OCEANSIDE – The waves at Oceanside Pier witnessed a historic moment as the 2025 Super Girl Surf Pro concluded with its first-ever international champion. Leilani McGonagle of Costa Rica earned the coveted Super Girl Cape, delivering a stunning performance in a tightly contested final against local favorite Alyssa Spencer of Encinitas. The event, held from Sept. 19-21, drew massive crowds and highlighted the growing influence of women in professional surfing.
The final day of the competition was filled with anticipation. From an initial field of 112 surfers, the final heat came down to two exceptional athletes. Spencer, a two-time champion, was aiming for a third title on her home coast. McGonagle, who finished ninth in the previous year’s event, was determined to make her mark. The atmosphere was electric as both surfers took to the water, trading waves and demonstrating their skill.
In a nail-biting finish, McGonagle secured the win with a score of 14.10, narrowly defeating Spencer’s 13.83. Her victory was sealed with powerful turns on a critical left-hand wave, a move that impressed the judges and the spectators lining the pier. The win awarded her 4,000 Qualifying Series points, significantly boosting her global ranking and providing momentum as she heads into the Challenger Series in Portugal. McGonagle’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it represents a milestone for the Super Girl Surf Pro, which has been dominated by American surfers since its inception. Her win brings a new international dimension to the competition and inspires a new generation of surfers in Central America and beyond.
More than just a competition, the Super Girl Surf Pro is the largest all-female surf, music, and lifestyle festival in the world. This year’s event was a vibrant celebration of female empowerment, featuring not only world-class surfing but also a full festival village with live concerts, a women’s beach volleyball tournament, and a mentoring program. Musical acts, including Lupe Fiasco, Plain White T’s, and Surfer Girl, provided the soundtrack for the weekend, creating a dynamic festival environment that extended beyond the shoreline.
A core component of the festival’s mission is the Rising Tides mentoring program, a World Surf League initiative that pairs young, aspiring surfers with professional athletes. This year, local girls had the unique opportunity to hit the waves with their idols, including Spencer. Having once been a mentee in the program herself, Spencer spoke about the importance of giving back and inspiring the next generation. This full-circle moment underscores the event’s commitment to fostering a supportive community and nurturing future talent. The program offers invaluable guidance and encouragement, reinforcing the message that young women can achieve their dreams in sports and in life.
As the sun set on another successful festival, the image of Leilani McGonagle donning the pink Super Girl Cape was a powerful symbol of progress and global talent. While Spencer’s quest for a third title fell just short, her role as a local leader and mentor continues to inspire. The 2025 Super Girl Surf Pro will be remembered not only for its thrilling competition and festival atmosphere but also for breaking new ground and crowning its first international champion.
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