The World Surf League announced Thursday that Kauai’s Tatiana Weston-Webb has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2025 Championship Tour schedule to focus on her mental health.
Weston-Webb, 28, represents Brazil in international competitions. She had competed in all three CT events so far this season with eight to go.
She registered a silver medal performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing event at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, heading into this season. She was runner-up for the 2021 WSL world title, but had struggled to place high so far in 2025.
Weston-Webb said in a statement, “this has not been an easy time for me. I am incredibly grateful for everything I have achieved in surfing so far, and for the support I have always received from my sponsors, team, and fans. Every achievement has been the result of intense and collective effort. Recently, I realized that I needed to pay closer attention to my emotional health. As an athlete, I have always been passionate about what I do, but I also know that taking care of my well-being is essential to honoring my passion and continuing to compete at a high level. The emotional and physical exhaustion I have felt lately were clear signs that it was time to pause and reconnect with myself.
She added, "talking about mental health in sports is something I believe is important for all of us. I want to be honest with those who follow and support me by acknowledging that showing vulnerability does not make us weaker; on the contrary, it makes us more human and connected, and it also allows us to reach our full potential both in and out of competition. This break is not an end, but a new beginning. I know that with everyone’s support, I will return to the water stronger, more self-aware, and more passionate than ever.”
Weston-Webb is 17th in Championship Tour points among 17 women on the full-time CT roster. She placed ninth at the Lexus Pipe Pro on Oahu’s North Shore, ninth at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, and 17th at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal that was completed on Tuesday.
She had not won a heat this season.
The WSL said it supported her decision and it would open up a wild card berth for a woman surfer at its remaining tour stops.
“Tatiana’s well-being comes first, and we admire her openness in prioritizing her health,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL commissioner, in a statement. “Tati is one of the most dynamic and accomplished surfers of her generation. We know fans around the world will continue to support her on her journey, and we wish her all the best during this time.”
Weston-Webb is the second prominent surfer from Hawaii to step back from competition this season. Oahu North Shore native John John Florence announced in January he would take time to recharge after winning his third career world title in 2024.
Florence subsequently competed in the Lexus Pipe Pro as a wild card but otherwise has been held to his decision to travel the world without competing.
Hawaii woman surfers remaining on the CT roster this season are Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Brisa Hennessy (for Costa Rica) and Gabriela Bryan. Bryan is tops in CT points among them at fifth overall after her runner-up finish at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
