Opinion – Na Pinta do Surfe: How is the surfing country on the eve of the World Cup?

It is not news to anyone that Brazil has always been considered the country of football, but in 2014 a 20-year-old surfer named Gabriel Medina became the first Brazilian surfing world champion and what happened after that episode was something magical and transformative for the national sport. In the last 9 years we had 8 titles in dispute (in 2020 there was no championship due to the pandemic) and in this period 6 titles came to Brazil.

This year the champion was Brazilian Filipe Toledo who won his title in the Trestles waves in California and joined fellow countrymen Adriano de Souza (2015) and Ítalo Ferreira (2019) with a world title each. Gabriel Medina is the most victorious surfer with three world titles won (2014/2018/2021) and Ítalo Ferreira is the holder of the sport’s first gold medal in surfing’s debut at the 2021 Olympics.

The country of football is currently being recognized abroad as the country of surfing.

THE “Brazilian Storm”, tBrazilian storm in literal translation, is the nickname given by the gringos to this winning generation that now welcomes new surfers to further reinforce the storm.

These novices will now have as a reference our own world championswho are willing to pass on all the knowledge acquired, thus ensuring a promising and distant future.

The two generations walk together and share a “vibe” that fills all sports lovers with pride. They are extremely professional, thoughtful, always smiling and cheering for each other. As they were born in the country of football, they often get together to hit that ball, including Tatiana Weston-Webb, our female representative participates in the disputes. In these games they show why they are excellent surfers.

The Tupiniquim domain is something that draws a lot of attention from foreigners and of course, we already have some infiltrators wanting to be part of our selection.

An example is Australian surfer Jack Robinson, from Margareth River – Australia, the athlete is the recent bet of the Aussies to win the title. The last Australian to be world champion was Mick Fanning in 2013 almost a decade ago. Jack is used to heavy waves and like most Aussies he has a polished style and an arsenal of powerful tricks, but he knows he needs something more to dethrone our team. Married to Brazilian surfer and model Julia Muniz, he is coached by fellow Brazilian Leandro Dora (known as Grilo, father of elite surfer Yago Dora). He is always in the midst of Brazilians completing the teams in football games and games, he seems to realize that being close to what is working can be the best choice, let’s see if he will samba the same!

With the favorable scenario for Brazilians, expectations for next year are high. The WSL – World Surf League has already released the calendar for 2023:

1st stage: Billabong Pro Pipeline (Pipeline, Hawaii) – January 29 to February 10
2nd stage: Hurley Pro Sunset Beach (Sunset, Hawaii) – February 12th to 23rd
3rd stage: MEO Portugal Pro (Peniche, Portugal) – March 8th to 16th
4th stage: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (Bells, Australia) – April 4th to 14th
5th stage: Margaret River Pro (Margaret River, Australia) – April 20-30

6th stage: Surf Ranch Pro (Lemoore, California) – May 27 and 28
7th stage: Surf City El Salvador Pro (El Salvador) – June 9th to 18th
8th stage: Hi Rio Pro (Saquarema, Brazil) – June 23 to July 1
9th stage: Corona Open J-Bay (J-Bay, South Africa) – July 13th to 22nd
10th stage: SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro (Tahiti, French Polynesia) – August 11 to 20
Grand final: Rip Curl WSL Finals (Trestles, California) – September 7th to 15th

It is worth mentioning that in the current format of the championship, after the 5th stage, there is a cut and only the 24 best men classified and the 12 best classified women continue to compete for the world title until the 10th stage, where the 5 best classified men and women compete in the grand final. in Trestles – California.

It’s amazing how something that seemed impossible until nine years ago, when Gabriel won the first world title for Brazil, has turned into something so palpable. If the affirmation of the saying is true and the example drags, may we absorb the good things and pass them on too, after all that’s what surfing is, living and passing on good vibes.

Whether Brazil is considered the country of football or surfing is indifferent to us, the important thing is that we all cheer together: Towards Hexa and Hepta!

aloha