Fan-tastic Colapinto sends Joel packing
IF IMITATION is the sincerest form of flattery, then World Surf League rookie Griffin Colapinto has paid the ultimate compliment to his idol Joel Parkinson.
Colapinto knocked “Cooly Kid” Parkinson out of the Quiksilver Pro yesterday with the type of fearless barrel riding and stylish flow for which the former world champion is renowned.
It didn’t happen by surprise either, with the American teen studying hours of footage of his hero in the lead-up to the event.
“I’ve been watching Parko surf the last two weeks on video,” Colapinto said. “He’s seriously my favourite surfer.
“Just before this heat, I was pulling out ‘3 Degrees’, ‘Trilogy’, all his (movies) from out here and I watched them.
“He surfs so good and I love his style and I just want to surf like him.”
In an era when many young surfers are concentrating on their aerial game and flashy moves, Brazilians like Gabriel Medina, Felipe Toledo and world champion John John Florence are the idols of many.
But it’s Parkinson’s style that Colapinto wants to mimic and he did such a good job yesterday he was able to knock his idol out of the contest.
“I feel like when I’m trying to imitate someone when I surf, it calms my mind down, so that helps a lot,” Colapinto said.
“Just the way he flows with the wave, he’s the most natural-looking surfer there is.
“It looks like he’s part of the wave when he surfs, so that’s what I like.”
Competing against Parkinson was a highlight of Colapinto’s young career and he’s not taking it for granted.
“I’ve looked up to him for a long time and his surfing has played a lot for my surfing,” he said.
“I’m just really happy to be able to surf a heat out here with him.
“Who knows if this is his last year on tour or not, so I’m really stoked.”
FOUR women remain in the hunt for the Roxy Pro, which is likely to be decided today.
Sally Fitzgibbons, Kelly Andrew, Malia Manuel and Lakey Peterson will battle in semi-final heats to decide the two women to advance to the final.