Just a day after the World Surf League (WSL) announced plans to expand the women’s Championship Tour in 2026, 17-year-old Sierra Kerr celebrated a significant win at the Taiwan Open of Surfing. This victory marks Kerr’s second win on the Qualifying Series in just two weeks, showcasing her promising future in the sport.
Kerr expressed her goals coming into the recent events, stating, “The goal was to do well and not have to compete in too many more events but make it onto the Challenger Series. I think that’s pretty certain now.”
She noted that changing wave conditions required her to adjust her strategy during the competition, ultimately focusing on her backhand, which proved successful. Kerr dedicated her win to her mother, who had eye surgery that day, saying, “I wanted to give her something to be happy about, and I think I did. I’m frothing.”
Kerr is part of a talented group of young female surfers making waves in the sport, alongside 2024 world champion Caity Simmers and rookies Sawyer Lindblad, Erin Brooks, and Bella Kenworthy. All are within a year of each other in age, and it seems likely that Kerr will soon join them on the Championship Tour.
Traveling with her father, Josh Kerr, a veteran of the Championship Tour, Sierra competed alongside him in the contest. Josh reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Dakoda Walters.
On the men’s side, Australian surfer Kyuss King took home the top prize. After struggling with injuries for two years, this victory marks a significant comeback for King. He shared his excitement: “This is pretty insane; I’m pretty lost for words. It feels amazing to put myself back in a winning position.” King praised Taiwan’s waves and beautiful coastline, stating it would hold a special place in his heart.
Looking ahead, the Qualifying Series will shift focus to the Pacifico Surf Open Cerritos at the southern tip of Baja California.
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