Encinitas, San Clemente Surfers Win 2025 US Open of Surfing

Levi Slawson of Encinitas won the men's title at the 2025 U.S. Open of Surfing in a dramatic final against Brazil's Mateus Herdy, securing a $20,000 prize and jumping from 48th to 4th in the rankings, putting him in strong contention to requalify for the 2026 Championship Tour. Slawson's strategy focused on selecting the best waves and maintaining composure, while Herdy attempted numerous aerial maneuvers, including a high-scoring alley-oop in the semifinals. The final moments were tense as Herdy needed a 7.93 score on his last wave but fell just short with a 7.70, allowing Slawson to clinch the victory with a total score of 13.50 to 13.27. Meanwhile, San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad won the women's title for the second time, overcoming challenging wave conditions and securing another $20,000 prize, reaffirming her place on the World Tour despite a tough recent season. Both winners celebrated their achievements in front of large crowds at Huntington Beach, highlighting their rising careers and the competitive nature of the event. The 2025 U.S. Open of Surfing showcased intense competition and strategic surfing, with local Southern California surfers taking top honors.