LAGUNDRI BAY, NIAS / INDONESIA (Thursday, June 26, 2025) – Today, Lucy Darragh (AUS) and Dylan Wilcoxen (INA) won the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Nias Pro Qualifying Series (QS) 6,000. While the iconic barrels of Nias didn’t make an appearance today, competitors put on a masterclass of rail surfing and progressive aerials on the long, running walls of the famed right-hander.
Breakthrough Performance for Lucy Darragh
Lucy Darragh (AUS) capped off a dominant campaign at the Nias Pro by taking out the women’s Final against fellow Aussie and good friend Charli Hately. Darragh’s smooth style and precision on her backhand earned her a 13.53 (out of a possible 20) heat total, holding off Hately’s 11.33 in a tight matchup. This result marks a breakthrough victory for Darragh on the international stage, as she surges up the rankings to take No.1 on the Australia/Oceania region, one spot ahead of runner-up, Hately.
“I actually can’t believe it, I’m so stoked,” said Darragh. “Charli absolutely rips, so I can’t believe I won. It was really cool to share the Final with her, we were just laughing and having a chat out there, so it was quite relaxed.”
15-year-old Darragh celebrated the win with her Dad, who was in the channel during her Final. As the heat came to a close, she paddled over to him and the two embraced, sharing the special moment together.
“I wouldn’t have come here without my Dad, so to have him in the channel right there, it’s amazing. He’s done so much for me, bringing me here, I’m really grateful.”
In one of the biggest upsets of the event, Australia’s Charli Hately eliminated the defending event champion Ella McCaffray (USA) to earn her place in the Final. Despite smaller and slower conditions at Lagundri Bay, Hately found early success, locking in both her scoring waves within her first two rides, moving the Challenger Series surfer into the Finals.
Australia’s Lucy Darragh maintained her momentum and composure in the first women’s Semifinal, to eliminate Indonesia’s young star Kya Heuer.
Dylan Wilcoxen Earns Career-Defining Win
In the men’s Final, Mentawais local Dylan Wilcoxen (INA) became the first Indonesian since Rio Waida in 2023 to win the Nias Pro. Claiming his maiden QS 6,000 title in front of a home crowd, overcoming Lennix Smith (AUS) with a 12.83 total for a career-defining result.
“This is the best moment of my life,” said Wilcoxen. “I’m so stoked, thanks to everyone supporting me. It’s a dream come true to win this event. My Dad said one day will win this event, and today it was my lucky day.”
This victory, and his best result at the Krui Pro QS 6,000, puts 16-year-old Wilcoxen at the top of the Asia regional QS rankings. He’ll be donning the Bonsoy Asia Super Series jersey at the next regional tour stop, the Siheung Korea Open QS 6,000 in July.
In the Semifinals, Wilcoxen built his winning heat with a combination of fast forehand snaps and controlled finishes through the clean inside walls of Lagundri Bay. Elliot Paerata-Reid (NZL) showed solid form, falling just under a point short of the win. Both surfers attacked the small but well-formed peaks, but it was Wilcoxen’s consistency and wave selection that earned him the narrow victory and a place in the final.
Lennix Smith (AUS) was on fire in his Semifinal, scoring a 7.00 and an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) for one of the best scores of Finals Day. Smith kept the pressure on Teddy Dag Bille (SWE) who in the end couldn’t find a high enough backup to close the gap. Despite the loss, Dag Bille’s performance marked a career-best QS result.
Attention now shifts to the next generation of talent as the Nias Pro Junior begins tomorrow. Conditions are expected to remain playful and clean, offering a perfect platform for up-and-coming surfers to shine at one of the most iconic breaks in Indonesia. First call will be Friday, June 27 at 7:30 a.m. GMT+7 for a potential 8:00 a.m. start.
The 2025 Nias Pro QS 6,000 ran from June 21 – 26, 2025 at Lagundri Bay. The Nias Pro Junior will run from June 27 – 28, 2025.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the Asian Surf Co (ASC)
The Asian Surf Cooperative is a professional surfing organization with nearly two decades of experience in organizing, managing and supporting surfing events around the Asian Region, from local boardriders club competitions to World Championship Tour events including the recent 2022 Quiksilver Pro G-Land.
The ASC works with the WSL and has produced World Championship Tour events including the Corona Bali Pro at Keramas and the Quiksilver/ROXY Pro Gland, and has developed Qualifying Series events such as the Krui Pro and the Nias Pro from a QS1000 level to a QS5000 level in just a few short years.
For more information, please visit AsianSurf.co
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