Photo: WSL
Tatiana Weston-Webb has announced her withdrawal from the remainder of the 2025 Championship Tour season. According to a WSL press release, the decision was made in order to “prioritize her well-being.”
“This has not been an easy time for me,” said Weston-Webb. “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.”
“Talking about mental health in sports is something I believe is important for all of us,” she continued. “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.”
For its part, the WSL expressed its support of Weston-Webb’s decision. “Tatiana’s well-being comes first, and we admire her openness in prioritizing her health,” said WSL Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer. “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.”
This development brings an early close to a disappointing 2025 season for Weston-Webb. Early eliminations at the Pipe Pro, Abu Dhabi Pro, and Pro Portugal yielded a 17th place finish and two ninths, respectively. This landed her in the second-to-last spot in the rankings, potentially staring down the mid-season cut after the seventh stop.
While word of a drop-out is normally good news for CT aspirants, there will be no such luck this time around. The WSL has already subbed in Nadia Erostarbe for Johanne Defay this year, and will not be extending an invitation to another surfer. Instead, the vacancy will be filled by a different event wildcard at every remaining stop.
