Canadian surf sensation Erin Brooks in real danger of missing cut for ’25 championship tour

What a strange brew.

There was a time, but a few short months ago, when it was impossible to picture this world without Erin Brooks on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Canada’s finest-ever surf export, the 17-year-old had just stunned all-comers by winning the Fiji Pro as wildcard thus signaling that this world was embarking on a new maple leaf festooned era.

Surf fans greedily licked their lips at the prospect of Brooks joining Caitlin Simmers, Molly Picklum, Sawyer Lindblad and Tyler Wright making the women’s side of the draw much more interesting than the men’s.

A gilded new era.

But alas, things have not gone quite to plan and with one more Challenger Series event to go, the Saquarema Pro, Brooks has yet to qualify. Bella Kensworthy, and Isabella Nichols have already locked their slots along with the evergreen Sally Fitzgibbons, who has become an inspiration to all with her never-say-die attitude.

But not Brooks, who has the Spanish maatadora Nadia Erostarbe, Tahitian darling Vahine Fierro and Brazil’s own Luna Silva nipping at her great white northern heels.

What a strange brew.

With any sort of stumble, especially an early exit in the land of order and progress, Brooks will have to push qualification off until 2026, which certainly feels an eternity away.

A Canadian fanbase very much holding its breath, preparing for an extra-cold winter.

The Saquarema Pro kicks off in but three days, anyhow, and there might be enough justification to Open Thread: Live Chat. Thoughts on that?

More as the story develops.