Al Cleland, a surfer from Pascuales, Mexico, has officially made history as the first Mexican surfer to qualify for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), after a thrilling year of challenges and triumphs.
The 2024 Challenger Series concluded in Brazil with Cleland just one heat away from his dream of securing a spot on the CT. However, the unexpected departure of three-time world champion John John Florence from the tour this year created a last-minute opportunity. Cleland received the call-up while watching the action at Pipeline from the Quiksilver house, with WSL Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer delivering the good news.
“I kinda cried,” Cleland shared with SURFER magazine from the backyard of the Quiksilver house. “Just so many emotions.”
Cleland’s path to the Championship Tour was propelled by standout performances, notably his victory at the prestigious U.S. Open, where he became the first Mexican surfer to win the event. He also made waves at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, becoming the first Mexican surfer to compete at the Games. Despite not earning CT points from the Olympics, his fearless performances at Teahupo’o, where he took on some of the heaviest waves ever seen in competition, captured attention. His bold, fearless approach, reminiscent of surfing legend Andy Irons, set him apart from his peers.
However, Cleland’s qualification for the CT was not secured until the final moments of the Challenger Series season. Despite falling short by a few points, recent developments in the off-season, including injuries to surfing stars Gabriel Medina and Crosby Colapinto, alongside Florence’s hiatus, opened the door for Cleland to step up.
The moment became even more poignant as Cleland shared the news with his father and sister, who were with him in Hawaii. “The first Mexican to win a Challenger, the first Mexican to surf in the Olympics, to now this. It’s been a huge rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t change anything,” he said. “It’s been a great year and a great learning experience. It’s crazy to think that I’m going to be on the CT now.”
Cleland’s debut in the Championship Tour will come at the upcoming Lexus Pipe Pro, where he will not only surf in his first CT event but also experience his first-ever CT competition in person.
“I can’t even put it into words, it’s just so crazy that I’m on tour now,” he added.
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