LOS ANGELES, Calif., USA (Thursday, September 26, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) proudly recognizes Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Crosby Colapinto (USA) as the 2024 Rookies of the Year following an outstanding season on the Championship Tour (CT). The San Clemente, California, duo, Colapinto and Lindblad, finished the season as the highest ranked among the 2024 CT Rookie class. At 19-years-old Lindblad capped her year ranked No. 8 in the world. Colapinto at 23-years-old made the Mid-season Cut and finished ranked No. 10. Both join an elite group of Rookie of the Year recipients, including WSL Champions Caitlin Simmers (USA), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Carissa Moore (HAW), and Italo Ferreira (BRA).
Sawyer Lindblad's Breakout Season Earns Her the 2024 Rookie of the Year Title
Sawyer Lindblad (USA) made her mark on competitive surfing at just 14-years-old. Early in her career, she claimed a Qualifying Series (QS) win. Lindblad's rise through the ranks continued as she quickly advanced to the Challenger Series in 2022. After securing a victory at the 2023 US Open of Surfing, she earned her place on the Championship Tour (CT). Now at 19, her rookie season saw consistent results, with three ninth-place finishes, followed by a Quarterfinal appearance at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Lindblad then carried the momentum to her first CT Final at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. She showcased her versatility, excelling from the open-ocean power at Margaret River to the beach breaks of Rio, where she made her second Finals appearance and finished as runner-up. Her ability to perform in waves of consequence was further proven with a 9-point ride at Teahupo'o during the Tahiti Pro. Lindblad ended the season ranked No. 8 in the world, solidifying her as a rising star on the global stage.
"It's super cool to be Rookie of the Year and join surfers including Carissa and Steph on that list. I had a goal of being Rookie of the Year this year and I'm so happy I was able to accomplish it," said Lindblad. "Some challenges I faced this year was having to surf waves like Pipe and Teahupo'o. I've never surfed waves like that in my life and it was a really fun challenge and also really intimidating at times. But, I was happy to get past those fears and get some of the best waves of my life."
"It was really great to make two Finals in my first year on Tour. Once I hit Western Australia I kind of got used to the Tour and was able to make that Final," added Lindblad. "Then I was able to make another Final in Brazil. Now my goals in 2025, I really want to win a CT Final and make the Top 5."
Crosby Colapinto Excels in Championship Tour Debut Season
This season, Crosby Colapinto (USA) joined his brother, Griffin Colapinto, a 2023 and 2024 World Title contender, on Tour. Colapinto quickly made his mark, and continued the legacy of siblings competing at surfing's highest level. In his rookie season, he stunned the field by defeating three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) at the Lexus Pipe Pro. He immediately established himself as a serious Tour threat. The 23-year-old's momentum continued with a standout third-place finish in Portugal. Although his results were mixed throughout the season, Colapinto secured key performances, including a Round of 16 matchup against his brother, to make the Mid-season Cut. He regained form at the El Salvador Pro, where he competed in a head-to-head match against fellow San Clemente rookie, Cole Houshmand (USA), for the Rookie of the Year title. While Houshmand struggled with early exits, Colapinto delivered consistent ninth-place finishes. He ultimately claimed the honor and ended the season ranked World No. 10."
"It's insane and such a big accomplishment because there are so many incredible surfers on the list of Rookie of the Year and to join that is really special," said Colapinto. "Being in a rookie class this year that was strong with Cole, Kade, Eli and Jacob Willcox and getting to be on top is really cool. I think one of the biggest highlights was Portugal just because the Mid-season Cut was coming up, pressure was on, and I made it to the Semifinals. Griffin was in the other Semifinal and he made it to the Final. It got really close to us having a man-on-man Final. It didn't happen, but just the idea of being so close, getting a big result and Griffin winning was really special."
"Coming into this year I had my goals set high and do the best I can, just shoot for the stars," added Crosby. "It definitely exceeded my expectations just to be in the Top 10 and beat guys who I was dreaming of beating. And just to be able to do my best surfing felt really nice so I'm super happy with the first year on Tour."
Lindblad and Colapinto are amongst the world's best surfers who will await the next qualifiers on the 2025 roster following the final two competitions on the 2024 Challenger Series. The EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia starts on September 29 and holds a competition window through October 6, and the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil holds a competition window from October 12 - 20, 2024.