Moore and Ferreira win New Zealand Pro
Surf stars shine at Raglan’s first WSL tour event
Carissa Moore of Hawaii and Brazil’s Italo Ferreira won the New Zealand Pro at Raglan, each delivering standout performances on the event’s famed long left‑hand point breaks. Raglan hosted a full World Surf League championship tour event for the first time, producing glassy, overhead conditions that rewarded both power and progressive aerials.
Moore, an Olympic gold medallist and five‑time world champion returning after becoming a mother, carried dominant form through the knockout rounds and posted the highest two‑wave semi‑final total of the year, 19.00. In the final she opened with an 8.50 for backhand carves before 20‑year‑old Sawyer Lindblad answered with a 9.00 ride, briefly seizing the lead. Moore reclaimed control on a larger wave, scoring 9.40 to finish with a 17.90 two‑wave total and secure the women’s title.
Ferreira prevailed in the men’s final against Morgan Cibilic by blending high‑risk aerials with precise rail work on the long lefts. Cibilic led early with a 15.80 two‑wave total, but Ferreira’s progressive attack earned him an 8.17 and a 9.33 for a 17.50 total to take the victory. Earlier, Ferreira’s semi‑final was interrupted after a photographer suffered puncture injuries from a wildlife incident; organisers paused competition while the photographer received treatment and was later reported stable.
Organisers and athletes praised the wave quality and competitive standard, noting the event’s significance as a tour stop that offers valuable ranking points and international exposure for Raglan. Safety teams, judges and emergency responders remained active throughout the event to monitor conditions and ensure athlete and spectator welfare as the tour progressed.
