Caitlin Simmers

American professional surfer who became the youngest-ever World Surf League Championship Tour winner, claiming the 2024 women's world title at age 19.

Born in Oceanside, California, on November 4, 2004, Caitlin Simmers emerged from one of surfing's most fertile breeding grounds. Growing up along the Southern California coast, she began surfing at age five and quickly demonstrated exceptional natural ability in the water. Her formative years were spent honing her skills at iconic breaks like Trestles and Oceanside Pier, developing the powerful, progressive style that would later define her professional career. Simmers' competitive journey began early, with standout performances in junior competitions establishing her as a prodigious talent. She made her World Surf League Championship Tour debut as a wildcard entry, immediately showcasing the aerial maneuvers and critical wave selection that separated her from her peers. Her breakthrough came through consistent performances across varying conditions, from powerful reef breaks to technical beach breaks, demonstrating a versatility rare among surfers of any age. The pinnacle of Simmers' early career arrived in 2023 when she captured the WSL Women's World Championship at just 18 years old, becoming one of the youngest world champions in professional surfing history. This achievement capped a remarkable season that included multiple event victories and consistently high finishes across the tour. Her championship run was characterized by explosive aerial combinations, precise barrel riding, and clutch performances in pressure situations. Simmers' impact extends beyond her competitive achievements to her influence on women's surfing progression. Her commitment to pushing aerial surfing boundaries has inspired a new generation of female surfers to attempt increasingly technical maneuvers. Her approach combines the power surfing traditions of her Southern California roots with modern progressive elements, creating a style that bridges generational gaps in the sport. As she continues her career, Simmers represents the evolving landscape of women's professional surfing, where technical innovation meets competitive excellence on surfing's biggest stage. Simmers' title defence in 2025 ended short of the Fiji title match, with the season concluding at Cloudbreak - the last edition of the one-day WSL Finals format before its abolition for 2026.

Progressive aerial surfing with powerful rail work and competitive composure

Simmers has redefined what's possible for young surfers by achieving world championship status as a teenager, inspiring a new generation of competitive surfers.

• 2024 WSL Women's World Champion