Southern California surfers dominate in Puerto Rico competition
LA MARGINAL, Puerto Rico (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Southern California once again dominated a World Surf League (WSL) competition – this time in Puerto Rico.
Encinitas’ Alyssa Spencer and Ventura's Dimitri Poulos won the La Marginal Surfing Pro on Nov. 2, a WSL Qualifying Series 4,000-level event, over San Clemente’s Eden Walla and Hayden Rodgers. The results caused rankings to shuffle heading into the second half of the season.
Spencer defeated the region’s best on her journey to the Final, including current No. 1 Bailey Turner. She is currently No. 11 on the Challenger Series, hoping to rejoin the Championship Tour.
“It's been over a year since I won a contest, so that feels really good to have that winning feeling again, get that back and find my rhythm in the jersey,” said Spencer. “This event was really good for my confidence, just competing and surfing in a lot of heats. It’s a good ground level going into the rest of the year. Hopefully, I don’t have to come back to the regional events to do that, and I can stay on the Challenger Series. This is a great step to help me feel comfortable in the jersey.”
She will return to Challenger Series competition at the Lexus Pipe Challenger in January 2026.
On the men’s side of competition, Poulos posted a day’s best 8.83 in the Quarterfinal, advancing to the Semifinals against another Southern California competitor, Encinitas’ Greyson Grant. He is also ranked No. 11 on the Challenger Series and close to Championship Tour qualification.
In the Final, Poulos ultimately earned a 6.83 to regain the lead after a hard-fought battle and held it through the end of the round.
"It feels pretty unreal. Yesterday I was surfing my first heat and I'm just happy to be here today," said Poulos. "I've had a few results on the Challenger Series and I'm excited for Pipe, but with the break, I'll just do as many regional events as I can. I have so many people I'm thankful for. I want to give the biggest shoutout to my parents; without them, I wouldn't be here. Thank you for all the support online, and from the boys here and back home."
Poulos will also return to the Challenger Series at the Lexus Pipe Challenger.
For more information, including rankings, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
The Super Girl Surf Pro in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., is the next stop of the 2025/2026 North America Qualifying Series season. Competition begins Nov. 8 through 9.
La Marginal Surfing Pro Women’s Final Results:
1- Alyssa Spencer (USA) 14.83
2 - Eden Walla (USA) 14.33
La Marginal Surfing Pro Men’s Final Results:
1- Dimitri Poulos (USA) 14.53
2 - Hayden Rodgers (USA) 14.33
La Marginal Surfing Pro Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 15.00 DEF. Chelsea Tuach (BAR) 9.77
HEAT 2: Eden Walla (USA) 11.94 DEF. Daya McCart (USA) 9.23
La Marginal Surfing Pro Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Hayden Rodgers (USA) 11.67 DEF. Eeli Timperi (FIN) 11.03
HEAT 2: Dimitri Poulos (USA) 14.00 DEF. Greyson Grant (SWE) 9.77
La Marginal Surfing Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 11.67 DEF. Lanea Mons (USA) 10.24
HEAT 2: Chelsea Tuach (BAR) 11.60 DEF. Bailey Turner (USA) 9.90
HEAT 3: Eden Walla (USA) 13.83 DEF. Zoey Kaina (USA) 10.03
HEAT 4: Daya McCart (USA) 12.00 DEF. Victoria Duprat (USA) 11.23
La Marginal Surfing Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Eeli Timperi (FIN) 13.17 DEF. Taj Lindblad (USA) 9.76
HEAT 2: Hayden Rodgers (USA) 10.80 DEF. John Mel (USA) 9.50
HEAT 3: Dimitri Poulos (USA) 14.00 DEF. Josh Burke (BAR) 13.87
HEAT 4: Greyson Grant (SWE) 12.93 DEF. Lucas Cassity (MEX) 12.33
