Apr 12, 2021
The Surf Rip Curl New Castle took place earlier on this month and finally this weekend it has concluded. Our heartfelt congratulations to Carissa Moore and Italo Ferreira who have won this year’s edition of the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona.
This is the second stop in the World Surf League (WSL) 2021 Championship Tour. The event was filled with action in the Finals Day and both winners raised the performance bar and collected World Title points for the first time in almost three decades.
Four times WSL Champion, Moore, has built expectations throughout the entire competition, especially during her game-changing quarterfinals that topped with 17.74 heat total (out of 20) in the Semifinals.
During the final she had a slower heat but still performed better than rookie Isabella Nichols, winning her 24th surf Championship Tour and tying with Wendy Botha for the most CT wins.
“I really want to dedicate this win to my family, and in particular, to my grandma,” Moore said “She passed away just before we came to Australia, so this one is for her. This just feels amazing to be standing number one at the end of this event.”.
Now, it is Moore’s time to wear the yellow Leader Jersey heading to the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres by Corona.
Although Nichols struggled during the Final, all her performances throughout the entire event were admirable, as she finished second in this CT after only her second appearance. Expectation on Nichols is high as eyes turn towards her and what she will do in the upcoming competition.
Now, Nichols is also looking forward to the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic while sitting at the World No. 3 on the rankings.
“This is crazy, I really didn’t expect to make it this far,” said Nichols. “Every heat I made was a bonus and to have a heat against not only Steph (Gilmore) but Carissa (Moore), my two idols, has been so surreal. This is the best job ever.” Said Isabella Nichols after the competition. She also claimed that Carissa was able to outsmart her tactically during the heat, and was having fun having a chat with her.
The reigning WSL Champion, Italo Ferreira, now moves to the men’s rankings No. 1 after beating WSL Champion Gabriel Medina in a heated Final. This means he has taken the lead and John John Florence is no longer the world’s number 1.
“Wow what an event,” Ferriera said. “It’s been such a good few weeks competing here with all of these guys. It’s been such a good event. I love to surf heats with Gabriel (Medina). He is a machine and he pushes me so much, so it’s always fun to compete against him.” Said Italo.
After losing to Medina at the Billabong Pipe Masters, Ferreira was now able to get back on him and win the Surf Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona. He took down Filipe Toledo in the Semifinals and Deivid Silva in the Quarterfinals. This marks the seventh CT win of the Brazilian 26-year old.
The 2021 Championship Tour that leads to the Rip Curl WSL Finals in September promises great surfing and the best waves. The WSL has announced the updated calendar. It includes a stop in Mexico for the first time in 15 years and women surfing Teahupo’o for the first time since 2006.
It continues as follows:
As the tour was cancelled in 2020, the WSL has worked hard to resume the CT, and now they can proudly present the global tour for the 2021 season. Erik Logan, WSL CEO said: “It’s a testament to the tremendous support of our athletes, government partners, local communities, and fans, as well as the continued hard work of our staff and their dedication to the sport, that we have been able to safely put together this calendar of events in the lead up to the inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals.”