Costa Rican surfer Brisa Hennessy has won the 2022 Hurley Pro Sunset Beach at Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii. Brisa, still only 22 years old, earned her first CT victory after beating out Malia Manuel in the finals at Sunset Beach.
The Costa Rican had a score of 12.83 and beat Malia Manuel of Hawaii, who scored 7.46 .
“I’ve just dreamed about this moment and never thought it was possible,” said Hennessy. “It was an honor to surf against Malia. I feel like she has such an amazing connection out here and just all the people in my life, thank you. This is the reason I was able to do this today.” Hennessy shared
“You definitely reflect and think about all those moments that brought you here and made you who you are,” added Hennessy. “I barely made it back into the CT. I had to go to the Challenger Series and that was an emotional rollercoaster. I think it’s the people that are behind you and in your village that make you who you are and really are your light.
My family, my friends, my mom and dad, my grandparents, Glen Hall who was with me since the beginning in my rookie year and has seen me grow and has seen me at my lowest. Costa Rica’s given me so much, it’s literally given me the gift of surfing. The gift of the ocean and the gift of connection to so many people around the world. I hope I can carry the love of Pura Vida around the world and hopefully inspire people.”
Born In The Ocean
Hennessey believes that it was her destiny to spend her life near water and to earn her livelihood on the water. Her parents are Americans who met in Hawaii. After getting married, they moved to Costa Rica and found a place to live in the jungle.
“We lived completely off the grid, completely in the jungle,” Hennessey said. “There were monkeys in our backyard and every type of animal you can think of.
“We lived right on the beach and it really shaped who I am. I was kind of born in the ocean. My parents run a surf school and surfing just runs in my blood.”
World Number 1
This win marks the first CT victory for Hennessy and the first time a Costa Rican has won a CT World Surf League event. Hennessy now climbs to World No. 1 on the WSL rankings.
This is quite an accomplishment .. Congratulations Brisa!!!!
