Griffin Colapinto Offers Olive Branch Amid Surf Ranch Pro Controversy

A new development in the 2023 Surf Ranch Pro saga has just dropped.

Griffin Colapinto, the San Clemente surfer who won the contentious 2023 Surf Ranch Pro, has shared a message of peace, unity, and brotherhood.

In the post, Griff wrote:

“We are all human beings! We are all one. Each person seems to have something difficult that is happening in their life. Sometimes lashing out on others can stem from something deeper that we have no idea about. Raise your hand if you are guilty. I know I have been before. And that’s okay, we are humans that have been born into a world run by the overthinking mind and the feeling of separation. But deep down there is a love that understands we are all one.

“I understand that there are different cultures but in the end we all feel pain and we all feel love. There are so many different perspectives and points of view out there. Who’s to say who’s right and who’s wrong. We grow up in different circumstances that shape our perspectives. Life really doesn’t make sense sometimes, but surely it’s more fun that way. Because now we have the unexpected. The element of surprise. There seems to be some growing pains in our surf community right now. But guess what? We are growing! Much love to everyone that is passionate about the sport of surfing. Without the passion, there would be no growth. Thank you!”

To recap, Griffin took a controversial win over Italo Ferreira in the final at Surf Ranch. Gabriel Medina, who lost in the quarterfinals, issued a rebuke of the WSL’s judging panel. Next, Italo and Filipe Toledo supported their fellow Brazilian with their own posts. And then, WSL CEO, Erik Logan, addressed the controversy and threats of violence.

But Griff’s post seems to have been received well. All three Brazilian surfers who raised concern about the WSL judging panel commented positively.

“Let’s fking go man!” wrote Filipe. “That’s one of the reasons that you deserve all the success! We love ya…let’s keep grinding! Come over for a beer.”

“Much respect,” wrote Italo. “See you soon.”

“Love you brother,” wrote Gabriel.

So, beef squashed? Perhaps. Let’s see what happens as the Championship Tour resumes at the Surf City Pro El Salvador on June 9th. And then, the Vivo Rio Pro –home turf for Filipe, Italo, and Gabby – on June 23rd.

Who knows. By that time maybe everyone will have forgotten about this.

Maybe…

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