Erin Brooks’ performance in Surf Abu Dhabi Pro
Canadian teenager Erin Brooks delivered an impressive performance at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, showcasing her skill and determination against some of the world’s top surfers. Competing in the state-of-the-art wave pool at Hudayriyat Island, Brooks demonstrated her ability to adapt to the artificial conditions, executing powerful turns and precise maneuvers throughout the competition.
Brooks advanced through the early rounds with confidence, consistently posting strong scores and proving why she is considered one of the rising stars in women’s surfing. Her aggressive approach and technical precision allowed her to stand out in a highly competitive field, as she navigated the mechanically generated waves with ease.
Despite her relative inexperience at the elite level, Brooks displayed remarkable composure under pressure, particularly in the knockout rounds. Her ability to link critical turns and maintain speed through sections of the wave earned her praise from commentators and fellow competitors alike.
Her journey in the event came to an end in the quarterfinals, but her performance in Abu Dhabi reinforced her status as a serious contender on the World Surf League circuit. With each event, Brooks continues to gain valuable experience, refining her technique and building momentum for the remainder of the season.
Quarterfinal matchup against Molly Picklum
Facing off against Australia’s Molly Picklum in the quarterfinals, Erin Brooks knew she had a tough challenge ahead. Picklum, a seasoned competitor and one of the top-ranked surfers on the World Surf League tour, brought her signature power and precision to the artificial waves of Surf Abu Dhabi. From the opening exchange, both surfers pushed the limits, looking to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Brooks started strong, finding an early rhythm and executing a series of sharp, controlled turns that earned her a solid opening score. She displayed her characteristic speed and fluidity, linking manoeuvres seamlessly as she worked to build momentum. However, Picklum responded with a dominant performance, capitalising on her experience and wave selection to post a pair of high-scoring rides.
As the heat progressed, Brooks attempted to up the ante, searching for a wave that would allow her to showcase her aerial ability and technical prowess. Despite her efforts, Picklum maintained her composure, strategically positioning herself to block Brooks from accessing the best scoring opportunities. With time running out, Brooks needed a significant score to turn the heat in her favour, but the right wave never materialised.
Picklum’s consistency and tactical approach proved decisive, securing her the win and a place in the semifinals. While Brooks was eliminated from the competition, her performance against one of the tour’s top surfers highlighted her growing confidence and ability to compete at the highest level. The experience gained from this matchup will undoubtedly serve her well as she continues her campaign on the WSL tour.
Current World Surf League standings
Following her quarterfinal finish at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Erin Brooks now sits in ninth place in the World Surf League (WSL) season standings. This position reflects her steady progress throughout the season, as she continues to establish herself among the world’s best female surfers. With multiple events still to come, Brooks remains in contention for a strong overall finish in the rankings.
The current WSL leaderboard is tightly contested, with only a small margin separating the top-ranked surfers. Australian competitors, including Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright, continue to be dominant forces on the tour, consistently delivering high-scoring performances. Picklum’s victory over Brooks in Abu Dhabi further solidified her position among the top contenders, while Wright’s experience and consistency keep her in the title race.
For Brooks, maintaining a top-ten ranking is a significant achievement, particularly given her relative inexperience at this level. Her ability to perform well in different conditions—whether in natural ocean breaks or artificial wave pools—demonstrates her versatility and adaptability, key attributes for success on the WSL tour. As she gains more experience competing against the sport’s elite, she will look to refine her strategy and improve her consistency in high-pressure heats.
With upcoming events in locations known for their powerful waves, Brooks will have the opportunity to showcase her full range of skills. Her aggressive approach and technical precision make her a formidable competitor, and if she can capitalise on her strengths, she has the potential to climb even higher in the rankings. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Brooks to see how she continues to develop and challenge the established names in women’s surfing.
Erin Brooks’ performance in Surf Abu Dhabi Pro
Canadian teenager Erin Brooks put on a solid performance at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, making it all the way to the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Aussie powerhouse Molly Picklum. Brooks, known for her fearless approach and sharp turns, gave it a red-hot crack but couldn’t quite get past Picklum, who was in top form.
The artificial waves at Surf Abu Dhabi provided a unique challenge, but Brooks adapted well, showing off her technical skills and smooth rail work. She posted some solid scores throughout the event, proving she’s got the talent to mix it with the best. However, when it came down to the crunch, Picklum’s experience and wave selection gave her the edge.
Despite the loss, Brooks’ performance in Abu Dhabi keeps her in the mix for the season, currently sitting ninth in the World Surf League standings. Not bad for a teenager taking on the world’s best. With plenty of events still to come, she’s got time to climb the rankings and make a serious impact.
“She’s got the skills, the drive, and the guts to take on anyone,” one commentator noted. “It’s only a matter of time before she’s standing on top of the podium.”
For now, Brooks will be looking ahead to the next stop on the tour, ready to sharpen her game and take another shot at the top contenders. Watch this space—this young gun is just getting started.
World Surf League rankings and standings
With her quarterfinal finish in Abu Dhabi, Brooks holds onto ninth place in the World Surf League rankings, keeping herself well within striking distance of the top contenders. The season is still young, and with a few big results, she could easily climb the leaderboard.
At the top of the rankings, the usual suspects are battling it out, with names like Carissa Moore, Molly Picklum, and Tyler Wright all in the mix. Picklum’s strong showing in Abu Dhabi has helped her solidify her position among the elite, while Brooks continues to prove she belongs in the conversation.
Consistency is key in the WSL, and Brooks has been putting together a solid campaign so far. A few more deep runs in upcoming events could see her break into the top five, which would be a massive achievement for the young Canadian. The competition is fierce, but Brooks has shown she’s got the talent and determination to take it to the best in the world.
“She’s got the fire, the skills, and the hunger to keep pushing up the rankings,” one analyst said. “If she keeps this up, she’ll be a serious threat by season’s end.”
With plenty of events still on the calendar, Brooks has every opportunity to make her mark. If she can string together a few big performances, don’t be surprised to see her shaking up the rankings and giving the veterans a run for their money.