato Hickel, WSL VP of Tours and Competition. “Right now, Cloudbreak is flat with strong onshore winds and rain. By September 1, we’re looking at a new swell in the four-to-six foot, possibly five-to-seven foot range, which could open the Finals window. Restaurants is also an option if conditions line up, with even bigger surf forecast for September 2.”
Swell forecast favours restaurants
While Cloudbreak remains the iconic venue, early signs point to Restaurants as a potential showcase. This world-class left-hander, breaking over razor-sharp coral directly in front of Tavarua Island Resort, has a history of delivering near-perfect conditions. Restaurants last appeared on the CT during the 2014 women’s event, while the 2013 men’s event produced one of the highest-scoring days ever, including Jordy Smith’s own 18.30 heat total and John John Florence’s near-perfect 19.80.
Women’s matchups locked in
The women’s bracket opens with 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) facing breakout star Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW).
Johnson surged to No. 5 with wins at the Gold Coast and Trestles, while Marks claimed her lone 2025 win in Portugal.
The winner will advance to face defending World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), with Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and top seed Molly Picklum (AUS) waiting in the wings.
Men’s draw builds toward Smith and Dora
In the men’s field, former World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) meets Jack Robinson (AUS) in Match 1.
The winner will face Griffin Colapinto (USA), with the victor of that battle taking on Jordy Smith (RSA) in Match 3.
Smith, the only Final 5 surfer to have previously competed at Restaurants, carries both experience and momentum into Fiji. Whoever emerges from Match 3 will challenge top seed Yago Dora (BRA) in the Title Match.
WSL Fantasy Pick ‘Em Now Open
Fans can join the action through WSL Fantasy Pick ‘Em, a bracket-style game where participants predict winners of each matchup. Picks remain open until match start, with points awarded for correct calls.
The Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero runs through Thursday, September 4, 2025. Watch it live at WorldSurfLeague.com or on the free WSL app.
Bettylou Sakura Johnson of Hawaii, WSL Champion Italo Ferreira of Brazil, Griffin Colapinto of the United States, WSL Champion Caitlin Simmers of the United States, Molly Picklum of Australia, Yago Dora of Brazil, Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii, Jordy Smith of South Africa, WSL Champion Caroline Marks of the United States, and Jack Robinson of Australia during the press conference before the commencement of the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji on 25 August at Cloudbreak, Tavarua, Fiji. Photo: by Ed Sloane/World Surf League
