Canadian surf prodigy Erin Brooks, who made a sensational debut on the World Surf League’s (WSL) Championship Tour last year, is now focused on establishing herself as a full-time competitor in the world of professional surfing. The 17-year-old athlete, known for her exceptional talent, will kick off the new season at the prestigious Lexus Pipe Pro on the iconic North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, a location celebrated for its challenging waves and renowned Banzai Pipeline.
In an interview, Brooks expressed her ambitions, aiming to replicate her stunning victory as a wild card competitor last year where she triumphed at the Fiji Pro, defeating Olympic silver medalist Tatiana Weston-Webb. “My goal is to make it two wins in a row,” she stated, showing her determination as she prepares for the season ahead. Despite the unpredictable conditions at the Pipeline, where waves can change rapidly, she feels poised for the challenge, thanks to her strong confidence and extensive training.
Brooks faces a competitive field, including American surfers Gabriela Bryan and Sawyer Lindblad, in her opening heat. As a rookie on the Tour, she views this as an opportunity to learn from her peers, noting that she feels she has “nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Last year, she became the first Canadian to secure full-time status on the WSL Championship Tour after finishing in the top five of the second-tier Challenger Series. This remarkable achievement included a perfect score of 10 during her victory at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro in Australia and a runner-up finish at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Brooks had to navigate a complex legal situation to obtain her Canadian citizenship, which limited her participation in Olympic qualifying events. She finally gained citizenship last year, allowing her to fully represent Canada as she embarks on this new competitive chapter. Now, she can focus entirely on her surfing career, free from previous constraints. “Now I can just go out there and represent Canada,” she remarked, clearly excited to don the Maple Leaf on her competitive gear.
As she prepares for the season, which features stops in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Portugal, El Salvador, and Australia, Brooks looks to make her mark among the elite. The Championship Tour comprises 18 female competitors, with the initial field based on the previous season’s rankings and a mix of wild card entries. After seven events, the field will be narrowed down to 12 competitors, and then subsequently to five for the WSL Finals, which this year will take place in Fiji in early September.
The prize money for competitors is substantial, beginning with $80,000 for the opening event and escalating to $200,000 for the finals. This competitive structure not only emphasizes the high stakes involved but also the need for consistent top performance throughout the tour.
Brooks’ support system is robust, with her parents and coach Jake Patterson by her side. Patterson, a veteran of the WSL with over a decade of experience, brings valuable insight as Brooks navigates the rigors of professional surfing at a young age. The young surfer has shared a playful tradition with her father, who lost a bet at the beginning of last season, resulting in him shaving his long hair and beard after she earned her place on the Championship Tour. This season, Brooks hopes to engage her father in another bet that could lead her to a new car, eyeing a GMC Denali due to her fondness for riding in such vehicles during her upbringing.
Training throughout the off-season has seen Brooks emphasize agility and adaptability, incorporating exercises like trampoline training into her routine. Her commitment to improving her skills is evident, and she’s eager to carry that momentum into the new season.
The WSL Championship Tour is a grueling series that demands high-level performance from all participants. In addition to the fierce competition among the women, legendary surfer Kelly Slater, who holds 11 world championship titles, is also making his mark in this year’s Hawaii event as a wild card on the men’s side at age 52, showcasing the depth of talent and experience within the leagues.
As Brooks prepares to embark on her journey through the 2025 WSL Championship Tour, she is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. The upcoming events will test her technical skills, mental fortitude, and ability to adapt to varying wave conditions across different global surf spots. Each competition will provide valuable lessons and experiences that she hopes will accelerate her growth as an athlete.
Brooks’ family background and commitment to surfing underline her unique story in the sport. Having started surfing at just nine years old after moving to Hawaii from Texas, Brooks embraced the oceanic lifestyle and quickly displayed her potential. With roots in Canada through her father and grandfather, her journey as a dual citizen navigating the professional landscape of surfing adds an inspiring layer to her narrative.
