There was barely time to exit the pool, post Surf Ranch Pro, before Gabriel Medina firmly put his thoughts across about the WSL judges.

Check out his post below, no love lost there. And Filipe Toledo’s more recent post also.

“However, the surfing community, especially Brazil, has been plagued by a lack of clarity and inconsistency in note definition for many years, but lately that has been even more shocking. – Gabriel Medina

Please understand the importance of this discussion.

Surfing is my life, and my love for this sport is unconditional. I surf with passion and I intend to leave a beautiful legacy when I look back one day.

However, the surfing community, especially Brazil, has been plagued by a lack of clarity and inconsistency in note definition for many years, but lately that has been even more shocking.

It is clear that the judges’ assessment is now rewarding a very simple surf, incomplete transitions and PROGRESSIONS and VARIETY is being completely removed from the equation. This is very frustrating and threatens the growth of the sport.

Fans and sponsors will not accept this to continue and in the near future will walk away as they expect equal and fair judgement for the sport.

It is also important to note that many coaches have had the opportunity to talk to WSL after the drums/steps to discuss PROGRESSION and VARIETY in criterion and lack of appreciation for maneuvers. Feedback received is always quite defensive, with bad examples to illustrate their arguments.

WSL urgently needs to clarify its criteria and apply fair judgment to preserve the evolution of the sport.

Thank you,
Gabriel Medina and all Brazil 🇧🇷.

*To all Brazilian surfers and anyone else who feels included in this message:*

After a long day, of many thoughts, analyses, news and arguments, I realized that I was tired, psychologically exhausted. It’s not easy to spend 10 years swallowing hard.

I’m a surfer, original and rooted, who grew up among real surfers, and fairness has always been one of the main points in my experience. That’s why I feel tired.

For the love of sport, I’m still firm and strong. And now, I feel happy seeing the posts by Gabriel Medina, Ítalo Ferreira, and many others, who can still adhere to the idea that what we seek will always be the evolution of the sport, with justice and transparency.

We want nothing but fair. Nothing beyond what is our right. We need our voice to be heard and respected, because, after all, we are the protagonists of it all!

Finally, I hope that everyone, family, friends, fans and sponsors, understand my position on this situation and are supporting me in the best way!

Ps: I want it to be clear that other surfers, regardless of their nationalities, have nothing to do with this. Like me, they are also fighting for their dreams. And attacking or disrespecting them won’t change anything, it only gets worse for us Brazilians!

Filipe Toledo

Carissa Moore Achieves Second Surf Ranch Pro Victory 

Five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) claimed her second Surf Ranch Pro win and third CT event win of the season. Moore has had an exceptional year, and will now be back in the yellow Leader jersey going into the Surf City El Salvador Pro. Today’s win adds to Moore’s long list of accomplishments, including a Gold Medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and her 28th CT victory. As the No. 1 surfer on the rankings, she is now well on her way to qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and securing a place in the WSL Final 5. 

“You can’t wipe the smile off my face right now and to be sharing the podium with these amazing humans is an honor,” said Moore. “I think all of us as athletes just want to perform to the best of our potential and I definitely think there was more for me to give out here. But, I felt happy and present, and that’s what matters most to me. I didn’t really imagine it would go quite this good and I’m just really happy. I have a lot of family and friends here, and watching all over the world, so I really appreciate all the love. It’s a perfect wave, but it’s really difficult to ride. It took a couple surfs to figure out the timing again and get to calm the nerves, but I just felt really good.”

Moore set the standard with an excellent 8.60 (out of possible 10) on her first right of the Final to apply major pressure to one of the sport’s phenoms, Caroline Marks (USA). Moore’s 7.93 backup ride put Marks into an all-or-nothing situation for her second round of waves. Marks went to the air for her final attempt but fell on the landing. The score came up short of what she required and Moore emerged victorious once again.

Griffin Colapinto Wins First CT Event of the Season

Griffin Colapinto (USA) left everything out in the water during each heat today and reserved his best for the Final against 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA). Ferreira and Colapinto went wave-for-wave during the Final, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Colapinto started strong, posting an excellent 8.70 and backup 7.83. Ferreira was able to take the lead after earning an 8.70 himself and backup of 8.13. Colapinto was left needing a big score and delivered just that, turning in a near-perfect 9.70.  

“It means everything to win a CT in California, especially to win here because everyone gets the same opportunity and there’s so much that goes into your physical ability,” said Colapinto. “A lot of hard work went into this. I’m feeling really good and just so psyched, all my friends and family are here so to win with them here is just insane. That Final was so crazy and it’s trippy to watch Italo’s (Ferreira) waves and hope he fell so I’m just over the moon. I had no clue I was No. 1 until you told me and it’s a crazy feeling being in the yellow jersey.” 

Colapinto’s flawless run through Finals Day had him up against some of Brazil’s best, starting with a jaw-dropping win over Surf Ranch standout Yago Dora (BRA). He then eliminated World Champion and defending event winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the Semifinals, one of the day’s biggest upsets. 

Caroline Marks Makes Second Finals Appearance of the Season 

Caroline Marks (USA) made her second Finals appearance of the season today at the Surf Ranch Pro. The 21-year-old looked composed and confident as she overcame big names including past event winner Lakey Peterson (USA) and Molly Picklum (AUS). This big result maintains Mark’s position within the top 5 on the rankings and she will now look to make her first WSL Final 5 appearance later this year. 

“I feel like I’ve improved going left which was a weakness so that felt nice,” said Marks. “I’ll keep pushing forward and hopefully take it out next year. I’m from Florida but live in San Clemente now, but I’ll probably give this one to my dad with him and my uncle coming out to support so big shout out to them. 

Marks started her day with a big win over CT rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA). Simmers demonstrated her new-school moves on her forehand, earning the highest score of the heat, an 8.33. But, she came up short of the score she needed on the left. Marks was able to take the heat win with an excellent 8.00 and backup 7.53. 

Italo Ferreira Thrives In Front of Audience of Surf Fans  

Italo Ferreira (BRA) thrived under the pressure of the cheering crowd today. The World Champion remained everyone why he is such a dangerous competitor, showcasing his fast-pace surfing and explosive approach to each section. 

“It was a long day and I’m so happy with my performance the last couple of days,” said Ferreira. “I came here with a lot of confidence and congratulations to Griffin (Colapinto), Caroline (Marks), and Carissa (Moore), you all put everything out there in your performance today. I’m happy to be a part of this and thank you to all the fans for the support.”

Ferreira started his Finals Day campaign with a win over current World No. 1 Joao Chianca (BRA) in the Quarterfinals. He then went on to face an in-form Ethan Ewing (AUS) in the Semifinals, who had just eliminated Gabriel Medina (BRA). Ewing immediately put the pressure on Ferreira, posting a near-perfect 9.03 on his first right of the Semifinals. Ferreira quickly answered back, using his explosive surfing to earn two back-to-back excellent rides, an 8.43 and 8.17 to take the lead. Ewing struggled to find a backup leaving Ferreira victorious.  

Upset of the Day, Ethan Ewing Overcomes Two-time Event Winner Gabriel Medina 

In one of the biggest upsets of the day, Ethan Ewing (AUS) achieved the near impossible, knocking out 3X World Champion and two-time event winner Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the Quarterfinals. Ewing utilised his signature power surfing to post an excellent 9.07 and backup 7.60 to overcome Medina. This is the first Surf Ranch Pro Medina has not made a Final. 

For highlights from the Surf Ranch Pro, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. 

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Women’s Final Results:  
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.53
2 – Caroline Marks (USA)15.43

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Men’s Final Results:  
1 – Griffin Colapinto (USA) 17.77
2 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.13

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Women’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 15.53 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 15.00
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 18.00 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 14.77

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Men’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.60 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.10
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.60 Def. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 16.36

Surf Ranch Pro Pres. by 805 Beer Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.57 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 9.43
HEAT 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 17.20 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 16.17
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 16.67 DEF. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.67
HEAT 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.27 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 8.33

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Tom Hewitt MBE receives Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award.

The award recognises 25 years of pioneering work developing surfing as a tool for positive change.

We are delighted to share that yesterday in Carlsbad, California our founder and Global CEO Tom Hewitt MBE was awarded the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award.

The award was presented by the Mandela Family, The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the PTTOW! (The Plan to Take On The World!), and recognises his 25 years of pioneering work with Surfers Not Street Children.

The award was presented at an invitation-only event for CEOs and cultural icons, spanning 70 major industries.

On receiving the award Tom said “I am so thrilled to receive this award which recognises 25 years of pioneering work developing surfing as a tool for bringing about positive change. Not only are we working in the toughest environments and saving lives, but our surfers are at the heart of an exciting transformation in African surfing underway across the continent”.

“This award gives me even more resolve, alongside my awesome colleagues, to ensure that no child has to live on the streets”.

Also awarded is the pioneering African surf brand Mami Wata (above) who have supported our work, and the renowned Rev. Al. Sharpton, civil rights legend.

Tom wants to thank Kweku Mandela for being such a great friend of Surfers Not Street Children as well as a personal champion of children’s rights and especially ensuring every young person gains the skills they need to succeed.

He also wants to thank Kelly Slater, Terry Hardy and the team at WSL for their ongoing support for everything we do.