Veteran surfers aged 30 and older delivered early-season comebacks on the WSL Championship Tour, reshaping the standings. Eight-time world champion Steph Gilmore returned after a two-year break. After losing opening heats at Bells and Margaret River and questioning her ability to win, she chose Snapper Rocks to prove herself and won the Gold Coast Pro at her home break. The victory was her 34th career CT win and moved her up from last place to seventh in the rankings while eliminating several top opponents.

Lakey Peterson reinforced the veterans’ resurgence by winning the Margaret River Pro, beating Erin Brooks and competitors including Caroline Marks. Peterson’s win, plus two fifth-place finishes, leaves her tied for second overall. Many rookies have underperformed so far, with Nadia Erostarbe cited as an exception.

The Gold Coast Pro was held at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast and the men’s title went to Ethan Ewing, who defeated Connor O’Leary for his third CT win. After the Australian leg, Luana Silva is wearing the women’s yellow jersey, with Gabriela Bryan, Lakey Peterson, Molly Picklum and Caity Simmers rounding out the women’s top five. Gabriel Medina holds the men’s yellow jersey, trailed in the top five by George Pittar, Miguel Pupo, Ethan Ewing and Samuel Pupo.

Inertia framed the Snapper Rocks results as early momentum shifts that set the stage for the debut New Zealand Pro in Raglan, scheduled for May 15–25.