Young Californian Caitlin Simmers, one of the greatest promises and realities of world surfing today, declined to participate in the 2022 world tour because she said she prefers to continue surfing, studying and spending time at home, preparing to eventually be part of the tour, the WSL reported in a statement.

In her place will be the talented Australian Molly Picklum, who finished the year in eighth place. The first alternate will be the French Vahine Fierro.

“As much as it is my goal to eventually be on the CT, I am declining my spot on it for 2022. I want to work on my surfing, spend time with my family and friends and go to school to be more physically and mentally prepared to face that challenge,” she told the WSL.

“I’m so happy and grateful for this opportunity to be on the CT in 2022,” said Picklum after learning that she received her ticket to the elite of world surfing. “Competing alongside the best in the world is truly a dream come true,” she added.

"Qualifying was the next step for me and my team, I've worked hard for this and I feel ready and can't wait for everything to start in Hawaii in a few weeks," she said.

The first leg of the tour will take place from January 29 to February 10 in Pipeline, Hawaii.

Simmers' decision is identical to that of Australian Taj Burrow when he qualified at 17 and preferred not to be on the tour to finish his studies. According to Stab, he does not regret what he did in the least.