LOWER TRESTLES, CALIFORNIA (June 2025) – Bettylou Sakura Johnson of Hawaii and Brazil’s Yago Dora claimed victory at the 2025 Lexus Trestles Pro presented by Outerknown, the eighth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Surfers were met with powerful, five-to-seven-foot waves at Lower Trestles on Finals Day, setting the stage for standout performances and thrilling heats.
The event also saw strong runner-up finishes from Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, a local Southern California favorite, and Australia’s Molly Picklum, a two-time World Title contender. Both athletes now move to No. 3 in the rankings, strengthening their positions in the WSL Final 5.
Sakura Johnson Secures Second CT Win of 2025, Climbs Into Final 5 Race
Bettylou Sakura Johnson, a 20-year-old surfer from the North Shore of Oʻahu, displayed power and precision throughout the competition. Her victory at Trestles marks her second Championship Tour win of the 2025 season, following her breakthrough at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro earlier this year.
“I’m just super happy with how I was able to push through each heat,” Johnson said after her win. “It’s about staying happy and being surrounded by your loved ones. I’m so grateful for the support this year.”
In the Final, Johnson faced Australia’s Molly Picklum and opened with a strong 8.00 ride. She followed it with a 9.00, building a near-unbeatable heat total of 17.00. Although Picklum managed to escape the combination situation, she couldn’t find the near-perfect score needed to close the gap before time ran out.
Johnson’s performance throughout Finals Day was exceptional. She posted eight excellent scores—waves rated 8.00 or higher—including a 17.83 heat total against 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks in the Semifinals. Her dominant run has pushed her into the No. 4 spot in the rankings and into the Final 5 conversation.
Yago Dora Captures Third Career CT Title with Aerial Brilliance
On the men’s side, Yago Dora delivered a high-flying display to secure his third career CT win. Known for his explosive aerial maneuvers, Dora capitalized on the ideal conditions at Lower Trestles to outperform his competitors.
Dora’s Finals Day performance was defined by technical precision and style, reinforcing his status as one of the most dynamic surfers on Tour. The Brazilian’s win boosts his momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Picklum Keeps Momentum with Second Runner-Up Finish of the Season
Despite finishing second, Molly Picklum continues to be one of the most consistent performers on Tour in 2025. The 22-year-old Australian, currently ranked No. 3, is aiming for her third straight Final 5 appearance in only her fourth year on the Championship Tour.
“I’m really happy with second place,” said Picklum. “This year more than any other, I’ve felt challenged both in and out of the water. Competing against people like Caity [Simmers] and Bettylou [Sakura Johnson] pushes me to be better. It’s inspiring.”
Picklum started her Finals Day campaign with a commanding Semifinal victory over reigning World Champion Caity Simmers. In that heat, she scored the highest single wave of the women’s 2025 CT season so far—a 9.60.