Jacksonville Beach, FL – October 2024 — Kirra Pinkerton of San Clemente dominated the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, securing a hard-fought victory amid challenging surf conditions. Pinkerton, known for her resilience in the water, triumphed over a competitive field of women surfers, including Canada’s Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, whom she defeated in the final.
The surf on the final day of competition was stormy and inconsistent, with three- to five-foot waves providing a rugged challenge. However, for Pinkerton, who has faced difficult wave conditions in her hometown this fall, the conditions were a welcome change. She put together one of her most remarkable performances of the season, showcasing her skill and composure in the challenging surf.
Pinkerton’s standout moment came in the semifinals, where she posted a near-perfect heat total of 19.83 points, taking down last year’s champion, Hawaii’s Keala Tomoda-Bannert. A key highlight of her performance was the 10-point ride, marking the first-ever perfect score in the history of the Super Girl Pro in Jacksonville.
“This event means a lot to me. I used to watch it as a little kid, and my dad signed me up when I was just 11,” Pinkerton reflected after the ceremony. “It was my first QS, and to win it now feels like a long time coming. I’m just really grateful. I’ve experienced a lot of losses, and now to finally win, it feels like a huge relief. It’s been amazing to share the moment with all the groms here.”
With this win, Pinkerton strengthens her position for the 2024 season, currently sitting in first place on the World Surf League (WSL) North American Qualifying Series. She has also earned a solid spot on the 2024 WSL Challenger Series, ranking 14th overall.
“To all the girls out there, sometimes there’s a lot of pressure, but remember to have fun—that’s the key to success,” Pinkerton said, attributing her victory to enjoying the moment and the competition. “Having fun is what brought me success this week, and I hope others can find that same joy.”
Earlier in 2024, another San Clemente surfer, 15-year-old Eden Walla, made waves by winning the Super Girl Pro in Oceanside, California, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the event. It’s clear that the San Clemente surf scene continues to produce rising stars who excel on the Super Girl stage.
Looking ahead, the WSL North American Qualifying Series will continue with the Pacifico Cerritos Surf Open in Baja California, Mexico, scheduled for November 20-23, 2024.
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