[upbeat pop music playing]
[announcer 1] Welcome back to the Saquarema Pro.
This is the final stop of the Challenger Series.
Every heat will have some consequence to it.
This is where qualification's gonna happen,
as well as opportunity for young upcoming surfers.
[announcer 2] A lot on the line, it's do or die for boys and girls, man.
Talking about back-to-back competition.
[announcer 1] It's on.
[spectators cheering]
[Sophia] I'm so excited to be back in my home country.
Today, I'll be signing some granola for Mãe Terra,
which is my sponsor.
Just an honor, and I'm grateful I get to sign my name
on a granola that has my photo on it.
[girl] Sophia!
[excited chatter]
[Sophia] Brazil is my home, and I love being here.
I love competing here.
And it's fun to interact with people that come here to support us.
It's a really special place for me to end this season,
especially if I make it on tour.
[uplifting music playing]
[Ēwelei'ula] We're here in Brazil.
This is the last event of the season.
We all expected to be surfing in bikinis and board shorts,
but it's freezing cold.
I've been practicing in full suit,
but it changes really fast here.
So we could be in warmer water tomorrow, we never know.
Yeah, I really want to end the year off on a good note.
I haven't made it past the second heat this entire year.
So this is my last chance to do that.
I could potentially requalify for the Challenger.
So finishing strong would mean a lot to me.
Tomorrow's gonna be a pretty big day.
[upbeat reggae music playing]
So we're all set at the house,
and we have a new member...
-Look who it is! -...of the trip.
Oh, yes.
This house is so sick.
[Francisca] This is the coach's room.
Jessie's room.
[Jessie] What do you reckon? We do chocolate?
I don't usually make this,
but I like mixing it up.
We should have done, like, the banana bread.
[Jessie] We can still do a banana bread.
I'm always very focused on the competition
and making sure I've done everything to prepare.
But I'm also gonna enjoy this time with friends in Brazil.
It's a round of 48 shortly,
and it's my last chance to make some heats in the challenges.
You brought this recipe to life.
My goal is to make it to the two first in heats,
because I haven't just yet and it would really boost my ranking.
Okay, set it for 30 minutes and I'll check it.
The perception, it's so hard to, like, track how people are doing.
I saw you going through heats.
I saw you surfing so well.
This is like my third year on the Challenger.
The first year was really, really, really bad.
Yeah, yeah.
-Some good reality. -[both laugh]
Everyone's humbled.
Yeah, like...
humble.
So I had a really tough first year.
I was just like...
I'm just gonna try to surf and, you know.
Like everything in surfing is such a fine line.
It's like, don't overthink it. Be instinctive.
But then also, like, you want to be like, focused
-And use your brain. -Yeah.
And, like, trying to find that balance.
At the end of the day, even if we're not having the results,
we're traveling and you're getting so much experience.
So I feel like you're surfing way better than last year.
Yeah, I appreciate it. It's such a long road.
Although I want to be doing a lot better, I know, like, it's a process.
You're in the right path.
Like, if you're surfing better, that's like a huge, huge step.
Absolutely. Should we check it?
Oh, my gosh.
Brazilian sugar must be the secret ingredient.
-[Francisca] Fluffy. -[Jessie] I'm so impressed.
That's so good.
Voilà.
[Jessie] Wow.
[rock music playing]
[announcer 1] Bom dia, good morning here in Saquarema.
And this is the final stop of the Challenger Series.
Stop number six.
And a lot of preparation already happening this morning.
[rock music playing]
[Jessie] It's crazy to be at the end of the Challengers.
There's a lot of emotions going around. Everyone's under a lot of pressure.
Sol didn't make her round of 48.
and her season's now done.
And it's really setting in that this is the last chance to compete.
I am right at the bottom of the ranks.
If I can climb up, like, two rounds, that'd make a huge difference.
So I really want to go through this round so I've got a chance.
-[horn blows] -[announcer 1] Round of 48, heat five.
All different parts of the world represented in this heat out there.
We look at Cape Town, South Africa's Jessie Van Niekerk,
who resides majority of the year in Melbourne, Australia.
But really a traveler of the world, is Jessie.
Met her and her father.
[announcer 2] I met her also.
Nice family, nice person.
[announcer 1] Yeah, she's getting a 5.67 on her last
to move her straight into first.
Here's Sanday.
Using priority, it seems like
not only the waves have gotten a bit smaller,
they've moved in a bit closer to shore.
[announcer 2] Yeah, with tide coming up,
it will be kind of hard to put the combos on.
[announcer 1] And, oh, Janire with a strong forehand wrap on the left.
Haven't really seen the left come into play too much today,
but it will in this heat after this wave for Janire.
And the last of blue, a 5.93.
Straight to the lead.
Eleven-point heat total.
That means Jessie Van Niekerk now in second.
Needing a 5.34 to retake the lead.
We look at Tsuzuki right now.
Setup carve into the lip.
And she ain't looking for a whole lot either.
So a 3.58 is what she needs.
And the last of Tsuzuki...
it's enough for second place at 4.2.
So that means that the surfer in the white jersey,
Jessie Van Niekerk, needs at least a 3.36
to retake second place.
So this comes in under.
Fifty seconds to go right here.
Van Niekerk in third needing a 3.36
to move back up into advancing.
Sanday in fourth.
Sanday had to paddle out that one, wasn't able to get into it.
And Van Niekerk seemed like she had a chance.
[announcer 2] She went for the Hail Mary there.
[announcer 1] Doesn't seem like it's gonna be the 3.36
that she was needing, though.
[horn blows]
With my ranking this year,
I won't requalify on to the Challengers automatically.
So I've got to go back to Africa and compete in a few events
that will requalify me
for the Challenger next year.
So bittersweet because it's been a big year
and a lot of progress in a lot of areas.
My heats haven't really reflected it, but I know that my family and I
are super happy with the development of my surfing throughout the year.
Hoping, praying, and trusting God that hopefully I'm here next year.
[rock music playing]
[phone line ringing]
[Tracey on phone] Hello.
Hi, Ma.
How are you?
I'm great, thanks. How are you?
I'm happy/sad.
I think you surfed very clever heat.
I'm just sad for you because it was just right there.
And you surfed well.
Super well.
[Ian] Hi.
Hi, Inny.
Wow, wow, wow.
[laughs]
Oh, what? Like, I just got close.
I wanted... I wanted that final shot, you know?
Just getting some momentum.
But I'm really grateful that I...
I got to figure out a lot this year.
So it stings, but it's fine.
Well that's a good attitude.
The end of the season
is basically the beginning of other opportunities.
You've got a new Challenger season coming up.
You're going to hopefully make it through the regionals.
You're going to hopefully get on tour.
It's going to be again...
amazing, amazing.
I'm excited for next year. We're gonna make it count.
-I love you. -Okay.
Well done. We're very proud of you.
I'm grateful for our little team.
Thanks for being up all night. I love you so much.
-[Tracey] Love you too. -[Ian] Love you, baby.
[upbeat pop music playing]
[announcer 1] We're back for the Corona Saquarema Pro.
An important round for the women out there right now,
as qualification is on the line.
[Ēwelei'ula] The biggest challenge that I face
is just getting out of my own head.
There's so many variables and so many things that can go on in heats.
But I really want to qualify for the tour.
I'm gonna try to focus on myself and, yeah, just do my best.
Even if you win this, you won't make it into the top ten.
You have nothing to prove to anyone, or do you have any pressure on you.
It's surfing, surfing well, wanting to surf well.
You want to get out of the heat and say, "I surfed like crazy in this heat."
-I want waves. -And you will have them.
[Francisca] Yesterday gave me some good vibes,
good energy, and I'm-- I'm feeling it.
I think it's gonna be a really good heat.
I feel like I really have to get in my zone,
put my...
my headphones on and focus
because there's quite a lot to get distracted with.
My goal has always been to win a Challenger event.
So I'm just gonna go after that.
[horn blows]
[announcer 1] Big round out there for the women.
It's the round of 32.
This is Ēwe Wong right here.
[announcer 2] Wraps it back all the way.
Oh! The surfer from Hawaii
with a big layback right there.
-Can she pull it off? -[announcer 3] Ooh!
[announcer 2] Nearly had it right at the end,
but still will get credit.
Just at 2.83.
But when we talk about style, she has it for days.
And boy, can she rip.
22:45 on the clock.
And here's Kika now.
Late takeoff for her.
Setup carve down the line.
Once again, laying on the rail. That DHD looks good under her feet.
Putting in some good work on this wave right here.
As soon as I say that, though, goes down.
-[announcer 3] Yeah. -[announcer 2] There's the coach and crew.
Still anybody's game.
Harrison right there, she is ripping this wave to pieces too.
And Ēwe behind her.
Good setup carve right there for Wong into the lip.
And looking for the strong one at the end. She'll get it.
Ēwe pushing just a bit too hard right there for the finish.
She slightly improves,
so it's Harrison with a 4.77.
Ēwe Wong down to second place.
Here's Veselko.
She's trying to take the lead.
Big snap, carves it back. Strong stuff from Kika.
And the Portuguese surfer with a slip at the end,
but she had done a good amount of work before that.
She's showing that she deserves to go through.
[announcer 2] Veselko in second. Harrison in the lead.
Still three minutes to go.
Priority with Ēwe Wong in the green.
She's definitely not out of it, but she has had a couple of falls
that have cost her some important scores in this heat.
And Wong with priority, she's gonna let it go.
Veselko using third priority, keeping Erostarbe off.
Bully section. Beautiful carve right there from Kika.
Just the one, though.
Yes.
[announcer 1] Two-minute warning.
But now Ēwe Wong needing a 5.53.
Can she get into it?
She can't.
[announcer 2] The backwash playing a bigger factor right now.
The native Hawaiian surfer not able to get into it.
[horn blows]
And it's Ellie Harrison and Kika Veselko with a great performance out there.
I'm definitely bummed that it ended this way.
Now I have to do a bunch of the regional events
to requalify for the Challenger.
I want to go home, reset,
figure out what I need to work on.
so that I come back stronger next year.
Just made my heat, so I'm really stoked.
The scores weren't insanely high,
but it was enough to make it through.
No, I want a hug.
[sighs]
You did well.
I'd have gone for waves you skipped,
but they turned out to be no good.
Good thing you didn't follow my instinct but went with yours.
[Francisca] I'll reset, and tomorrow will be a new day.
I'm ready for another one. Bring it on.
[upbeat pop music playing]
[announcer 1] Second day of competition here in Saquarema.
Waves are extremely fun this morning.
Conditions are looking beautiful, as always.
Today, though, real big round for the women out there.
[announcer 2] Yeah, for sure. Many things on the line.
The waves are there, so I'm very excited for the rest of the day.
[Sophia] I am feeling nervous.
This event, there is like three scenarios for me in the rankings.
I have a slight chance to get on the Championship Tour,
which is the main dream and goal.
And if I make this round,
then I'll have my spot to the next year.
And if I lose this round,
then I might not have my spot on the Challenger Series.
I've been praying very hard just for things to work for me.
[horn blows]
[announcer 1] And looking at heat number three now.
Vahine Fierro, the Olympian, she's gonna to be in the red.
Sophia Medina from Maresias, São Paulo, in blue.
Alexia Monteiro, the 17-year-old, is in the white.
And Daniella Rosas, former Pan American champion
and Olympian herself, in the green jersey.
[suspenseful music playing]
Well, here goes Sophia.
Under everybody else's priority,
big turn right there for Medina.
Combos it up.
Kind of a softer finish, but still had the combo before that.
Not needing a whole lot either.
Here's Vahine. Second priority.
And up and riding.
Down the line wave coming around the section.
Big turn to start things off.
For the Tahitian, an even better second one too.
And she's on a roll.
She gets a score for the lead, a 5.3.
So Fierro in first with the combination of two scores of 10.4.
That drops Medina down to second.
[announcer 2] I think the sign that Charlie gave to her with the board
might help her to find that wave on the priority.
She's up and riding.
[announcer 1] Medina now fading back.
Has a good air game too. Haven't seen it in this heat.
More of a setup turn right there and was potentially looking down the line
a bit too much.
Rosas, right here with priority, in fourth.
Only needs a 4.53, though.
Setup turn right there.
And a big finish for Dani.
Still waiting on this score,
but it could potentially be one of the best waves of the heat.
Medina, important heat for her if she wants to stay alive in contention.
I don't know who's more nervous,
whether it's Sophia or Charlie over in the athletes area,
but he does seem a bit concerned.
Fifty seconds.
I hope I never get to that situation myself.
Being a parent and watching your kids compete
might be the most stressful thing ever.
Medina trying to play some defense behind her,
That's a much better finish for Sophia.
And this heat counting down.
So this could potentially be decided on the beach.
[horn blows]
Winning on the last score.
Daniella Rosas needing just a 4.53 for second place.
[applause]
A good embrace right there by both Rosas and Medina.
[announcer 2] It's really nice to see
how the friendship and everything,
how these girls, they're always traveling together.
They know themselves, like, for so long.
[announcer 1] Sophia Medina to go on a wave after Rosas caught one.
3.7 for Rosas is not enough.
[upbeat music playing]
So it's gonna be Fierro and Medina moving through into the round of 16.
A big moment for the surfer from Maresias, São Paulo.
She's gonna be advancing into the next round.
And a big embrace by both her family and friends.
[clapping]
Being an inspiration,
how do you see the future of women's surfing growing in Brazil?
Actually, my biggest dream is to inspire little girls to surf too.
Just like I was inspired by Carissa Moore,
by the girls in the WSL,
I want to leave that legacy behind too.
It's cool to see little girls watching this championship,
and I hope to be a good role model. That's why I work every day.
I think that's what surfing's about, it's to spread what you learn.
I'm a fan.
Okay, have a good rest.
Thank you. See you. Bye.
Bye bye.
[uplifting pop music playing]
[phone line ringing]
Hi, Mom.
-How are you? -Good.
I didn't call you right after my heat 'cause I was pretty bummed
and needed some space.
Yeah, no, I figured.
So, you know, this is the conclusion of the second season on Challenger.
In what ways do you think this year was better?
I was more consistent.
What changes do you feel like you need to make?
Getting a coach would be great.
Definitely. I think that would be helpful.
Anything else?
Obviously, I have a lot of things to work on.
Um, Challenger isn't just something you breeze through.
So going home and reflecting
and regrouping will be really important.
I think the really important thing for you to remember
and always carry with you is that you are a representative
of ʻŌlelo Hawai'i.
And I know that can be a lot of pressure sometimes,
but it's also something really important to...
be with you.
It's really important for me to hopefully inspire the next generation
of 'ōiwi, female or male surfers.
Yeah. I'm proud of you.
I mean, yeah, I know you didn't get the results you wanted or whatever,
but I do think you learned a lot,
and that's an important part of the process.
I had an amazing year.
Traveled the world with friends and, yeah, met new people,
got to experience new things and visit new places, so...
Lots of positives to take away from this year.
Okay. Good, Ēwe.
Now it's figuring out how to make those big jumps.
Okay, one step is to say it.
The next step is to figure out the options
and then to do them.
Yeah, I'm excited to go home and have some events at home,
and hopefully look forward to requalifying for next year.
-Waves are good at home. -Can't wait.
Yeah, I can't wait to see you too.
-See-- See you. -Love you so much, Ēwe.
Love you too.
[upbeat pop music playing]
We came here, didn't we? For the QS?
Yeah.
I feel really good, like...
that it's the last event of the year,
whether I qualify or not.
I feel grateful just to be here with a little bit of chance.
This here dad is very proud of you,
but the coach is very proud too.
[both laugh]
Because, uh, you are dedication, training in the water,
out the water.
So, tomorrow will be
an important day for the championship, round of 16.
It means starting the heat believing that the first place is possible.
always respecting your opponent.
It's a very hard heat, but I believe we can do it well,
which is very important to get
to what many thought possible.
-Let's go for it. -Keep going.
I don't want to start crying, but I believe.
[both laugh]
-Me too, let's go! -Let's take them on.
[uplifting pop music playing]
Let it burn.
[Rodrigo] So you heard the call for tomorrow?
Yeah, 6:30 call.
Possible 7:05.
So I think be down there by 6:00.
[Rodrigo] You can actually feel the tension at the beach.
[Francisca] Everything comes down into this event.
Have you thought about anything besides surfing?
Do you want me to think about?
-What else? -There's nothing else to think about.
I think it's all about performing.
Yeah. I just want to surf. Don't want to think about anything else.
[Rodrigo] I would love to be on the sand
and being the first person to tell you that you just--
you just made it.
Just screaming.
[Francisca] See what happens.
[Rodrigo] See what the wave brings.
[Francisca] Even though it's been a hard year,
I feel like I'm doing the the right things.
I have great people supporting me.
Here we go.
Moment of truth.
[Francisca] I think I really need to focus on my career.
I'm young, and it doesn't last too long,
so my goal is to give everything I have right now
and no regrets in the future.
Thank you.
[Ēwelei'ula] Wow.
Oh, my God.
-That looks so good. -[Ēwelei'ula] So good.
You guys both got some good results this year.
I mean, better than me, but...
No comments.
Sol's just, I'm gonna sit back and not talk about results.
[Ēwelei'ula] It's like a trigger.
[Jessie] Exactly.
This is actually the coolest place for the last comp
because everyone's staying close by.
You see everyone at breakfast.
-[Ēwelei'ula] I know. -Everyone at lunch, everyone at dinner.
They're all just a big family.
[Jessie] Yeah.
I feel like at the beginning of the year,
everyone's kind of like in their own groups.
But then, like, towards, like...
We're in Brazil. Like, everyone's super friendly.
You got to relax and enjoy and laugh about the fact that it's over.
-I know. -Laugh and cry at the same time.
[energetic pop music playing]
[announcer 1] Welcome back to Saquarema.
Moving on into head-to-head matchups
for the women in the round of 16.
[announcer 2] Back-to-back-to-back.
Full day of competition. Epic day.
So we're amped already here.
[Francisca] I'm feeling good going into the round 16 against Vahiné.
Vahiné is a really good surfer,
so I know that I'll have to catch the best waves
to come out with the win.
But the main goal is to focus on myself, get my waves,
and do like a smart strategy against her.
-I'm feeling anxious, damn it. -You are? That's good, man.
No warrior goes into the arena without some nerves,
it means you're alive.
Channel that into power
and presence in the water.
That's a good entry over there.
It's perfect, a strong selection. I'm going for it.
Kika, you're a warrior. You got this!
[Francisca] I'm hoping for a lot of waves,
a lot of opportunities to make it through,
and to come out happy out of the water.
[announcer 1] Heat three of the round of 16
featuring Vahiné Fierro up against Francisca Veselko.
So if Kika took us out, then she would, I feel like, she would take--
She would knock Vahiné out of qualification.
[horn blows]
[announcer 1] Vahiné.
[announcer 2] Nice rhythm, nice flow.
[announcer 1] Hooks it off the top.
Loads up off the bottom. Hooks it off the top again.
Loads up off the bottom.
Hangs it for a third one.
Smile on her face. She's chuckling right now.
Here comes Francisca.
Solid top turn there.
Fades into the white water.
Another hook, with a little extra on the end.
Snap. Oh no. And catches.
Francisca Veselko
is trailing in her matchup against Vahiné Fierro.
She needs a huge number.
Everything's going Vahiné Fierro's way.
Francisca needs something big.
Come on. We can do this.
Let's go!
[announcer 1] Kika.
Great carve to begin.
Up in the lip there.
Hit it. Yes.
[announcer 1] Sturdy finish.
[announcer 2] She's a fearless competitor, man.
She's always fighting till the end.
-The "never give up" spirit. -[announcer 1] Yeah, I love that spirit.
The requirement, you can see it on the lead screen.
Still excellent at 8.56 for Kika Veselko.
-Vahiné uses her priority here. -[announcer 2] Laying the tactics.
[announcer 1] Slashes off the top.
Bounces through the second one. That's not gonna change her score line.
We have the time running against us.
But she knows she can do it.
[announcer 1] A little bit of light now for Kika.
-Francisca Veselko. -[announcer 2] One minute of light.
[announcer 1] Francisca hoping for something.
Make the one that turns the thing around.
[horn blows]
[announcer 2] That's the end of the road now for Francisca.
[dramatic music playing]
That wave was worth a ton of points. I got totally tricked by the backwash.
You surfed like crazy.
Got it?
5.17 with two carves, are you kidding?
Come on man, we have nothing to lose. You're surfing like crazy.
Did you hear me?
That's some crazy surfing, that's what I'm telling you.
I was stupid, you know?
I lost my paddle and couldn't get back.
Yeah.
Damn.
Oh, but the carves, on point.
[indistinct]
It's not about a lack of brains, and that's what you need to hold on to.
What is done is done. Honestly, we cannot...
I'm very frustrated.
Why did I not catch the eight-point wave?
We're frustrated, but with our heads held high.
[Francisca] I'm taking in, like, the good things
and not just thinking about the mistakes.
I know more what I really want.
Like I've always known the goal was to be on tour, but now I'm--
I feel like I'm starting to believe it even more and visualize it even more.
I feel good. I'm motivated for next year.
And so there's a lot of good things on the horizon for sure.
[rock music playing]
[Sophia] The round of 16 is the first heat where you go woman-to-woman.
And it's a really important round.
If I make it through this, it will help me get to a better ranking.
I know it's not easy to find the best wave out there,
and I know it's not an easy competitor to be against with, too.
Ellie is such a good surfer.
She can do eight-point rides out of nowhere.
And I just got to focus and try to do my best.
I feel ready. I feel prepared. And let's go.
[announcer 1] It's heat number four of the round of 16 for the women.
Ellie Harrison from Barwon Heads, Australia in the red.
Sophia Medina from Maresias, São Paulo, Brazil
is in the blue.
Mathematically still has a chance to qualify, Medina does.
She does need to win the event and have a couple of other situations
happen in her favor.
[announcer 2] And here she goes, starting pretty quick, this heat.
Nice first snap right there.
She's really confident.
[announcer 1] Here's Harrison, big turn right there.
And just the one and done.
[announcer 2] Look, here's Sophia Medina riding again.
[announcer 1] The one cut back so far.
Flat section right here, she's trying to generate speed.
That's a good finish for her.
Her best ride in this heat.
Whoo!
[announcer 1] Harrison needing a 4.94 for the lead.
And she's up and riding. This could be a good wave.
Wraps it back all the way.
Looking to gain some speed once again.
Lays it on rail.
And Ellie looking for a strong finish. Almost had it right there.
And unfortunately incomplete.
Sophia with a huge chance right here to increase her first place positioning.
And just the one carve. That shouldn't change anything.
Father Charlie a bit nervous at the moment.
He's having a tough time over there in the athletes area.
Pressure getting to him.
Doesn't seem like it's affected Sophia so far in this heat, though.
At the moment, still in the lead.
She's in a position right now that she cannot afford
to lose a single heat for her to have a chance
of qualifying for the CT for next year.
A lot of stress, a lot of emotions.
Harrison looking for a 4.67
to move up into the lead.
[announcer 2] A nice first turn and really, really aggressive second one.
But she wasn't able to ride out of that.
[announcer 1] Sophia...
with a lot more flow on this one than we've seen on her previous rides.
[announcer 2] Yeah, nice rhythm.
Good combo.
[announcer 1] Her best wave by a mile.
She's pumped on that.
[cheers and applause]
Let's see if Harrison can mount a comeback right here.
This could potentially be the wave.
So let's see what she could do.
Setup carve as she pulled it short.
Much better right there. Actually gets the completion on this one.
So, big moment, Medina.
[announcer 2] I like the way she slides the tail.
[announcer 1] Tactics in play right now.
Positioning a big thing out there.
This could be an important wave for Ellie.
Just a bit out of position.
He's got to let it go.
And now Sophia with a huge chance right here.
She's a smart competitor.
[announcer 1] Medina surfing this wave well.
Big bank right there on the forehand for Sophia.
She'll get the completion with the white water finish too.
-[applause] -Whoo!
Nice one.
[announcer 1] 4.17 what she's looking to improve on.
She loves it.
This heat, Sophia's really not only looks strong,
she has competed the smartest of ways.
[announcer 2] Thirty seconds left.
Ellie with her back against the wall.
[announcer 1] Harrison has had a good year,
coming into the event top 15.
But she's gonna go down red here.
[horn blows]
[excited chatter]
[upbeat pop music playing]
[girls cheering]
[announcer 1] Charlie and the crew, they're stoked.
Everybody on the beach not only supporting the local surfer,
they want to see her eventually qualify
for the World Champ Tour.
Brazil is hopeful.
Sophia, congratulations. That was amazing to watch.
And now the crowd is proud of you. Your father is proud of you.
Uh, how does it feel to hear
all this screaming and yelling and cheering for you,
and how much that brings you the positive energy to go today?
[Sophia] It's just awesome to have this crowd here.
And I don't know, these people are amazing,
and it's just nice to share these special moments with them as well.
I don't only surf for myself. I surf for my family, for my country.
It's my biggest dream to be on the Championship Tour,
and I'll do whatever it takes for me to get there.
[upbeat pop music playing]
You're gonna stay here, right?
Yeah, I'll leave on the 21st.
Might as well just stay here, practice.
What do you feel about your surfing this year?
Not the results. The surfing.
There's still a lot of stuff that I need to work on
if I want to get on tour and maintain myself there.
I feel like I need to really start pushing
in moments that I'm gonna be scared,
and start feeling comfortable with the uncomfortable.
If you told me now,
"Oh, you made it on tour.
Now you got to go surf Pipe or you got to go surf Chopes."
[laughs]
I'm not even honestly ready for that.
You... you got good scores.
So we know that you have what it takes.
I think we need to work on that consistency and being able
to perform in every different condition.
Big, small, windy,
glassy, lefts, rights.
Finally, I'm looking into an offseason
with eyes on building a solid, like, future, you know?
Like, I want to get barreled. I want to try new turns.
Try some errors.
And, yeah, I'm just really looking forward and getting out of my comfort zone
and try to charge.
There's a lot of things that you've been doing
that makes you a great person...
not only a great surfer.
Thank you.
[both laugh]
And I'm proud of you.
I want to freaking surf and just smash it.
[upbeat pop music playing]
[laughing]
Portugal was very painful.
That was a-- That was a tough heat.
First of all, that paddle out,
I didn't think I was gonna make it out for the heat.
I know!
I got in the water first and was the last one to get out.
I only saw Vahiné, and Sol was just like...
Yeah. I don't know. Me and Sol are just somewhere not...
-Maybe that's why we lost. -I know.
I feel like Vahiné always gets a really good start, yeah.
I've been against her so many times already.
Me too.
She never loses.
-I don't-- Yeah. -I haven't seen...
But you're still in this contest.
-So... -Yeah.
We've had, like, such an amazing year this year.
You should be, like, super, super proud and stuff.
Yeah. Thank you.
Um, yeah, I'm so excited to watch you guys.
-Thank you, Ēwe. That's really sweet. -Yeah.
Last event, so...
-Yeah. -No pressure.
No pr-- No pressure at all.
-[both laugh] -No pressure at all.
[rock music playing]
[announcer 1] Finals day, a lot on the line here.
So Fierro moves into the semis,
which is just one heat away.
She'll move up into fifth.
And Sophia Medina, this is also a must-win heat.
She is looking to win her first CS event
and could potentially qualify for the World Championship Tour.
She has got her game face on for quarterfinal number two.
[Sophia] I just gave everything I have against Vahiné.
She beat me a couple of times,
but I'm really, like, a believer,
and I do believe the games can change.
And I'm ready.
I'm really focused, and I really want to win this heat.
[horn blows]
[announcer 2] Here she comes.
[announcer 1] First wave of the heat.
And once again, the significance of this one
for both these women.
Everything on the line.
Couple of big swooping carves for Medina so far in this heat.
Looking to gain some momentum into the shore break.
Riding the OKAY model from Sharp Eye Surfboards out there this morning.
Looking more than okay to start things off in this heat.
Four points, the opener of Medina.
Still early stage into this one.
First wave ridden for Vahiné right here.
Great opening snap, just the one for her.
Opening ride of Vahiné, a 3.5.
[percussive music playing]
Medina up and riding.
Four-point ride on her opener.
Much better right here.
A small touch right there at the end. She'll be extending her lead.
[announcer 2] Just got a 5.5.
[announcer 1] So the best wave of the heat at the moment.
Vahiné on this wave.
And she's up to her feet.
Only her second ride in almost 15 minutes.
One carve, much better with the second wrap.
Great flow on this wave. Dropped an 8.33 yesterday.
Looking to replicate that on this one.
Much better momentum on this wave for Vahiné Fierro.
And finds her rhythm towards the end.
How's that little grin at the end too?
She loves it. Coaching staff loves it.
Big answer right here.
Qualification on the line for Sophia Medina.
[percussive music playing]
Needs to get some work done.
And a little hung up right there at the end for Sophia.
Vahiné somehow was able to make it back out in time for this set.
4.4, the last one of Sophia.
4.67, the last of Vahiné Fierro.
She's up to first place.
Now Medina on this wave needs a 7.2 or better.
Here's Sophia with the answer.
Good rhythm on that wave there.
Three minutes to go.
It's a must-win for both surfers.
Fierro with the lead, though, and with priority.
Twenty seconds to go, and it's now-or-never, career...
Career season really on the line for Sophia Medina.
Been the most improved surfer in this year right here on the Challenger Series.
As Vahiné right here, playing some defense.
Looking to improve a 5.73.
Still just going to work on the inside right there.
She's gonna close out this heat.
[horn blows]
[dramatic music playing]
Major props to Sophia
for a great season.
You can see the emotion right there.
You have the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows.
And this one, this one hurts.
That is a tough image to watch right there.
Sophia,
after bowing out in the quarterfinals,
couple of heats away from making it onto the Championship Tour.
[Sophia] It's the fourth time she beat me.
It's such a bummer because I knew I had a chance,
and I believed I could get there.
Finishing fifth puts me in the place
for qualifying on the Challenger Series next year.
But it's a bit frustrating
because I worked so hard,
and I truly gave everything I have.
And, like, my life is this, you know,
and so there's no other other way than discipline and really putting...
putting everything you have.
So I'll just keep doing that and hope for the best for next year.
It's okay sweetheart...
It was an excellent year, an excellent championship.
-We knew you had a chance, right? -Uhm.
-But it's fine, we knew it was hard. -Yeah.
[uplifting pop music playing]
You guys are awesome people to hang out with,
and I love being around you all.
You've inspired me, Sophia.
[Sol] I think everyone's been inspired by Sophia.
You're always surfing so smart and so strong.
Thank you, guys. That's really...
Today I'm a little emotional, but, yeah, thank you.
That really helps.
[laughs]
I think every result you've been getting, no one gave it to you.
You owned it.
Aw! Sweet, you guys.
I think you manage well.
I always seen you surfing, like,
with a lot of, like, you know...
Determination.
Attitude.
If it's her wave, like, everyone move aside
because Kika's, like, going.
Just completely determined, and I admire that.
Like, I wish I was as determined.
-Thank you. -[all laugh]
Sure.
Result-wise, it was a bad year, but I'm happy also.
I was able, like, to look into stuff
with different perspective
and try to also be positive about it.
So I got to know myself a bit better.
I mean, results-wise, definitely not the best.
-I'm excited for next year, and... -[Francisca] Same.
Like, I feel like this year I was just kind of letting things happen to me.
But next year, I want to take more control.
[Sophia] Yes, Ēwe.
-Be more intentional with what I'm doing? -[Sophia] Yes!
[all laugh]
Go, Ēwe.
-Girl power. -[Sophia] Yes.
As a person, as how I...
-I don't know how to say it. -[Sophia] How you manage?
[Sol] How I managed
and faced the challenges, I think, it's a good year.
I see, like, more positive,
and also, like, you've been knowing how to deal with everything.
I've learned the hard way, but it's good.
I got a long way to go.
But I'm learning from everyone here.
Like, all those different characteristics that we're saying about each other.
I'm like, yeah, I'd love to have a bit of that, bit of that.
-[Sophia] Yeah. -So it's pretty cool.
-We can bounce off each other. -[Sophia] Yeah, it's true.
Where we are right now
is where you dream to be a couple of years ago.
And after a bad year comes a good year.
-So we're all in for next year. -Next year, it's on!
The ocean will connect us again.
Yes. We will be back together again.
I fell in love with this sport, with the ocean,
with the environment, with the friends, everything.
Everything that involves surfing is just magical, and it's very special.
That's why I love it.
[uplifting pop music playing]
[Jessie] Experience is a big thing in surfing.
I'm probably forgetting a lot of the time. It's my second year on tour.
I would like to be on the CT.
I would love to represent South Africa at the Olympics.
That's the end goal, but I know that it definitely is a process.
[Sol] This year has been
probably one of the biggest years of my career.
I've improved my surfing, and I've improved myself.
Right now, I have to figure out
how I'm gonna get to the Challengers next year.
I really want to just live in the moment, enjoy as much as I can,
and give my best.
And I know things will turn out really positive.
[Francisca] I want to be a professional surfer.
My goal is to make it on tour. That's where my head's at.
I'm gonna just keep giving my all,
and I'm trying to learn how to chill out a bit
and live more in the present,
and hopefully next year it will be great.
[Sophia] It feels good to be top 50 of the world.
The big risk I took to not compete in the QS this year
brought me big results.
And I really want to be on the Championship Tour.
I don't care what it takes. I'll do whatever it takes to get there.
And I know it seems impossible to many people,
but when you really focus on one thing and you really go after it
and you believe it,
it's possible.
[Ēwelei'ula] I learned independence,
how to take care of myself, how to travel.
I had a few of those not great heats
that did make me question what I wanted to do,
but I've realized I want to keep competing.
I care so much about surfing.
It's my life. It's pretty much all I've ever known.
I'm inspired by the athletes, the destination,
and the dream to become world champion.
And I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
[uplifting music playing]
[percussive music playing] re this journey takes me.