Canadian surfer Erin Brooks claimed victory at the Fiji Pro, marking her second consecutive win on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. The 19-year-old secured the title after Australian competitor Isabella Nichols withdrew from the final due to an ankle injury sustained during the semifinals against Brisa Hennessy of Costa Rica.
Expressing her excitement, Brooks shared, “I feel amazing and grateful for the opportunity to win back-to-back events. It seemed impossible at the beginning of the year, but now I am incredibly happy.” She also expressed disappointment for Nichols, wishing her a speedy recovery and acknowledging her impressive performance throughout the competitions.
Brooks made history in Fiji, the same location where she achieved her first Tour victory as a wild-card entry in 2024, defeating Tatiana Weston-Webb of Brazil in the final. In addition, she recently clinched the Tahiti Pro title by overcoming Israel’s Anat Lelior in a remarkable comeback, becoming the youngest winner of the event.
Following her successive triumphs, Brooks has ascended from 19th to eighth place in the global women’s rankings. Surf Canada’s Director-Chairman, Lionel F. Conacher, commended Brooks for her exceptional achievements, emphasizing her talent and the growth of surfing in Canada.
While born in Texas and raised in Hawaii, Brooks has strong Canadian connections through her father and grandfather. After initially facing challenges in obtaining Canadian citizenship, she eventually succeeded in becoming a citizen in 2024. Despite missing out on Olympic qualification opportunities, Brooks has continued to excel on the international surfing stage.
At the Fiji Pro, Brooks started strongly with a perfect 10-point ride in her opening heat against Sophie McCulloch of Australia. She maintained her momentum by defeating Caroline Marks in the second round and ultimately besting Carissa Moore in the semifinals to secure a spot in the final.
With her sights set on the upcoming Lexus Trestles Pro in San Clemente, California, Brooks carries her confidence from back-to-back victories into the next stop on the WSL Championship Tour.