The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour (CT), opening of the event's waiting period commenced on Friday, April 16. Set to run through to April 26th this is the first time in over two decades that men’s and women’s World Title points will be earned at the historic North Narrabeen break. Many locals recall Narrabeen as the site for the 1974 Coca Cola Surfabout competition that gave such a boost to the world of professional surfing and local surfers. With its $7,000 in prize money the event was labelled as "The World's Richest Board Contest." This comp came to be known as the 'Coke Classic' and ran from 1974 to 1999, usually in April at North Narrabeen.
Joining the international CT field is three-time World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), injury replacement Reef Heazlewood (AUS), and local wildcards Laura Enever (AUS), and Dylan Moffat (AUS).
Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning Awarded Event Wildcard
Three-time Surfing World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) has been awarded the event wildcard for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, marking his first CT event since retiring in 2018. This year also celebrates 20 years since Fanning won his first CT event, also as a wildcard, at the 2001 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
“I am excited to be back in a jersey,” said Fanning. “I haven’t really had a challenge in the last few years. I injured my knee in 2019 and then have been working towards getting a level of fitness and level of surfing that I was happy with. I’ve been training and working to get my knee back to one-hundred percent. I wanted to get my surfing back to a level that I was happy with, as well. I feel like I am getting there. I’ve been working pretty hard in the last few months just personally, and then having this goal to be ready for this event has definitely kickstarted a bit of fire in there.”
Prior to his retirement, Fanning spent 17 years competing on the elite CT. His illustrious tenure includes 22 Championship Tour victories and three World Titles, cementing him as one of the greatest surfers and sportsmen in history. Fanning's event wildcard at Narrabeen will not only mark his first CT event since retiring in 2018 but 20 years since winning his first CT event - as a wildcard - at the 2001 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
"One of the reasons why I chose Narrabeen was because if I came back at a place like J-Bay or a place like Bells, there would be probably more expectation for me to do well," continued Fanning. "Events like those were staples in my World Title campaigns. Narrabeen is probably not, a left hand beach break and when you are going up against guys like Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreria in lefts, I don't have the weapons they have. I think that was more of the challenge to me. The expectation goes out the window once I go to an event like Narrabeen."
Fanning will be against reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) and CT rookie Morgan Cibilic (AUS) in men’s Seeding Round 1, Heat 6 when the competition gets underway. Ferreira, fresh off of a first-place finish, and Cibilic, with a career-best 3rd place, will bring their Newcastle momentum when they come up against the surfing icon.
Reef Heazlewood To Replace Kelly Slater at Narrabeen
Reef Heazlewood (AUS) has been awarded wildcard entry as the WSL Event Replacement. This will be the third CT start for the Sunshine Coast local, and an opportunity to once again showcase his skills on the elite stage. Heazlewood will aim to repeat his standout performance from the 2019 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast when he eliminated Julian Wilson (AUS) from the event.
Heazlewood will face CT veterans Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Adrian Buchan(AUS) in Heat 4.
“I’m so excited to receive a spot in the draw for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic,” said Heazlewood. “There’s so much history at Narrabeen so it’s so cool to be able to participate now there is an event back. There are definitely a few locations I’d love to compete at and Narrabeen is at the top of that list. I’m really hoping for some big running lefts with barrels or ramps. I really hope that I can put on a show when I get out there.”
Local Heroes Laura Enever and Dylan Moffat Prepare for CT Start
Laura Enever (AUS), former CT competitor, will trade in her commentary microphone for a jersey at her home break event. Since falling off of the CT in 2017, the 29-year old has made moves in the big wave surfing scene and is now known to charge waves of consequence. With sizeable swell currently on offer at Narrabeen, Enever could upset the competition in her CT return. Enever will face current World No. 1 Carissa Moore (HAW) and compatriot Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) in Heat 3.
Dylan Moffat (AUS), Narrabeen local, will compete in his first CT event with the support of his home crowd. Moffat was awarded his wildcard spot through the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club as he is the highest-rated QS competitor in the club. The young Australian will face Brazilians Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Jadson Andre (BRA) in Heat 5.
Fanning was awarded the event wildcard through the event’s title partner, Rip Curl. Enever and Moffat were awarded wildcard entries for Narrabeen through the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club. Heazlewood was awarded wildcard entry as the WSL Event Replacement for 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, who withdrew from the event due to an ongoing foot injury.
Day 1 of the 2021 Narrabeen Classic was a lay day due to conditions. Friday was a day of celebrations of local culture nonetheless as competitors, staff, and fans were greeted with an Acknowledgement of Country and Smoking Ceremony by Susan Moylan-Coombs and Caroline Glass-Pattison from the Gaimaragal Group.
Tyler Wright with Susan Moylan-Coombs and Caroline Glass-Pattison. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, in visiting the site of Thursday April 15th remarked on the name 'Narrabeen' being from the indigenous language of the local custodians and that the Narrabeen Classic was being held on aboriginal land.
''Great to be at the launch of the Narrabeen Classic today!'' Mr. Stokes said, ''The world’s best surfers will take to the waves over the next 11 days to compete in this prestigious event of the World Surf League Championship Tour.
With many major events cancelled across the world, being able to host the Narrabeen Classic reminds us of how fortunate we are, and will provide a significant boost to our local economy.
In a fitting nod to North Narrabeen’s surfing history, the winners will receive a replica of the original 3-fin Thruster surfboard invented by local legend Simon Anderson.
Best of luck to all competitors and welcome to our beautiful community!''
Day 2, Saturday, the event was on with the women's first seeding round of heats heading into clean two-to-three foot peaks at North Narrabeen.
“The surf has bumped up from yesterday and conditions are cleaning up here at North Narrabeen, so we are going to get competition underway,” said WSL SVP of Tours and Head of Competition, Jessi Miley-Dyer. “It looks like we should have surf all day so we are going to try to run all of Round 1 for the women and men. ''
Up first was seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) against Malia Manuel (HAW) and Brisa Hennessy (CRI). All three competitors were looking to improve on their results from Newcastle last week.
Current World No. 1 Italo Ferreira (BRA) was looking to keep his momentum rolling when he takes on form surfer Morgan Cibilic (AUS) and Rip Curl Wildcard and surfing icon, Mick Fanning (AUS), in Heat 6 of Men’s Round 1.
Saturday April 17 report runs below.
North Narrabeen Welcomes Back Championship Tour at Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Pres. by Corona
- Shaky Start for Women’s Top Four
- Fanning Set For Elimination Round Showdown at Narrabeen
- Amuro Tsuzuki Gets Start on Championship Tour
- More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com
Saturday April 17, 2021
Report by WSL
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour (CT), commenced in tricky conditions for the women’s and men’s opening rounds. The top four women on the Leaderboard had shaky starts to their Narrabeen campaigns, while the men’s heats saw domination from the high seeds. The stage is now set for the Elimination Rounds.
Three-time World Champion Fanning Returns to Competition
Fans eagerly awaited Rip Curl wildcard Mick Fanning's (AUS) competitive return at North Narrabeen in Heat 6 of Round 1, his first time back in a CT jersey since retiring from full-time competition in 2018. Coincidentally, Fanning came up against reigning World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA), who he competed against in his last heat back in 2018, along with Aussie rookie Morgan Cibilic. Three-time World Champion Fanning had his work cut out for him as Ferreira posted the highest two-wave combination of the day with his trademark display of aerial and sharp surfing. Fanning was unable to find his winning rhythm and will take his chances again in the Elimination Round when competition resumes.
Fanning in his first Heat at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
“It’s amazing to see all of these fans down here,” said Fanning. “I was actually quite emotional as I ran down the beach before paddling out hearing all of the cheers and seeing all the smiling faces. I’m really disappointed I didn’t put on more of a show though. It was always going to be such a tough task against Italo (Ferreira) and Morgan (Cibilic), they got first and third at the last event so are in epic form. I’m just hoping in my next heat I can get a bit more opportunity and put on more of a show.”
“I have great memories with Mick (Fanning) and it is always a pleasure to surf with him,” said Ferreira. “I was excited for that heat and to put everything on game. I hope I can keep going and pushing the limit. It is hard out there, the swell is the other direction so it makes the waves kind of close out, but sometimes it is good. My board is fast so I can make the closeouts. I am so excited for the next challenge.”
In form Ferreira in his first Heat at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Big Airs and Big Scores
Heat 4 saw perennial flier Reef Heazlewood (AUS) launch into a huge straight air that rocketed him from third to first place in his heat against Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Adrian Buchan (AUS). Anytime you see Reef you will see spectacular airs.
Reef Heazlewood pumping up the volume. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Ryan Callinan (AUS) also took to the air and took first place in his heat. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
The final men's heat of the day saw Jack Robinson (AUS) notch up one of the highest scores of the seeding round results, just ahead of Griffin Colapinto (USA), and sending Caio Ibelli (BRA) into the Elimination Round matchups. Robinson drew an interference in the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona and was eliminated by fellow Australian Julian Wilson, in a heat that delivered fireworks. The 2020 Surfing Australia's male Surfer of the Year will be one to watch at Narrabeen.
Jack Robinson gets some air too. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Robinson on a going glassy hollow. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Shaky Start for Women’s Top Four
It was a tough morning for all three World Champions with Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Carissa Moore (HAW), and Tyler Wright (AUS) falling behind in their opening round heats. For seven-time Champion Gilmore and four-time Champion Moore, the two were able to avoid the dreaded Elimination Round with second-place placings.
Wright was not so fortunate, falling to 2019 World Runner-up Caroline Marks (USA) and CT sophomore Macy Callaghan (AUS). Wright will now face Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) and event wildcard Laura Enever (AUS) in the first heat of Elimination Round 2 when competition resumes.
Moore in action at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Wright matched to compete next against Narrabeen's Enever on her home wave. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Amuro Tsuzuki Gets Start on Championship Tour
Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) finally got her start on the Championship Tour with her career-first CT heat today. Tsuzuki received the call up to compete on the main stage only hours before her heat after Lakey Peterson (USA) withdrew due to a lower back injury. Today was not only the first CT heat of Tsuzuki’s career but also marked two decades since a Japanese woman has competed on the CT. Tsuzuki now advances to the Round of 16.
“I was excited to compete today but I was also very nervous and now that I have advanced it is a great relief,” said Tsuzuki. “I am really enjoying being in Australia and having the opportunity to compete against the world’s best is very special to me.”
Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) competed in the first CT heat of her career at the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Battle of the Sunshine Coasters in Opening Round
Australians Keely Andrew, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Nikki Van Dijk showcased their strengths in the tricky conditions and topped their Round 1 heats this morning. With the momentum from her third-place finish at Newcastle, Andrew was able to get a win back from CT rookie Isabella Nichols (AUS), sending her into the Elimination Round. After making it to the Finals in her career-best finish last week, Nichols will need to take down either Johanne Defay (FRA) or Brisa Hennessy (CRI) in Elimination Round 2, Heat 2.
“In the past, I’ve gone from the highest of highs down to the lowest of lows, so I think for me this year I just want to hit that consistency,” said Andrew. “I’m in a really good place at the moment and it feels nice to get some wins under my belt. In the heats, it can be difficult when you are fighting for small scores and keeping composure, but I’ve only recently worked that out where I’ve started getting into some mediation. I am probably the worst person to sit still so for me, it is a nice challenge to stay present and focus on the little tasks. I’ve found that has been helpful for this Australian leg and I’ll keep using it and hopefully, it keeps working.”
Van Dijik's strong opening at Narrabeen Classic 2021. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Fitzgibbons in fine form at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Watch LIVE
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona opens April 16 and holds a competition window through April 26. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners. Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6:45 a.m. AEST to reassess the conditions and make the next call.
For fans wishing to attend the event in person, event entry will be first-come, first-serve starting at 7:00 a.m. AEST on each ‘on’ day of competition. The venue capacity will be limited to a maximum of 5,000 people at one time, adhering closely to NSW state government guidelines. This capacity limit is subject to change each day due to beach size changing with tides and swell size. To learn more, please check out the WSL's event guide for more information and FAQs.
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona is proudly supported by our partners Rip Curl, Corona, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Northern Beaches Council, Red Bull, Oakley, Hydro Flask, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Dometic Outdoor, Bond University, BF Goodrich, and Oakberry.
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Seeding Round 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.40 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 8.03, Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 5.40
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 9.14 DEF. Macy Callaghan (AUS) 8.43, Tyler Wright (AUS) 8.20
HEAT 3: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 8.57 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 8.50, Laura Enever (AUS) 4.60
HEAT 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.67 DEF. Sage Erickson (USA) 7.40, Johanne Defay (FRA) 6.60
HEAT 5: Keely Andrew (AUS) 9.07 DEF. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 8.60, Isabella Nichols (AUS) 7.46
HEAT 6: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.10 DEF. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 8.87, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 7.90
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Elimination Round 2 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Laura Enever (AUS)
HEAT 2: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Seeding Round 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 10.73 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 9.97, Connor O'Leary (AUS) 9.60
HEAT 2: Frederico Morais (PRT) 10.93 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 9.37, Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 7.30
HEAT 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.34 DEF. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 7.47, Mikey Wright (AUS) 5.80
HEAT 4: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 8.94 DEF. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.43, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 8.10
HEAT 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.67 DEF. Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.96, Dylan Moffat (AUS) 9.73
HEAT 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.16 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 10.33, Mick Fanning (AUS) 5.60
HEAT 7: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 9.80 DEF. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 6.17, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 6.14
HEAT 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 11.67 DEF. Michel Bourez (FRA) 9.37, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 8.23
HEAT 9: Owen Wright (AUS) 10.17 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 9.00, Matthew McGillivray (ZAF) 7.87
HEAT 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 10.84 DEF. Julian Wilson (AUS) 7.20, Conner Coffin (USA) 6.96
HEAT 11: Deivid Silva (BRA) 10.03 DEF. Wade Carmichael (AUS) 9.60, Jack Freestone (AUS) 8.30
HEAT 12: Jack Robinson (AUS) 12.56 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.44, Caio Ibelli (BRA) 5.44
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Elimination Round 2 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Connor O'Leary (AUS) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
HEAT 2: Jack Freestone (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS)
HEAT 3: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Matthew McGillivray (ZAF) vs. Mikey Wright (AUS)
HEAT 4: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Florence in action. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
COVID-19 Updates
The WSL will implement a robust and thorough COVID-19 health and safety plan for each event during the Australian leg of the CT in accordance with federal and state guidance. The WSL’s health and safety plan includes enhanced high-touch cleaning at the event site, contact tracing procedures, sanitizer stations throughout the event site, and minimal personnel on-site. All traveling athletes and support staff completed the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine and received medical clearance from public health officials before entering the general community.
Due to COVID-19, the Australian CT events will run based on state border closures, strictly adhering to federal and state government guidelines and restrictions. All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.
About the WSL
Established in 1976, the World Surf League (WSL) is the home of the world's best surfing.
A global sports, media and entertainment company, the WSL oversees international tours and competitions, a studios division creating over 500+ hours of live and on-demand content, and via affiliate WaveCo, the home of the world's largest high performance, human-made wave. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the WSL has regional offices in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA.
The WSL annually crowns the men’s and women’s surfing World Champions. The global Tours and Competition division oversees and operates more than 180 global contests each year across the Championship Tour, the development tiers, including the Challenger, Qualifying and Junior Series, as well as longboard and big wave properties.
Launched in 2019, WSL Studios is an independent producer of unscripted television projects, including documentaries and series, which provide unprecedented access to athletes, events, and locations around the world. WSL events and content are distributed on linear television in over 743M+ homes worldwide and across digital and social media platforms around the world, including WorldSurfLeague.com.
WaveCo includes the Surf Ranch Lemoore facility and the utilizing and licensing of the Kelly Slater Wave System.
The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality, and stoke.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Fanning Falls to Ferreira at Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Pres. by Corona
NARRABEEN, New South Wales, Australia
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Report By WSL
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour (CT), saw big names eliminated from the draw following the completion of the men’s and women’s Elimination Rounds and the first 12 heats of the men’s Round of 16. Three-time World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) was eliminated alongside event wildcards Laura Enever (AUS) and Dylan Moffat (AUS), and Olympic qualifiers Owen Wright (AUS) and Julian Wilson (AUS).
Ferreira Ends Fanning’s Run at Narrabeen
Italo Ferreira (BRA) continued his dominance on his way to the Rip Curl WSL Finals, today eliminating three-time World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) in Heat 9 of the Round of 32. Fanning’s final heat before retiring in 2018 was the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Final against Ferreira. In a deja vu rematch of that heat, the Brazilian defeated the surfing icon once again.
“That was a special heat to surf with Mick (Fanning),” Ferreira said. “I always knew it was going to be a big challenge surfing against him, so I’m so happy to get two good waves early in the matchup. I do try hard not to think about who I’m surfing against, I just go out and do my job and catch my waves. I’m feeling super confident right now, so I just want to keep going and continue my roll.”
Fanning at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Fanning at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Ferreira at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Two-time World Champions Florence and Medina Advance to Round of 16
John John Florence (HAW) has already improved an equal 17th place finish from Newcastle after he took down an in-form Miguel Pupo (BRA) in Heat 4 of the Round of 32. Two-time WSL Champion Florence was able to find a couple of bigger right-handers to display his smooth and powerful frontside rail game and progress into the Round of 16. He will match up again with CT rookie Morgan Cibilic (AUS). Cibilic continues to find success on the Australian leg, this time with a win over Julian Wilson (AUS) in Heat 8.
“Getting out of that third round is definitely a plus and settles the nerves for sure,” Florence said. “After Newcastle, I thought my boards felt good and my surfing was there, but my wave choice wasn’t great so that was definitely a focus for me coming here and it seemed to be better just then. I’ve changed my equipment for that heat and it all worked well.”
Two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) took down local wildcard Dylan Moffat (AUS) in Heat 5. The Brazilian eliminated the local with only an 11.17 two-wave score (out of a possible 20) to Moffat’s 8.57, leaving the door open for Moffat to strike back. The Australian only needed a 6.27 but was unable to find the scoring wave in the dying minutes of the heat. Moffat exits his career-first CT event in equal 17th place.
“I’m feeling good and definitely happy there are good waves today,” Medina said. “It was a bit of a slow heat for me, which was a shame as I wish there was more opportunity but a win is a win and that’s what matters most. I had never heard about Dylan (Moffat) before this heat and then when I saw him and realised he is a great surfer and will probably be with us on the CT one day and I told him that. I’m happy with my performance because I had minimal opportunities, but when they came, I took them.”
Moffat in action. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Defay Drops Highest Heat Total of Event, Wildcard Enever and Rookie Nichols Eliminated in Round 2
Johanne Defay (FRA) showcased incredible surfing in Newcastle last week, and today continued her strong form with an excellent 16.66 two-wave score (out of a possible 20), the highest combined score of the event so far. Her win gave her a comfortable lead over competitors Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and CT rookie Isabella Nichols (AUS).
“I really wanted to win that heat,” Defay said. “There is a big difference between trying to not lose a heat or to straight out win a heat. Before that three-person heat, I was really keen to win and not just make it through. I was excited to be coming to a place like North Narrabeen because I love to go left and feel really comfortable on my backhand. Although there was a mixture of left and right-hand waves I was able to find two of the better lefts, which felt great.”
After a dream run in Newcastle, Nichols faced early elimination from Narrabeen in equal 17th place. Hennessy knocked out Nichols with only a 9.87 two-wave score (out of a possible 20). Hennessy will now take on four-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in Heat 1 of the Round of 16.
Event wildcard Laura Enever (AUS) also faced early elimination in Round 2, falling to Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) by only 0.02 points. In the same heat, Tyler Wright (AUS) bounced back from her opening heat loss with a win that advances her to the Round of 16 where she will face Defay.
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Elimination Round 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.84 DEF. Mick Fanning (AUS) 10.27, Connor O'Leary (AUS) 4.60
HEAT 2: Jack Freestone (AUS) 12.24 DEF. Dylan Moffat (AUS) 11.90, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 9.57
HEAT 3: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 9.97 DEF. Mikey Wright (AUS) 9.94, Matthew McGillivray (ZAF) 7.70
HEAT 4: Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 10.66 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 8.60, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 5.20
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Round of 32 (H1-12) Results:
HEAT 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 9.63 DEF. Mikey Wright (AUS) 4.33
HEAT 2: Frederico Morais (PRT) 9.83 DEF. Michel Bourez (FRA) 6.94
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 13.10 DEF. Owen Wright (AUS) 11.83
HEAT 4: Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.66 DEF. Jack Freestone (AUS) 10.07
HEAT 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.17 DEF. Dylan Moffat (AUS) 8.57
HEAT 6: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 11.17 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 9.60
HEAT 7: John John Florence (HAW) 11.10 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 9.56
HEAT 8: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 10.67 DEF. Julian Wilson (AUS) 7.43
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.00 DEF. Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.33
HEAT 10: Conner Coffin (USA) 9.60 DEF. Wade Carmichael (AUS) 9.43
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Remaining Round of 32 (H13-16) Matchups:
HEAT 13: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
HEAT 14: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Peterson Crisanto (BRA)
HEAT 15: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
HEAT 16: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS)
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Elimination Round 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 9.10 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 8.96, Laura Enever (AUS) 8.94
HEAT 2: Johanne Defay (FRA) 16.66 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 10.64, Isabella Nichols (AUS) 8.70
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
HEAT 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
HEAT 5: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN)
HEAT 6: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 7: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Sage Erickson (USA)
HEAT 8: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Major Upsets Decide Quarterfinals at Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Pres. by Corona
NARRABEEN, New South Wales, Australia
Monday, April 19, 2021
Report by WSL
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour (CT), is now down to the Quarterfinals for the men and women after witnessing big names fall out of the draw.
World Champions Tyler Wright (AUS), Italo Ferreira (BRA), and John John Florence (HAW) were three of the top names eliminated from the event today as North Narrabeen provided clean, two-to-four foot waves all day.
Johanne Defay Continues Strong Form, Takes Down Tyler Wright
Johanne Defay (FRA) continues to impress on the Australian leg of the 2021 CT, and today it came at the expense of two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS). Following her impressive 16.66 combined score (out of a possible 20) yesterday, Defay out-surfed Wright with an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) and a 5.83 to Wright’s 6.67 and 6.30. A former winner at Fiji's Cloud Break, today Defay reminded the surfing world that she is one of the best backside surfers on the CT.
“This feels so good and I had a little cry out the back,” Defay said. “It’s insane how much pressure I was feeling in that heat. A few times she went on the first wave and the second one was better, which was so good and the fact I was able to perform well on them just felt so good for me. I’m so, so stoked.”
Wright now exits in equal 9th place, matching her results at Newcastle last week. After starting the season with a win, the eliminations are not ideal for Wright’s World Title campaign on the road to the Rip Curl WSL Finals.
Defay on Monday. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Current World No. 1 Italo Ferreira Eliminated by Conner Coffin
In one of the closing heats of the day, the high drama hit a crescendo with the elimination of reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) by Californian Conner Coffin (USA) in a matchup of two of the most contrasting approaches on the CT. As expected, Ferreira kept busy, finding lefts and rights, taking to the air in both directions, but Coffin’s patience paid off as he clinched victory on the last ride of the heat to book himself a second Quarterfinal spot this season.
Coffin in action on Monday. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
“I had no idea what score I needed at the end of that heat but I knew I needed something,” Coffin said. “Coming up against Italo I knew I’d have to be on the best waves so I tried to stay patient and take the sets. I saw him flying around in the air and could hear the crowd going crazy and had to just compose myself and stick to my guns and luckily I did.”
World Champions Carissa Moore and Stephanie Gilmore Looking Sharp for Quarterfinals
With Wright now out of the event, Carissa Moore (HAW) and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) are the only two World Champions left in the women’s draw. Moore, the current World No. 1 and reigning World Champion, eliminated Brisa Hennessy (CRI) with a 12.66 two-wave total in Heat 1 of the Round of 16. In Heat 7, Gilmore took down Sage Erickson (USA) with an epic display of fins-free surfing and will now face Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the Quarterfinals.
Keely Andrew (AUS) will come up against Moore in the Quarterfinals after taking out Malia Manuel (HAW) in R16, Heat 2. Andrew continues to prove she is a threat on this Australian leg and will look to improve upon her 3rd place result here in Narrabeen.
“I’m feeling good and am really proud of how I’m putting my heats together,” Andrew said. “It feels so good to be getting some results and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the year. My coach Andy (King) noted before the heat that it was slow out there so not to bother waiting and to take what you can get. I’ve always found I have to prove myself on my backhand, so moving forward I really want to post an excellent score going left.”
History Repeats Itself: Morgan Cibilic Upsets CT, Knocks Out John John Florence
Australia’s CT future on the men’s side looks to be in safe hands as Australian youngsters Morgan Cibilic and Ethan Ewing booked spots in the Quarterfinals at the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic.
CT rookie Cibilic continued to upset the CT, taking down two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) for the second time in as many events. After overcoming Florence in the Round of 32 at Newcastle, Cibilic proved his performance wasn’t a flash in the pan, dominating the heat with a phenomenal display of backside, fins-free surfing. Cibilic will move into the Quarterfinals where he will meet another two-time Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA), while Florence will head to his happy hunting ground of West Aus, still searching for a decent result in this Australian leg.
“It was nice to get some waves that stood up for me as my last few heats weren’t that great,” said Cibilic. “It feels good to know I could back up my result at Newcastle. I know I have it in me, but it definitely feels good to have two wins over someone like him. I know he’s so good in big waves so I’d love to match up with him in West Aus and see if I can go again.”
Ewing took down veteran Jadson Andre (BRA) to guarantee his best ever CT result with a spot in the Quarterfinals where he will do battle with Frederico Morais (PRT).
Cibilic at Narrabeen on Monday. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Ewing through to Quarterfinals. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Remaining Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 13: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 10.43 DEF. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 8.66
HEAT 14: Yago Dora (BRA) 16.33 DEF. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 6.07
HEAT 15: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.57 DEF. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.43
HEAT 16: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 7.00
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Frederico Morais (PRT) 11.60 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 10.93
HEAT 2: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 10.97 DEF. Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.70
HEAT 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.00 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 4.93
HEAT 4: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 15.70 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 11.77
HEAT 5: Conner Coffin (USA) 11.47 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 10.67
HEAT 6: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 10.60 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 9.60
HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) 11.43 DEF. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 7.80
HEAT 8: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.27 DEF. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 11.33
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)
HEAT 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS)
HEAT 3: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
HEAT 4: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.66 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 8.66
HEAT 2: Keely Andrew (AUS) 10.80 DEF. Malia Manuel (HAW) 8.97
HEAT 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.10 DEF. Macy Callaghan (AUS) 13.73
HEAT 4: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 14.00 DEF. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 6.23
HEAT 5: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.43 DEF. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 7.03
HEAT 6: Johanne Defay (FRA) 13.83 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.97
HEAT 7: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.00 DEF. Sage Erickson (USA) 9.83
HEAT 8: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.33 DEF. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 12.30
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
HEAT 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 3: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA)
HEAT 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) vs. Courtney Conlogue (USA)
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Caroline Marks and Gabriel Medina Win Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Pres. by Corona
NARRABEEN, New South Wales, Australia
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Report by WSL
Caroline Marks (USA) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) have won the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour (CT). The iconic North Narrabeen Beach saved the best for last, hosting Finals Day in three-to-four foot surf with clean off-shore winds.
Winners. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Prizegiving. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Gabriel Medina Soars to Top Spot on Leaderboard
Two-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) held nothing back in the Final of the Rip Curl Narrabeen Cup, posting the highest two-wave combination of the entire event to overcome Californian Conner Coffin (USA) for his 15th CT victory. Medina posted his excellent 18.77 heat total (out of a possible 20) within the first 15 minutes of the 35-minute Final with back-to-back full-rotation air-reverses.
“I haven’t had this winning feeling for a while and it feels amazing,” Medina said. “It feels good to put on that sort of a performance in a Final. Sticking my airs and hearing the crowd chant my name was really cool. I’ve had a few finals recently but was making some mistakes, but it feels good to come back here and fix my mistakes. I feel like I got better and am so happy with my performance. This has been a fun week. I’ve never had such a good time here in Australia. The Northern Beaches have been so nice, the food, the beaches, the people. We have had so much amazing support on the beach as well, it’s just been so fun.”
Today’s win puts Medina up to World No. 1 and gives him his best-ever start to a season, a terrifying prospect for the rest of the WSL Championship Tour field. The top-ranking surfer before the Rip Curl WSL Finals will have a major advantage over the Top 5 as they will be seeded into the Final Heat of the day for a best-of-three battle. Medina’s lead will be critical to his campaign on the road to the Rip Curl WSL Finals in order to give himself the best shot at his third World Title.
Medina in action at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Although he was put in a combination situation for the entire heat (needing two scores to take the lead), Coffin leaves North Narrabeen matching the best result of his career. On his way to the Final, Coffin took down reigning World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) along with Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) with his consistent and powerful rail game. Coffin will head to Margaret River sitting in fourth place on the rankings, a career-best for the 27-year-old in his fifth year on CT.
“I’m so stoked to make it into another Final,” said Coffin. “I got so smoked, but I had a good time. Gabby (Medina) is such an incredible surfer, so it was always going to be tough but his performance just then was so incredible so it was actually just cool to be a part of that. I’ve had an amazing time so far in Australia and have managed to put up back-to-back results so I’m really happy.”
19-Year-Old Caroline Marks Earns Third CT Victory
Caroline Marks (USA) earned her third CT victory today after defeating fellow goofy-footer Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) in the Final, Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the Semifinals, and Johanne Defay (FRA) in the Quarterfinals. Marks displayed incredible poise and control on her frontside, gouging the bowling lefts of North Narrabeen. Known as having one of the best backhand attacks on the CT, today Marks proved her forehand is not to be underestimated either.
Marks in action. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
“I feel so emotional actually after everything that’s led to getting here,” Marks said. “I’m just so stoked. This is the sickest feeling ever. This has been really fun. It’s been so sick to go left in an event. Narrabeen has been amazing, and I want to thank all the locals for letting us take over this epic wave for the week. I also want to thank my family, support crew, and WSL for getting me here. I’m over the moon.”
Marks was the youngest-ever surfer to ever qualify for the CT when she was 15 years old and has taken the CT by storm. In 2019, only her second year on Tour, Marks came second in the world and became an Olympic qualifier for the United States. Now, with the new Rip Curl WSL Finals, Marks’ win today gets her one step closer to qualifying in the Final 5, where she could win her maiden World Title at her home break at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California.
Marks being chaired after her win. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Moore Falls to Weston-Webb But Retains Leader Jersey
En route to the Final, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) took down four-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in the Semifinals and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in the Semifinals. The Brazilian was unable to overcome Marks in her eighth Finals appearance, but her efforts move her up from World No. 5 to World No. 3 on the rankings, furthering her into the Final 5.
“Going left in an event for me is a dream come true for me,” Weston-Webb said. “I was proud of my surfing this week in Narrabeen. Newcastle definitely wasn’t my best result. Even though I felt like I surfed well there I felt like I didn’t capitalize on my opportunities. Coming to Narrabeen was all about a change of pace and momentum for myself and just to show everyone that I’ve been working on my surfing a lot. Now we head to West Aus, which is a place I love, so I’m looking forward to keeping a roll going.”
For the first time this season, Moore did not make the Final and was eliminated in equal 3rd place. Despite the Semifinal loss, the four-time WSL Champion is still in the top position on the rankings, thanks to her high placing in Narrabeen, win at Newcastle, and runner-up finish at Pipe.
Weston-Webb at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Coffin at Narrabeen. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Next Stop: Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro pres. by Corona
The next stop on the 2021 WSL CT will be the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro pres. by Corona, starting May 2 through May 12. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners.
The Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona is proudly supported by our partners Rip Curl, Corona, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Northern Beaches Council, Red Bull, Oakley, Hydro Flask, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Dometic Outdoor, Bond University, BF Goodrich, and Oakberry.
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Final Results:
1 - Caroline Marks (USA) 12.57
2 - Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 11.34
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Final Results:
1 - Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.77
2 - Conner Coffin (USA) 14.10
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 13.90 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 10.80
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 13.60 DEF. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.57
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.50 DEF. Frederico Morais (PRT) 10.70
HEAT 2: Conner Coffin (USA) 13.83 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 11.03
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 12.94 DEF. Keely Andrew (AUS) 10.16
HEAT 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 11.90 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.40
HEAT 3: Caroline Marks (USA) 12.50 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 10.46
HEAT 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.16 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9.17
Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Frederico Morais (PRT) 13.84 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 11.83
HEAT 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.97 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 12.67
HEAT 3: Conner Coffin (USA) 11.06 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 0.80
HEAT 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.50 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 12.00
WSL Women’s Championship Tour Leaderboard Top 5:
1 - Carissa Moore (HAW) 23,885 pts
2 - Caroline Marks (USA) 18,695 pts
3 - Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 16,495 pts
4 - Tyler Wright (AUS) 15,220 pts
5 - Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14,235 pts
WSL Men’s Championship Tour Leaderboard Top 5:
1 - Gabriel Medina (BRA) 25,600 pts
2 - Italo Ferreira (BRA) 19,405 pts
3 - John John Florence (HAW) 14,650 pts
4 - Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12,810 pts
4 - Conner Coffin (USA) 12,810 pts
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Watch LIVE
The event window for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona opens April 16 and holds a competition window through April 26. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
For fans wishing to attend the event in person, event entry will be first-come, first-serve starting at 7:00 a.m. AEST on each ‘on’ day of competition. The venue capacity will be limited to a maximum of 5,000 people at one time, adhering closely to NSW state government guidelines. This capacity could change each day due to beach size changing with tides and swell size.
2021 WSL Women’s CT Leaderboard Top 5:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 17,800 pts
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 12,610 pts
3 – Isabella Nichols (AUS) 10,410 pts
4 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9,490 pts
5 – Caroline Marks (USA) 8,695 pts
5 – Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 8,695 pts
5 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 8,695 pts
2021 WSL Men’s CT Leaderboard Top 5:
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16,085 pts
2 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15,600 pts
3 – John John Florence (HAW) 11,330 pts
4 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8,065 pts
4 – Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 8,065 pts
4 – Ryan Callinan (AUS) 8,065 pts
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
