The Two Ms Make History

FOG ON THE TIME: Several fog delays caused some consternation in the camp. Photo WSL / Nolan

In absolutely cranking 6-8ft glassy conditions, from start to finish, it was an epic finale to a crazy time for surfing. Covid strangeness aside, it was a dominant season for both M surfers Moore and Medina.

While relatively entertaining in the cracker surf, there was an air of foregone conclusion as each world number one waited at the top of their bracket for the other four surfers to battle it out amongst themselves to deliver an opponent on a platter to each well-rested "king of the castle", but this format could be a winner going forward. It's quite cool for the world title to be contested in the water and not via points on a scoreboard.

After the American and the Australian clash between Connor Coffin ended rookie Morgan Cibilic's incredible first year on tour, it was all Brazil. Coffin was ousted by Italo Ferreira, who succumbed to Filipe Toledo. He in turn was delivered to countryman Medina, who aced the first two heats to take a 2-0 win in the best of three.

LINEUP: A lucky forecast for the finals saw Lower Trestles going off its face. Photo WSL / Nolan

Seven time world champ Stephanie Gilmore has been a bit off her game of late, falling to Bianca Buitendag in the Olympics, and losing to Johanne Defay of France in the women's first match up.

But Aussie Aussie Aussie was back when Sally Fitzgibbons ended Defay's brief run, while Brazil stamped her authority on proceedings with Tatiana Weston-Webb ensuring that of the four finalists among the men and women, three would be from Brazil. Weston Webb made it harder for Moore when she won the first matchup in the final. Moore then took the second, and it went down the Heat 3 before Moore could claim her world title.

For Moore, this marks her fifth World Title and a successful defence of her 2019 Title, effectively making this the first time in her already storied career that she's won back-to-back championships. It also caps off what may be one of the most successful seasons in the history of professional surfing which also saw her capture the first-ever Olympic gold medal for surfing.

FIVE TIME CHAMP: Carissa Moore's consistency ruled supreme this year. Photo WSL / Heff

The five-time World Champion has finished 3rd or better at every CT event since the 2019 Margaret River Pro and 2021 marks the 10th consecutive season that Moore has won more than 20 heats, the longest streak in WSL history. Moore sits behind 11X World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), and 7X World Champions Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Layne Beachley in the record books for most world titles.

“It was a long year and it was a very long day,” said Moore. “Today didn’t start as I expected, I had to fight my way back so it made it a bit sweeter to win. I was about to have a meltdown after the first heat. I tried my best, surfed from my heart, and it worked out. I’ve never been in the water when winning a world title, so this is extra special. I couldn’t ask for anything more!”

For Medina, this is his third World Title and puts him amongst some very heavy company. He joins surfers such as Tom Curren, Andy Irons and Mick Fanning with three Titles. The only other surfers also in this club are Mark Richards, with four Titles, and Kelly Slater, who holds surfing's record with a remarkable 11 Titles.

FLYING HIGH: Like him or not, he is a sensational surfer who knows how to win. Photo WSL / Heff

With 16 WSL Championship Tour (CT) event wins and 29 final appearances under his belt, Medina is one of the most experienced surfers when it comes to producing the best surfing under pressure.

“This was my biggest goal in surfing,” said Medina. “It’s not everyday you accomplish your dream. This is a special day for me, it’s a day I’ll remember forever and tell my kids about. This year was very intense and mentally challenging, I had to work hard, have patience and let my surf talk. I had to surf a lot to win this title!”

For highlights from the Rip Curl WSL Finals and the 2021 CT, see www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

THEATRE OF DREAMS: A strong crowd came out to Lower Trestles to watch. Photo WSL / Heff

Rip Curl WSL Finals

Women’s Match 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 12.17 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 6.70
Men’s Match 1: Conner Coffin (USA) 15.00 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 9.84
Women’s Match 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.33 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 6.66
Men’s Match 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.57 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 14.33
Women’s Match 3: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 13.17 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.73
Men’s Match 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.97 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.44
Women’s Title Match, Heat 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 15.20 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.06
Men’s Title Match, Heat 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.30 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.70
Women’s Title Match, Heat 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 17.26 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 15.60
Men’s Title Match, Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.53 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.36
Women’s Title Match, Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.60 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 14.20