12-Year-Old Wins Teahupo’o Trials, Becomes Youngest Surfer to Qualify for CT Event
In an unprecedented moment in surfing history, 12-year-old Kelia Gallina has secured her place in the upcoming Lexus Tahiti Pro by winning the women’s division at the Teahupo’o Trials. This victory makes her the youngest surfer ever to compete in a Championship Tour (CT) event. Known locally as “Miss Teahupo’o,” Kelia has already made waves in Tahiti’s tight-knit surf community. She’ll make her CT debut in a heat against world No. 1 Molly Picklum and experienced surfer Lakey Peterson.
The Teahupo’o Trials are typically under the radar but are known for featuring some of Tahiti’s most talented local surfers. The men’s winner this year was Mihimana Braye, a familiar name who has previously appeared as a wildcard in CT events. Both winners have earned spots in the final CT event of the season, set to take place from August 7 to 16.
Adding to the high-stakes drama of the Lexus Tahiti Pro are two additional wildcards. On the men’s side, 2024 Olympic gold medalist and 2022 CT runner-up Kauli Vaast joins the field. A local standout with deep knowledge of Teahupo’o’s notoriously heavy waves, Vaast presents a formidable challenge—particularly for top-ranked surfers like Jordy Smith, who currently sits second in the standings and is aiming to overtake the No. 1 position ahead of the WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.
For the women, reigning Tahiti Pro champion Vahine Fierro has also been granted a wildcard. Although she began the season on the CT, she did not make the mid-year cut. Fierro’s return to her home break poses a serious threat to anyone hoping to maintain or improve their standings heading into the final stretch of the season.
Meanwhile, Alejo Muniz has withdrawn due to an injury sustained at J-Bay. His place will be taken by Firmin Teiva Tairoa, who finished second in the men’s trials. Gabriel Medina, a two-time event winner at Teahupo’o and a major force at this venue, declined the injury replacement spot due to prior commitments.
Heading into the Lexus Tahiti Pro, several surfers—Yago Dora, Molly Picklum, Gabriela Bryan, and Caity Simmers—have already clinched their spots to contend for the world title. However, final seeding remains open, and with so much on the line, the heavy and unpredictable surf of Teahupo’o will ultimately determine who advances to the WSL Finals.