BeachGrit’s infamous, the one and only true Surf Journalist Chas Smith has long said that the WSL hates its fans. While I’ve previously thought this was a pretty stark stance to take, the statement is hard to disagree with on behalf of the Woz’s recent decision. Their choice to not replace the injured Ethan Ewing on Finals Day, if he does indeed withdraw, has caused mass hysteria for some fans of professional shortboard competitive surfing.
Have a scroll through the WSL’s Final 5 IG post and the comment boards. Stab just posted this article arguing in favor of letting Medina surf. It feels like most surf fans would prefer to see the Final 5 that we’ve been promised, rather than a Final 4. Worth mentioning – the WSL currently has the bracket featuring ‘Match 1’, ‘Match 2’, etc. It’s called a heat. Shoutout to Bobby Martinez and the Tennis Tour. One comment says “whoever runs this account doesn’t actually surf.” Could be some merit there.
Would everyone be this wound up if, say, Leo Fiorivanti was the number 6 surfer? I’m not sure. Either way, the consensus is in favor of the 5 person surf off that was expected. Surely the WSL would rather have it that way too; they even mocked Ethan with a congratulatory post. Per that previously mentioned Stab writeup, Ewing is apparently 50/50 to surf at this point, so all of this could be hypothetical. Maybe he shows up to Lowers to give it a go, and honestly, who would know what to expect? I even heard on The Grit Podcast last week that Ethan has been seen in the water recently. The report was that he “still looked stiff” outside of the water, like getting in and out of his car, but was ripping in the lineup. With that in mind, do you think a 70% (or so) Ewing could compete with any of the other Final 5 surfers?
On the other end of the road we have 3 time World Champ Gabriel Medina. If Ethan were to withdraw from the event, fans were assuming the next highest seed (6, Medina) would surf as a replacement. Here’s the obvious caveat, the only possible reason the Woz is holding him out; Olympic Qualifications. With Filipe placed No. 1, followed by Joao at No. 4, both of these surfers are “provisionally locked” to represent Brazil for the 2024 Olympics. If Medina were given an entrance into Finals Day at No. 6, he could toss a wrench in that entire situation. While I do understand and actually agree with sticking by the rules, the travesty of Filipe surfing Teahupoo over Medina for the Olympics can not be overstated, a true sorrow. Side note – how many other Gold Medalists did not return to compete and defend their Olympic medal the next year, in any sport? This is what is about to happen with Italo Ferreira. Wild situations for the Brazilian surfers, camp, and fanbase.
All of this will spearhead within the next 2 and a half weeks when we wrap up 2023 and crown a World Champion down at Lowers. Will this be the last Final 5 in San Clemente? Will it be the last Final 5 ever, now that ELO is gone? Will there be any bending of the rules if Ethan withdraws? Will there be any amendments to the ISA/Olympic rules to allow Medina or Italo into the draw at Teahupoo? Should we even think about The GOAT, Mr. Robert Slater? So many questions. Answers will be given soon. But from who? Still awaiting the new CEO..
There’s A LOT going on in professional surfing right now. Stay tuned..
Cheers,
hwilsin