One day the winner will take the crown.
The world’s best surfers took to the water to compete just south of San Clemente in the Lexus World Surf League finals.
Caitlin Simmers came out on top in the women’s division, beating Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks. John John Florence took home the title in the men’s division.
Hawaii’s John John Florence performs a maneuver on a wave during his final match against Brazil’s Ítalo Ferreira.
Brazil’s Ítalo Ferreira takes a big lead in the first round of the final against Hawaii’s John John Florence at the Lexus WSL Finals.
Oceanside’s Caitlin Simmers reels in a wave during her final match against fellow American Caroline Marks.
American surfer and reining gold medalist Caroline Marks rides a wave during her match against Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb at the Lexus WSL Finals, where Marks defeated Weston-Webb to advance to the final.
Fans of Brazilian surfer Ítalo Ferreira go into raptures during the Lexus WSL Finals at Lower Trestles in San Clemente.
Brazilian Ítalo Ferreira puts in a great performance in his second round match against Jack Robinson, with Ferreira winning the match and advancing.
Griffin Colapinto, born in San Clemente, meditates before his match against Brazilian Ítalo Ferreira.
Australian Jack Robinson performs an aerial maneuver during his match against Brazilian Ítalo Ferreira at the Lexus WSL Finals.
San Clemente native Griffin Colapinto makes waves during his match against Brazilian Ítalo Ferreira.
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
