The world’s best surfers are preparing for battle, the ocean waves just south of San Clemente serving as their competition arena.

The Lexus World Surf League Finals has brought the top five men and five female surfers to town for the contest coming up at Lower Trestles, letting fans get up close to their favorite athletes in the days prior.

“The entire surfing world will be watching the event scheduled for the next few days, but we are fortunate to be right in the heart of the surfing universe,” San Clemente Mayor Victor Cabral said.

Mom Shannon Mills brought daughter Camryn, 13, and friend Finley Duncan, 13, to get autographs at a “Surf Night” hosted by the city Tuesday evening. The gathering drew long lines with people waiting for hours.

“It’s pretty amazing that we can be in such a small little beach town, in such a small community, and produce so many top-rated athletes – and for (the kids) to see that it’s attainable,” she said, referencing several of this year’s competitors who live in San Clemente or nearby.

Her daughter already has plans to skip school if necessary to watch the action (the finals will happen between Sept. 6 and 14, based on the day with the best forecasted surf conditions). This is the fourth and the last year the WSL Finals will be held at Lower Trestles, with the season-ending contest moving to Fiji next year.

“I just love that I get to meet my heroes,” she said.

On Wednesday, the competitors gathered for an opening ceremony at the San Clemente Pier. Members from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians/Acjachemen Nation opened the event with well wishes for the athletes.

“Bless each of you, for you have come a long way, surfed the waters all around the world, honed your athletic skills to be your best – physically, emotionally and spiritually,” said  spiritual overseer Adelia Sandoval, touching each athlete’s head with a feather as the smell of sage wafted in the wind. “May the blessings of the ocean be yours.”

For some of the competitors, such as Griffin Colapinto and Caroline Marks who call San Clemente home, and Caitlin Simmers who lives 20 minutes away in Oceanside, it’s a chance to catch up with friends, sleep in their own beds and recharge as they gear up for the one-day, winner-takes-all event.

“I’m just happy to be back to defend my world title,” said Marks, also the newly crowned Olympic gold medalist who is from Florida but has lived in San Clemente the past decade. “It’s been a really busy year, so to have the last event at home is really special.”

Colapinto is also enjoying time at home as he prepares for his second shot at the title after making the WSL Finals last year – ultimately won by Brazilian Filipe Toledo, who also calls San Clemente home.

Colapinto talked about having the San Clemente support, especially on the World Tour where he’s joined by brother Crosby and friend Cole Houshmand.

“I think everyone just has each other’s back constantly and are there for each other when they are down, and there for each other when they are up, too,” he said. “We’re all a big family. I think that community energy goes a long way.”

Oceanside’s Simmers is back for a second year as well, saying she feels more confident and comfortable coming into the event.

The whole year has been like a tornado, she said.

“I guess I’ve been trying to slow down and do the things I would usually do,” she said. “Just doing every little thing I can do to be in the best form.”

Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy, Australia’s Molly Picklum and Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb round out the field of female competitors who will be battling for the world title.

Picklum lost her voice for the press conference from the previous day’s Surf Night, where the top surfers spent hours signing autographs for fans.

“It’s special to come here to San Clemente, it’s such a surf-froth community,” she said.

Weston Webb said she’s a different person than she was last time she surfed in the WSL Finals in 2021.

“I’m more mature, but one thing that’s the same is I’m the same fighter I was in 2021,” said Weston Webb, who would be the first Brazilian female world champion if she clinches the title.

On the men’s side, two-time world champion John John Florence, of Hawaii, will make his first appearance in the one-day championship format, his last title earned in 2017 before the Finals event was created (previously the title was awarded based on points earned in the season).

Florence has had a lot of ups and downs, injuries and time off the World Tour, as well as welcoming his first child, Darwin, four months ago.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot about who I am and why I want to be here.”

Australians Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing, as well as Brazil’s Italo Ferreira, will also be in the hunt for the world title.

Ferreira is attempting his second world title, a feat he accomplished in 2019.

“I bring back all my energy and confidence and believe in myself that I can do it,” he said, noting he has already cleared a space for the trophy.

He had a request for fans – bring a lot of energy.

“We are going to need it for that day, it’s going to be a full day of surfing,” he said. “I hope to see you guys on the beach.”

The event will likely run on Friday, potentially Saturday, said Jessi Miley-Dyer, commissioner for the World Surf League.

“We’re looking at Friday as a great day of waves for us and going to see who is going to be lifting those trophies,” she said.

For more information or to watch the finals, visit worldsurfleague.com.

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