BEST WSL FANTASY SURFER PICKS BURLEIGH HEADS 2025

Burleigh Heads hasn’t been fizzing this hard with excitement since the 1977 Stubbies Surf Classic. The world’s best are finally coming back to surf Queensland’s princess of points, since Snapper stole the tiara with the formation of the Superbank in the late 90s. After cyclone Alfred ripped Rainbow Bay a new hole, the WSL decided to change spots. It’s looking great for a start too. Inside word is that the bottom section of the point is good and up top at Sharkies is decent. It’ll be super fast though if it’s bigger, unless the swell is super south. With solid swell predicted next week this could be a natural footer’s dream. Think heavy on those with speed, tube stuffing skills and the odd air in their attack. 

With that in mind, here at your best WSL Fantasy Surfer Picks for Burleigh Heads 2025. 

Gabriela Bryan

It’s hard to go past Gabby after she hosed the competition in El Salvador, which definitely has 50 shades of Burleigh about it. Rock boulders, rippable rights, a power player’s dream. Caity and Molly are still decent options in Tier A, but Gabriela is proving to be more consistent. Considering she now has the Yellow jersey on her back, I’m guessing her confidence is only getting stronger. With the decent forecast on the horizon, the conditions are playing into her hands too. Put on your rain jacket because she’ll be throwing drops into the clouds every heat. 

Isabella Nichols

Can you still hear that Bell ringing? Isabella made all the right decisions at the Rip Curl Pro and is echoing stoke right around the country. Pair that up with the fact this wave is in her home state and she’s going to be a force this event. Another surfer who whipped up a Bonsoy froth storm in El Salvador, she’ll also enjoy a higher seed now which should mean slightly easier heat draws. Bella has one hand on the steering wheel of her car for the Aussie Treble and could be driving it over to Margaret River with an unassailable lead. Ding Ding. Beep beep. Let’s go!

Lakey Peterson

I’ll probably have Tyler in my Tier B paired with Isabella, but I’m definitely giving the side eye to Lakey Peterson. She has been shredding this year, especially on her forehand. With extra motivation to make the cut, she’s going to be ruthless at Burleigh. With some fast sections to get around, she’ll have the advantage over most of the goofy footers. If Lakey draws up against someone like Sawyer, Vahine, or Caroline, I’d be slotting her in for a sneaky W. It would be epic to see her take a trophy here for her trophy husband Tom to carry on the plane to West Oz. 

Nadia Erostarbe

The woman’s draw is stacked harder than an Amazon warehouse right now. Bestsellers galore and it’s hard to split the bargains from the basement. Surfers like Betty Lou and Bella Kenworthy could easily hit the podium from Tier C points. One person I just can’t see offering free shipping is Nadia Erostarbe. She’s still finding her groove against the big girls and with a tricky bank for backhanders, it could see her exiting in the Elims. Place your orders elsewhere. 

Ethan Ewing

If you watched Ethan at Bells you already have him in your team for Burleigh. It’s that simple. The guy is looking like a samurai who just snorted some wasabi, slicing up anything that gets put in front of him like sashimi. His boards are bladey, he’s razor sharp and it’s only a matter of time before he cuts through for a win. A guy who’s surfed this wave more than most of the crew on tour, he knows just where to sit and just how to get the most out of each long wall. My easy pick to power up for double points all the way to the final.

Griffin Colapinto

He’s back! Griffin has returned from his spiritual journey to the rock bottom of the rankings and is looking as good as ever. With his semi finish at Bells, he’s broken the vicious cycle and will be air bending his way back to where he belongs in the top 5 by the end of the year. As a Tier B pick, he’s incredible value for any team that actually wants to do well in this round. Some might worry he’s still a bit shaky, but as Griff would say in his post-win interview on the glass “sometimes you’ve just got to trust the process”. As long as surfing like a proper maddog is the process, he’s in my kennel.

Liam O’Brien

It’s hard to think of a break outside of Brazil where the locals are likely to swim out and punch a surfer in the face when they’re against their hometown hero. Burleigh Heads is top of the list. Absolute rabid surf fans will be cheering for their curly-haired boy, slinging sledges at other competitors and generally yelling the house down whenever Liam does a cut down. Having that energy behind you is catalysing, especially when you’re deadset incredible at the wave in question. If there was ever an underdog that could go all the way at Burleigh, it’s LOB. Get him in.

Edgard Groggia

Edgard hasn’t made it past a 17th this year and isn’t likely to if his current form is any indication. It really does make you wonder how on earth he got on tour. Not someone I’d expect to surprise me at Burleigh. Keep him on the sidelines, which is where he’ll be permanently after the cut comes.

That’s the latest and greatest. Remember, set your picks now and then shuffle after round 1 to avoid any donut scores. Lock and load. The first day of competition is going to come around fast. 

And for anyone questioning our talents, here’s Lincoln perfect team below…