It’s that electrifying time of year again—time to dive into the final stretch of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. September brings us to one of the most anticipated events on the circuit and the closing chapter for the current season: the Final Five showdown at Lower Trestles. As the season reaches its crescendo, let’s dive into who we think will win it all and become world champion in 2024.
Why Lower Trestles?
Lower Trestles, located in Southern California, is a wave-rich venue known for its flawless, high-performance waves. With its long, perfectly groomed rights and lefts, it's a favorite among surfers for its sheer consistency and perfect conditions for executing jaw-dropping maneuvers. The venue’s pristine setup is a true playground for top-level surfing, and it’s where we’ll see the Final Five fight for supremacy in 2024.
Our Top Five Predictions (per the conditions)
If it’s perfect Lowers - John John Florence
Let’s start with double J, Mr. John John Florence. The Hawaiian powerhouse has been a dominant force this season, blending incredible technical skill with his classic style. His deep knowledge of wave dynamics and ability to perform under pressure makes him a top pick for the Final Five. Florence’s adaptability to various wave conditions will serve him well at Lower Trestles, where precision and flair are key. Expect him to be a strong contender and possibly take top honors if the waves are overhead and clean as a whistle.
If it’s tricky, unpredictable Lowers Griffin Colapinto
The local boy in the draw and someone who really felt the pressure last year is San Clemente's own Griffin Colapinto. If you cruised around SC last year around the finals, you’d see Griffin's face on the freeway overpasses, local groms shirts, and spread throughout all the local business on Del Mar street. The community really got behind Griff, and we think that fired him up a lot. Unfortunately he fell short to Ethan last year, but with a couple event wins this year Griff is looking like he’s learned a lot since the last final five showdown.
- Why we didn’t select Jack Robinson, Ethan Ewing, or Italo Ferreira
While at IPD we are big fans of these three, we still are confident in our picks of John and Griff. Sure, John and Griffin are statistically in the best positions (since the higher the ranking, the fewer heats needed to surf), but in previous years we have seen surfers charge up the totem pole and take out the contest, most notably Steph Gilmore surfing from 5th to champion. While Italo has an unlimited gas tank of energy, we think it would be hard for him to do the same. Jack and Ethan both have incredible talents, Ethan’s being his rail game and Jack having an explosive air and rail game, but we still see John and Griff not letting them pass.
Factors That Could Influence the Outcome
While these surfers are our top picks, the dynamic nature of surfing means several factors could influence the final result:
- Wave Conditions: Lower Trestles can vary in wave size and shape, and adaptability to the conditions on the day will be crucial. Surfers who can read and react to changing conditions will have an advantage.
- Heat Strategy: The strategy each surfer employs during their heats will play a significant role. Effective time management, wave selection, and execution of maneuvers will be key in securing high scores.
- Pressure and Focus: The Final Five represents the pinnacle of the WSL season, and handling the pressure will be essential. Surfers who can maintain their focus and perform under the intense spotlight will likely have the edge.
The Excitement Builds
As we count down the days to the Final Five at Lower Trestles, the excitement is palpable. Each of these top surfers has demonstrated incredible talent and determination throughout the season. The convergence of their skills on the world’s stage promises an unforgettable display of surfing prowess.
The 2024 WSL Final Five at Lower Trestles is shaping up to be an epic showdown. These surfers have proven themselves throughout the season, and their performance at Lower Trestles will determine who takes home the ultimate prize. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Whenever a prediction is made, you typically have to give a single answer, especially in a sport like surfing where only one person can reign victorious. So let’s get a drumroll for our final prediction…
We think it’s John John Florence. He’s at the number one spot and doesn’t seem like he’s going to let this world title slip out of his hands. Don't forget to rock your favorite IPD tees, board shorts, and hats down at the cobbles.
