The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour’s Lexus Trestles Pro has delivered thrilling competition as the event progresses toward its final stages. The women’s quarterfinals concluded with a standout performance from 20-year-old Hawaiian surfer Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who posted the highest heat total of the year in the women’s Championship Tour.
Johnson faced off against Caroline Marks, an elite competitor and 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit athlete, in a closely watched quarterfinal matchup. Johnson opened strong with an impressive 8.83 point ride, followed by an 8.00, and capped her heat with a near-perfect 9.00 wave. Her combined top two scores gave her a total of 17.83, securing her place in the semifinals.
Marks, despite a valiant effort, was eliminated after posting an 8.70 quarterfinal score.
Looking ahead, Johnson will face wildcard contender Sawyer Lindblad in the semifinals. Lindblad has gained attention for her recent upset over the tour’s No. 1-ranked surfer, Gabriela Bryan, who scored just 5.17 in the quarters compared to Lindblad’s commanding 15.50.
If Johnson can overcome Lindblad, she is poised to compete in the finals against either Caity Simmers or Molly Picklum, depending on the outcome of their semifinal battle.
As the tournament moves closer to its conclusion, all eyes will be on Johnson to see if she can replicate her record-breaking heat performance and capture her second Championship Tour victory of the season.
