Kelly Slater Feuds with Brazilian Surf Fans in Defense of Ethan Ewing

The controversy surrounding the Surf Ranch Pro lingers on.

Brazilian surfers (and fans) were upset with the WSL’s judging panel, asserting that the criteria was unclear and their countrymen were strategically underscored. And public enemy number one, for the Brazilian contingent, was Australia’s Ethan Ewing – who actually received death threats in response to a divisive heat with Italo Ferreira.

Now, with Ewing clinched for the Final Five showdown at Lower, Trestles in September, Brazilian surf fans are still upset; but Ewing has the GOAT on his side.

In a recent post from the WSL, which shows the surfers clinched for the one-day Final event, and those on the cusp of making the cut, Kelly Slater defended Ewing and his right to be in contention for a World Title come September.

On the post, one commenter wrote:

“Ethan is a regular surfer who only surfs the edge. he doesn't know how to do radical maneuvers or progressive surf. he only has that score because the WSL chooses a surfer to try to push down his throat, but he is nothing more than a surfer that we see in the thousands in free surfing.”

To which, Slater responded:

“@ceniovictor do you surf? It’s insane to hear a few brazilian fans try and say this about Ethan, probably the best and cleanest power surfer on tour today. 😂🤦🏻”

But that wasn’t the end of it; the commenter then countered:

“Is this the best you have to beat the Brazilians? maybe you need to review your concepts, and see the real surf revolution that were made by brazilians. I know this must hurt deep down in your soul every day, not just for you but for all gringos. you should just pay homage to the surf revolution made by brazilians. that simple. a young man who surfs today doesn't want to imitate you surfing, let alone Ethan. they want to be and surf like Medina, Italo, Chianca and mainly Toledo. this will hurt your soul for years to come. sorry brother. and finally, as for Ethan surfing, it reminds me of surfing in the 90s. there is absolutely nothing there but you guys overestimating the average surfer. good night bro”

Then again:

“And Kelly, I have one more question for you to answer honestly. Do you really think Ethan beat Medina in your wave pool? And that Colapinto beat Italo in the final? you know not. you are corporatist, and you are always on the side of the WSL of course. but it looks bad for you to say that it wasn't stolen. the waves were equal, and Medina destroyed the wave from beginning to end. it was supposed to be a note 9 high. but you don't want Medina in the finals, because he's better than all of you. the only way to boycott him is in the grades and undermining his confidence. congratulations, you are achieving this. and this is the legacy that we will remember you. defending these absurdities that the whole world saw. you are literally burning all your reputation as the great champion that you were. the greatest in history. It's a shame to see positions contrary to modern surfing in his last years. all sports in the world evolve, and with Brazilians we have the revolution. If I wanted to watch the edge surf, just splashing water in the air, I would watch you and Ethan surf. but your time has passed. even retire brother. and dream of the Brazilians being champions every year right in front of your house. have a good time. Aloha”

And Kelly:

“congratulations on proving my point. I made no bad mention about any of these surfers (who I think are all incredible and evolving the sport). Yes, I think Ethan and Medina had a close heat and that Ethan won. I thought Italo should have won the final vs griffin. You do realize I’m friends with all these guys right? I’m proud of where surfing is and this is not a nationalistic opinion for me. Filipe just surfed a couple waves as good as I’ve ever seen this past week. Surfing is in a good place and I’m proud I’ve been part of it for a few decades. Time waits for no man and sport and abilities evolve everywhere. Don’t be so insecure you can’t have to attack me. Ethan is an incredible surfer and your rant against him and me changes nothing, it just makes your country and fans look bad.”

Once more from the commenter:

“dear kelly slater. My country doesn't mind because we are passionate about surfing, and not only do we have the best surfers in the world, we also have the warmest fans. that doesn't mean we're bad or something bad. this is our culture my friend. we respect you and your culture, and you have to respect ours. and your speech just now proves how right I am, that you think you are superior for being Americans. in real you are a fucking stuck up people. this is the plain truth. so respect our people, our history and our culture. we just want justice. that all surfers are judged correctly. And I didn't just talk about Brazilians. when John John was robbed that week, I also spoke out in John's defense. we just don't want any more injustices in surfing, the whole world is watching. we will have consistency in judgments and everyone will be happy. that simple. you were the best for 11 years, and what did we do? we appreciate. now it's time for you to be more humble and just appreciate and revere the evolution of surfing with brazilians. and yes, we have a warm crowd, because we like surfing and we just want justice and good surfing, regardless of who wins. if an american, australian, whatever nationality is going to sell fairly, we'll be here, always applauding and enjoying. the key word is justice my friend.”

And you thought the Surf Ranch controversy was over? Think again.

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