Southern California’s Lower Trestles delivered exhilarating waves and world-class performances for the 2025 Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown, marking the eighth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. With pumping five-to-seven-foot conditions on Finals Day, the world’s best surfers seized the opportunity to shine. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) and Yago Dora (BRA) emerged victorious, taking home their second CT wins of the 2025 season in spectacular fashion.
Photo by Pat Nolan/World Surf League
Bettylou Sakura Johnson of Hawaii surfs in the Final at the Lexus Trestles Pro on June 14, 2025 at San Clemente, California.
Sakura Johnson Enters the Final 5 Chat
Twenty-year-old Bettylou Sakura Johnson put on a dominant display from start to finish, claiming her second CT victory of the season. Having already triumphed at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro earlier this year, the North Shore of O‘ahu’s standout now sits at No. 4 on the world rankings, solidifying her quest to contend for the coveted Final 5.
“Overall, I’m just super happy how I was able to overcome each heat and just take it out, and I'm so psyched to bring this one home,” said Johnson. “Honestly, the secret is just staying happy and being surrounded by your loved ones. The support this year has been incredible, and I'm just super grateful. It was just finding my rhythm and picking my waves, and just pushing as hard as I can but knowing the waves as well. Lowers has been incredible, and it's so great to have the memories back when I was 12 years old.”
Johnson carried her momentum into a Finals clash against Australia’s Molly Picklum, a two-time Finalist this season. Johnson’s stellar consistency was on full display, as she posted an excellent 8.00 to open the heat and followed it up with a 9.00, earning a combined heat total of 17.00 out of 20. Despite Picklum’s determined effort to close the gap, Johnson’s commanding lead sealed the win.
“Keep it there [in second gear], maybe get into fourth later on in the season, but there's nothing to lose right here,” Johnson added. “We're just trying to get to the Final 5. That's the goal, but I’m enjoying the process and taking it wave by wave. That's the only thing you have to do is keep it simple.”
Photo by Emma Sharon/World Surf League
Yago Dora of Brazil surfs in The Final at the Lexus Trestles Pro on June 14, 2025 at San Clemente, California.
Yago Dora’s Aerial Talent Secures Victory
On the men’s side, Yago Dora showcased his breathtaking aerial ability, clinching his second CT win of 2025 and the third of his career. The 29-year-old Brazilian, now ranked No. 2 in the world, demonstrated why he’s one of the most thrilling surfers on the planet with jaw-dropping aerials that captivated fans and judges alike.
“It's unbelievable, I waited a long time to have the opportunity to surf this event, and to do it my first time competing is incredible,” said Dora. “I want to thank God. Especially in the Quarterfinals, he sent me that last wave and that was like the booster for me to win this event, and I just can't believe it. I'm over the moon right now after winning this event.”
Facing Southern California’s Kanoa Igarashi in the Final, Dora wasted no time stamping his authority. A near-perfect 9.53 solidified his lead early, and he backed it up with excellent scores of 8.00 and 8.37 to cement his victory.
“Now I'm going to Brazil, which is like my best event on Tour, and I'm so happy,” Dora said. “I want to thank my team, my dad right there, everyone, all my sponsors, and the people of San Clemente too, you guys always receive me with open arms, and you give me my little spot in the lineup, so it's pretty amazing that we got to come here and get these amazing waves and today was my day.”
Dora’s road to victory included overcoming former world title contenders Ethan Ewing (AUS), Griffin Colapinto (USA), and Igarashi – a testament to his outstanding form.
Key Performances Make Headlines
Molly Picklum, fresh off her second runner-up finish of the year, remained upbeat, especially after eliminating reigning World Champion Caity Simmers in the Semifinals with a stellar 9.60 ride, the highest single-wave score of the women’s season.
“I’m really happy with second place,” said Picklum. “I feel like this year, more than any other year, I've been pushed inside and outside of the water… Every time you mention [Bettylou Sakura Johnson], it's so exciting and fun for me. Obviously, you see the smile that it brings. She inspires me in the water, and it's just incredible. Everyone's just so capable of beating everyone, and I’m so happy to be here.”
Kanoa Igarashi recorded his second runner-up finish of 2025 and climbed to No. 3 in the rankings. The Huntington Beach native reflected on his deep connection to Lower Trestles and his ambitions for the season's second half.
“Surfing Lowers with one other person, now I think it's pretty special in itself. We came to California, and we got blessed with amazing waves, so thank you to the surf gods,” said Igarashi. “It takes a lot more than me standing on a surfboard to get results like this, so it's been an amazing year and can we keep going.”
Griffin Colapinto and Sawyer Lindblad made their Southern Californian fans proud with strong showings, reaching the Semifinals, while Yellow Jersey holders Jordy Smith (RSA) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) clung to their rankings lead by slim margins.