California Poised for Historic Surfing Triumph

California has a unique opportunity to celebrate its first homegrown world surfing champion in over 30 years. Griffin Colapinto and Caitlin Simmers will compete in the World Surf League finals near San Clemente. Simmers leads the women's division, while Colapinto is seeded second in the men's category.

California is on the brink of crowning its first homegrown world surfing champion in more than three decades. Griffin Colapinto and Caitlin Simmers are set to compete in the World Surf League (WSL) finals near San Clemente between September 6-14.

Simmers, who has had a stellar year, enters the one-day, winner-takes-all competition as the top seed. The 18-year-old from Oceanside secured top seeding following a dominant year on the nine-stop professional world tour. She racked up three wins, including a transformative victory at Hawaii's dangerous Pipeline.

Colapinto, hailing from San Clemente, is seeded second behind Hawaiian John John Florence. Colapinto, who has recently recovered from a hip injury, is coming off a victory in Fiji and aims to clinch the title at his home break. Both finals promise to be historic, marking a significant moment for California surfing.

(With inputs from agencies.)