"Pressure, and the inability to respond to it, was the defining theme of Finals Day," reports Steve Shearer.

For Sammy Lowe, 2024 was a dim year that ended with a diamond day.

"The history of pro surfers making political statements is a short but noteworthy one."

Though swell direction could be troublesome for Praia do Norte.

"The desert gets watered with pro surfer tears," writes Steve Shearer in a sizzling recap.