An Olympic Gold Medalist and a 14-Year-Old Girl Are Leading the Challenger Series

After a particularly wave-starved window, the waves picked up on the last day in Ericeira Pro. Kauli Vaast and Tya Zebrowski both took down former Championship Tour talent in their respective finals. By slicing into the shifting faces of Ribeira d’Ilhas, Tya overpowered Australian India Robinson and became the first French woman and the youngest surfer to win a Challenger Series event. At 14 years old, Tya has a real shot of becoming the youngest woman to qualify for the CT. Tya finished runner-up in this contest in 2024, so her victory tasted that much sweeter. 

Meanwhile, Kauli again showed the world that he’s a well-rounded weapon in the final against regularfoot Geore Pittar. The winner of the 2024 Paris Olympics could have the pick of the litter at his beloved Teahupo’o. His ability to grit his teeth and cut through the cold Portuguese chop over and over again speaks volumes about what he wants to do. With two finals appearances and now a debut win, Kauli is atop the CS rankings with three events remaining. Two of those stops: Pipeline (where he could be lethal) and Newcastle (where he finaled to start the year).

“I’m so happy to win this one,” Kauli said. “I’ve been dreaming of a Challenger Series win for a long time. I was surrounded by a really good team and good people. It was a war this one, I had to fight for it, but I felt like I had good heats from the start. Two finals in four competitions, I’m very happy. To win this with Tya as well, this is what we dream of. It was our objective, and we trained hard for it, surfing in the same contest we hoped it would happen. Thanks to our coach Joan Duru for everything!”

The next stop on the CS is the Saquarema Pro (October 11-19) in Brazil. After that, just two events remain to determine CT spots. While the talent level in the men's and women's fields is extremely high, most of the Challenger Series waves are a far cry from what we see on the Championship Tour. After a slew of mediocre beachbreaks, it will be a welcome sight to see Pipeline open its gladiator pit once again.

EDP Ericeira Pro Women’s Final Results:

1- Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 13.53 

2- India Robinson (AUS) 11.93

EDP Ericeira Pro Men’s Final Results:

1- Kauli Vaast (FRA) 14.06 

2- George Pittar (AUS) 11.64

EDP Ericeira Pro Women’s Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 10.33 DEF. Anat Lelior (ISR) 6.77

HEAT 2: India Robinson (AUS) 12.83 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 11.93

EDP Ericeira Pro Men’s Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: George Pittar (AUS) 15.84 DEF. Lucca Mesinas (PER) 9.50

HEAT 2: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 12.67 DEF. Eli Hanneman (HAW) 10.83

EDP Ericeira Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results:

HEAT 1: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.83 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 10.00

HEAT 2: Anat Lelior (ISR) 11.00 DEF. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 9.83

HEAT 3: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 13.83 DEF. Alyssa Spencer (USA) 9.50

HEAT 4: India Robinson (AUS) 12.13 DEF. Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) 4.60

EDP Ericeira Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Results:

HEAT 1: George Pittar (AUS) 13.50 DEF. Lucas Vicente (BRA) 8.57

HEAT 2: Lucca Mesinas (PER) 13.16 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 9.90

HEAT 3: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 13.50 DEF. Adur Amatriain (EUK) 10.00

HEAT 4: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 12.13 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 8.26