From a Life-Threatening Incident to Career Milestone: San Clemente Surfer Secures Biggest Win of His Career
In December 2019, Hayden Rodgers, then just 14 years old, faced a life-threatening accident at one of the world’s most renowned surf spots, Pipeline. While the surf community was focused on crowning Italo Ferreira as world champion and Kelly Slater accepting the Vans Triple Crown title, tragedy nearly struck in the waters of Hawaii. Rodgers, who had fallen on a massive wave and struck his head on the reef, was left unconscious and trapped underwater for two waves. The surf world paused as rescuers rushed to save the young surfer’s life.
Water safety professionals, including Hawaiian legends Terry Ahue, Brian Keaulana, and his son Chad, alongside lifeguards and trained local surfers, quickly responded. Thanks to the training provided by the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG), young surfers employed hand signals to assist in locating and retrieving Rodgers from the water. Lifeguards assessed his condition on the beach, where he was breathing but suffered facial lacerations and abrasions. He was promptly placed on a backboard and transported to Queens Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, Rodgers survived the traumatic incident, though the experience marked a sobering moment in his early career.
Fast forward five years, and the 19-year-old surfer from San Clemente has overcome that harrowing moment to achieve one of the biggest victories of his career. Rodgers claimed the title at the Pacifico Surf Open Puerto Escondido, defeating a strong opponent in Ryan Huckabee during a thrilling final. This victory not only marks a personal triumph but also propels Rodgers into sixth place on the World Surf League’s (WSL) North America Qualifying Series leaderboard. The top 10 surfers from the region will earn spots in the 2025 Challenger Series, and Rodgers is now firmly in the mix.
Rodgers’ journey to the top has not been easy. In the quarterfinals, he faced a formidable challenge from his fellow San Clemente surfer, Jake Davis, before taking on Santa Cruz’s John Mel in the semis. The final was a tense, back-and-forth battle, but Rodgers’ determination and skill ultimately earned him the win over Huckabee.
The recent string of successes by San Clemente surfers on the Qualifying Series is a testament to the area’s thriving surf community. Just weeks earlier, Jett Schilling took the win at Cerritos, moving into fifth place on the North America leaderboard. Rodgers’ victory bumps him up to sixth, with Taj Lindblad sitting in seventh. Malibu’s Taro Watanabe, who also recently won in Morro Bay, holds the top spot, while 15-year-old Eden Walla from San Clemente continues to make waves, securing a win in the same event.
Rodgers’ journey from a near-death experience at Pipeline to his breakthrough win in Puerto Escondido is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the young surfers coming out of Southern California. With the 2025 Challenger Series on the horizon, his momentum is undeniable, and the surfing world will surely be watching his rise closely in the coming months.