Wildcards Announced For 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro
Alyssa Spencer, Kirra Pinkerton, Bryan Perez + more slap their names on the draw.
Six surfers are slipping into the WSL’s next stop — Surf City, El Salvador — as wildcards. Three men, three women. As always, the selection process is about as clear as mud. So let’s step into the gallery, squint at the brushstrokes, and attempt to make sense of the art.
Alyssa Spencer
Despite finishing six spots outside the CT qualification line last year — 11th on the 2024 Challenger Series — Alyssa gets the event wildcard. Why?
El Salvador sits in Central America, which, depending on who you ask, either belongs to North America (geographically) or Latin America (culturally and linguistically). The WSL slots El Salvador into the North American region, meaning wildcards get handed out accordingly. Bureaucracy wins the day.
Nadia Erostarbe
Johanne Defay is having a baby. Nadia gets a CT spot. Simple math. She was the next in line for CT qualification after last year’s Challenger Series battle and slides into Johanne’s maternity leave slot. This one makes sense.
Kirra Pinkerton
Another wildcard, another loophole. Despite finishing ten spots outside the CS qualification line, Kirra gets the call-up in place of the mentally benched Tati West, due to being the next highest-ranked North American from last year’s CS.
Ian Gentil
Gabby Medina’s still out with a torn breast muscle, which means Ian Gentil keeps his wildcard streak alive. He finished 35th on the CS last year, miles from CT qualification, but this isn’t about the CS. His spot comes from his 2024 CT performance, where he landed two spots shy of the mid-year cut. Ahead of him? Sammy Pupo, who won the CS and doesn’t need the lifeline.
Bryan Perez
“Bryan Perez is as connected with Punta Roca as Mick is with Snapper or John is with Pipe.” – Evan Slater.
Last year, the Pink Panther took out a rampaging Italo Ferreira on his way to 9th place. This year, he gets the event wildcard again for his home break. No mental gymnastics required to justify this one.
Levi Slawson
Like the gals, Levi gets the WSL wildcard as the highest-ranked North American on last year’s Challenger Series. Tears fall easy for Mateus Herdy, who finished 10 spots ahead of him. A reminder that wildcards follow the line of geography. Still, Levi could be fun to watch.
We’re three days out from the waiting period. April 2-12 — mark it down.
Comments
Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.
Already a member? Sign In
Want to join? Sign Up