Taipei, Taiwan — Sierra Kerr, the 17-year-old rising star in women’s surfing, continued her impressive run by winning the Taiwan Open of Surfing, marking her second consecutive victory in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS). Kerr’s win, achieved just one day after the WSL’s announcement of plans to expand the women’s Championship Tour (CT) in 2026, underscores her potential as a future star of the sport.
“The goal coming into these two events was to perform well and secure a spot on the Challenger Series without having to compete in too many more events,” Kerr said. “I think that’s pretty certain now. The conditions changed drastically while I was out there, so I had to adjust my game plan and focus more on my backhand. It worked out in the end.”
Kerr dedicated her win to her mother, who had undergone eye surgery on the same day. “I wanted to give her something to be happy about, and I think I did. I’m frothing,” she added, reflecting on the emotional significance of the victory.
Kerr, who is part of a wave of talented young female surfers, joins the ranks of other rising stars like 2024 world champion Caity Simmers, rookie of the year Sawyer Lindblad, and fellow 2025 rookies Erin Brooks and Bella Kenworthy. All of these athletes are within a year of Kerr’s age, and it’s clear that she is on track to make her mark on the CT soon.
Traveling with her father, CT veteran Josh Kerr, Sierra shared the competition with him, with the duo both competing in the event. Josh reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Dakoda Walters.
In the men’s draw, Australian surfer Kyuss King claimed victory after recovering from a series of injuries that had kept him sidelined for the past few years. This win marks a significant milestone in King’s career and signals his return to form.
“This is pretty insane; I’m lost for words,” said King, visibly elated after his win. “It’s been a rough couple of years trying to get my body right, and it feels amazing to be back on top. This was my first time in Taiwan, and I’ve loved it. The waves are great, and the coastline is beautiful. It’ll always be a special place for me now.”
As the WSL Qualifying Series heads toward its next event, the Pacifico Surf Open Cerritos in Baja California, Kerr’s and King’s victories set the tone for what promises to be an exciting finish to the year.
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