MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA (February 26, 2023) – With a final round score of 14.17 points, Mathea Dempfle-Olin defeated her sister Sanoa Dempfle-Olin by only 1.0 points in the final at the SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay to capture Canada’s first-ever Women’s World Surf League Qualifying Series event title.
The SLO CAL Open Final is the first time that either Dempfle-Olin sister has reached the final of a World Surf League event, making the experience extra special for both competitors.
En route to the final Mathea took down top-10 ranked surfer Ella McCaffray in the semi-finals.
In the 30-minute final, Mathea caught six waves, recording top scores of 8.00 and 6.17. Sanoa rode 10 waves, with best scores of 7.17 and 6.00.
Finishing first in the QS 1000 event earned Mathea 1000 points in the North American Women’s Qualifying Series, a critical step on the road to the top-tier World Surf League Championship Tour. With these 1000 points, Mathea climbed to a career-best 17th in the Qualifying Series standings. As runner-up, Sanoa earned 850 points and entered the top-25.
QUOTES
Definitely a day to remember! It’s been a goal of mine to make a QS final and win one for a while now, so I am beyond stoked to make that happen and take the win. There’s literally no one else I would rather surf a final with and I am so proud of my little sister Sanoa.
– Mathea Dempfle-Olin
Being in the final with my sister was so special. Making it to the final was very exciting for me and having Mathea in it too was amazing! I am so proud of my sister for being the first Canadian woman to win a QS and I am so happy I got to share the final with her.
– Sanoa Dempfle-Olin
I’ve waited my whole life to witness an all-Canadian Final! For this to happen at a Professional World Surf League competition, in the USA, is so much more impactful and gets me even more emotional! This is not only a first Pro Finals for the Olin sisters, but there is no reason this isn’t a first of many! These Tofino homegrown sisters are just now coming into their own, where their self-belief at the most critical moments, will ensure many more peak competitive moments and podium results. Individually the Olins’ are gnarly competitors, but together, these sisters are a major Force, and they both want it! If the Surf World hasn’t noticed before, they have now!
– Dom Domic, Executive Director, Surf Canada