Watch: Who Said Parko’s Retired From Competitive Surfing?

Zander Morton
·2 min read
2

The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions is an invite-only comp held in absolute dream waves in the Maldives.

Rather than mirror the WSL's format, the FSMSC is co-ed and comprised of three separate divisions: single fin, twin-fin and thruster, with a leaderboard for points, and the top 2 surfing head-to-head in a "grand finale" at the end.

Day 1, Joel Parkinson dominated the single fin division.

Days 2 and 3, he again exerted his will in wildly fun looking waves, winning both the twin-fin and thruster divisions, and putting himself at the top of the leaderboard, just ahead of Adriano De Souza.

More from the latest presser:

"At an event function last night Parkinson spoke about his success this week being directly attributable to how much fun he was having with his family here on Kuda Huraa focusing on connection rather than competition, and he echoed the sentiments today."

"Surfing’s not meant to be complicated," said the 2012 world champion, "I’ve really been trying to just paddle out and surf. Win or lose I would still be completely enjoying this event, it’s a bonus that I’ve had a few good results so far."

"After their powerful performances this week Parkinson and de Souza will square off in the event’s ultimate heat, and despite the 3-0 score line the winner-takes-all grand final while determine who hoists the Surfing Champions Trophy in 2023."

Click play above for a healthy dose of Parko's surfing on both a twin and thruster, alongside De Souza, and Mason and Coco Ho. Because even in "retirement", we can never get enough of the 2012 World Champs silky smooth surfing.

So: Will it be Parko or De Souza taking home the trophy this year? Either way, it'll be an interesting match-up between two former CT rivals that haven't squared up man-on-man in a very long time.

Stay tuned.

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