13-year-old Cathleya Casals to lead PH surfers in WSL Baler International Pro

Thirteen-year-old Cathleya Casals, ranked 17th in the WSL world junior tour, will lead the Philippine contingent in the World Surf League (WSL) Baler International Pro at Sabang Beach from November 17-23.

This competition, featuring both QS 4000 and LQS 1000 divisions, is the second leg of the WSL Philippine series, which kicked off two weeks ago in Siargao.

Casals, a Baler native who has been surfing since age five, will compete alongside notable Filipino surfers including Kaila Jane de la Torre, Mara Lopez, Neil Sanchez, Allen Magos, John Mark Tokong, Nilbie Blancada, Eduardo Alciso, and longboard specialists Mark Agila and Warren Valenzuela.

The event is expected to draw more than a hundred surfers from the region, including 52 in the men's qualifying series, 21 in the women's side, and entries in both men's and women's longboard divisions.

John Carby, technical director of SDMI Sports, highlighted Baler's beautiful beaches and unique sand bottom waves, anticipating an intense and competitive event.

The tournament marks Baler's return to the international surfing map, with the Philippine series concluding in La Union from January 11 to 26.