Swindal edges out Van Wagoner, while Munoz makes a strong comeback after injury struggles.
In a standout performance at the 2025 BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, Costa Rican surfer Carlos Munoz marked a remarkable return to form, clinching his first major win in years after a tough injury-riddled period on the Championship Tour.
After triumphing in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series event, Munoz couldn’t hide his excitement. “My whole life I’ve been dreaming to win a contest of this caliber and everything just came together,” Munoz shared. “The people have been treating me amazing, and I felt like I was surfing for Barbados too. My friends from Costa Rica supporting me is amazing, and I want to thank Jah, God, and my family. I love you guys so much. I’m just so stoked, pura vida.”
Munoz had to defeat Lucas Cassity in the semifinals and face off against Sebastian Williams in a tightly contested final to take the win. This victory marks only the second Qualifying Series win of Munoz’s career and moves him up to third in the WSL’s North American rankings, providing a significant boost to his aspirations of rejoining the Championship Tour in 2026.
On the women’s side, Malibu’s Talia Swindal delivered an impressive performance, narrowly defeating 15-year-old prodigy Reid Van Wagoner in the final at Soup Bowl. Swindal’s victory was especially poignant, as she dedicated the win to her mother on her birthday. “Probably the best day of my life. I just kept surfing,” Swindal said. “Big shout out to the Bathsheba boys for taking care of my backup board and to my mom, it’s her birthday. This is just insane.”
In the junior competition, North Carolina’s Will Deane captured his first WSL win, claiming top honors in the Live Like Zander Junior Pro. “I’m so happy right now. It just feels insane and I’m in disbelief,” said the 17-year-old from Outer Banks. “Now I just want to keep on my program—surfing good boards and surfing good waves. Hopefully, more wins will come.”
The event marks the end of the 2024/2025 North American QS season, with the final spots for the upcoming Challenger Series now locked in. The United States’ Kirra Pinkerton and Peru’s Lucca Mesinas finished at the top of the North American QS rankings, securing their places in the competitive season ahead. Pinkerton, fresh off a stellar performance at the inaugural Natural Selection event, will compete as a wildcard in the upcoming Surf City El Salvador competition.
The 2025/2026 North American QS season will begin with the Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro presented by 805, scheduled for April 3-6.
Final 2024/2025 North America Women’s QS Rankings:
- Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
- Reid Van Wagoner (USA)
- Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN)
- Leilani McGonagle (CRC)
Final 2024/2025 North America Men’s QS Rankings:
- Lucca Mesinas (PER)
- Jett Schilling (USA)
- Carlos Munoz (CRC)
- Taro Watanabe (USA)
- Lucas Cassity (MEX)
- Dimitri Poulos (USA)
- Ryan Huckabee (USA)