Isabella Nichols always knew this weekend would be unforgettable just not in the way she had originally imagined. Instead of standing beside her twin sister on her wedding day, the Australian surfer finds herself thousands of kilometres away in El Salvador, chasing a World Surf League (WSL) title.
The current competition at Punta Roca has been anything but smooth sailing. The event, which began on 2 April, has been riddled with lay days due to poor surf conditions. For Nichols, this has created a bittersweet scenario forcing her to miss her twin sister Helena’s wedding due to the delays pushing competition deeper into April.
Despite the emotional tug-of-war, Nichols has risen to the occasion with some of her best surfing this season. She’s now just two victories away from claiming her first WSL title since 2022. In the quarter-finals, she produced a composed performance to defeat Bettylou Sakura Johnson, setting up a highly anticipated semi-final against fellow Australian Molly Picklum.
The Queenslander admitted the experience has been emotionally taxing. “As athletes and anyone really working on the road, there are sacrifices that you have to make,” she said after advancing. “This one was probably the biggest sacrifice I’ve had to make.”
Nichols was quick to dedicate her performance to her sister back home. “To my parents, my sister, George, and everyone at home, I just wanted to say I hope you have the most wonderful day today. I’m dedicating this one to you, Helena.”
Her journey in El Salvador hasn’t just been about sentiment she’s shown real tenacity in the water. Earlier in the event, Nichols pulled off a major upset by eliminating 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the round of 16. Marks had previously claimed back-to-back titles in El Salvador and was among the favourites once again, but Nichols displayed strategic brilliance and calm under pressure.
She revealed that her sister remained on her mind throughout the heats, especially during quiet moments in the ocean. “I was sitting out there when there was a big lull. I thought, ‘She’s doing this for me. She’s sending me this lull.’ It just felt like everything was falling into place.”
It’s a poignant moment in a rollercoaster year for Nichols, who had seriously contemplated stepping away from professional surfing in 2023. At the time, she considered focusing on her engineering studies and pursuing a dream of designing wave pools. That decision now seems far in the rear-view mirror as she surges toward the WSL final.
On the other side of the semi-final draw, American Caitlin Simmers will face Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan, rounding out a strong field of contenders. Picklum, currently ranked world No 2, advanced to her fourth straight semi-final by overcoming Brisa Hennessy in a competitive matchup.
In the men’s draw, Australian hopes rested with Ethan Ewing, but he was knocked out in the quarter-finals by a fired-up Crosby Colapinto. The American will now take on South Africa’s Matthew McGillivray in the semis, while Jordy Smith and Cole Houshmand face off in the other men’s semi-final.
As the event nears its conclusion, Nichols remains focused yet emotionally grounded. The decision to miss her sister’s wedding was not easy, but her dedication to the sport and her loved ones shines through.
“I’m going to be there in spirit,” she said. “I just want you to know that I love you so, so, so damn much, and I can’t wait to give you the biggest hug.”
