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The Rise Of The Instagram Kids

Gabriel Medina defeats Nat Young in the final of the Fiji Pro.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow in his 1964 work Religions, Values and Peak Experiences developed the term ‘peak experience.’ A peak experience by Maslow’s definition implies some kind of transpersonal or ecstatic state, particularly one marked by euphoria, harmonisation and interconnectedness. Today Gabriel Medina would have felt a ‘peak experience’. Gabby is not shy about his religious beliefs and today the big guy upstairs shepherded the young Brazilian to his first win at the Fiji Pro and number one spot on the world rankings. Tavarua would argue that divine intervention was what broke their 14-year stranglehold on the title. However the 21-year old simply surfed out of his skin and looked like he was on a crash course for the title this entire event, displaying the type of harmonisation that has won others world titles.

Everyone knew this was it. The last juice in the swell was fading fast. Semi-final one between Nat Young and Michel Bourez was not only a battle to keep the media from nodding off but also a test of patience. Both surfers rarely fired and an average heat score of only 6.53 reflected the weak conditions. The Hurley duo had little opportunities and conditions were favouring the goofies as waves zippered down the reef leaving little room for Michel to demolish the open face. Nat on the other hand was able to exercise his reputation as a wave magnet and find the best tubes. Bourez has gone through a transformation this year. After his loss to Young I spoke to Taj Burrow who told me he didn’t believe Michel was surfing any better this year but instead had discovered how it feels to win. “I feel like he’s not surfing any different I guess he’s found his groove. I always thought he definitely surfed good enough to win an event, maybe he’s just someone who surfs off his confidence and getting that one win it probably just unloaded a bunch of confidence in him.” The Spartan is on the rise and at the midway point of the year, ranked world number two in the world, now a serious contender for a world title.

The pendulum has certainly swung for Kolohe Andino too. He went from winning everything as a junior to suddenly learning what it feels like to loose when he jumped on the CT. But at this event he wasn’t afraid to take heats by the balls. He had little entourage here too; something that has maybe anchored him in the past few years. Today didn’t go Brother’s way. He simply couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm against Medina and when he took off switchfoot, with a minute to go, needing a 9.84 you knew he had thrown in the towel. All he’d be able to do was watch his fellow American and before the final he let out a huge roar from the top deck as a sign of patriotism toward his comrade. “I just want to go and drink a beer,” he cried before rushing down the stairwell and into a Tavaura boat complete with stars and stripes.

“My strategy is just to go out there and surf, that’s what I’ve been doing and Nat as well. I’ve been watching his heats and he’s been getting high scores and surfing great and he’s tough to beat. I’m excited you know, I know it’s not going to be easy but I’m with God and I hope God is with me,” said Gabby before the final. If God was on Gabriel’s side then the American media boat was on Nat’s. As both surfers took their place in the line up the battle between the Namotu media boat and Tavarua’s was reaching its crescendo. Both were locked in a battle of who could make the most noise and when Tasmanian photographer Stuart Gibson saw American Ryan Miller strip down to his budgie smugglers enough was enough. Outraged, he proceeded to strip nude and forgo any humility to win the most cheers. When the voice over the PA finally drowned out Namotu’s boat driver, Ulai’s laughter and screams both boats were marshalled back to the channel to allow for the heat to begin.

Nat has been a complete tube pig this whole event. He’s had a knack stuffing himself inside mind bending pits that materialise out of nowhere, but this final was also a battle of wits. After being lead up the point towards Vanuatu in signature Medina fashion Nat was left stranded. Gabriel quickly swung around and caught a wave back down towards the take off zone, in effect winning the first psychological battle of the heat. When Nat dropped an 8.17 to fire back every adopted Namotuan looked worried. But then the ocean pulsed. Suddenly there were sets on the horizon and Gabriel was stroking into the best wave we’d seen all morning. The Namotu girls in the channel were going ballistic, dancing and screaming for Medina as he weaved his way through a pit and banking three solid hooks in the pocket. As the scores came in at a 9.87 the roars felt like they had also signalled Fiji winning the Rugby World Cup. Nat’s final was over after the next wave Medina took off on. Somehow he bullied his way through an impossible section before swiping the open face to show he is just as deadly on rail resulting, dropping an 8.53 and placing Nat being in a combo situation. As the hooter sounded and Gabriel pulled himself up onto the boat he slapped high fives and said, “For Namotu!”

It wasn’t just for Namotu today, there’s a change in the air and it’s been coming for a while. The tour is no longer being dominated by the older generation. The Instagram gen Y’s of Nat, Kolohe, Jordy, Julian and Owen are starting to take hold and Gabriel is in the driver’s seat. “Oh yeah for sure, not just me, Kolohe, Nat is getting pretty strong and I think it’s great to see a new generation coming like this way and I don’t know I’m happy for my new generation representing us.” Watching Gabby take the ride back to Namotu after his win with his eyes down and head in his hand you sensed that he was reflecting on today’s experience. It’s likely he’ll be cradling that same head tomorrow after the celebrations ensue tonight on Namotu. A 14-year drought makes you mighty thirsty and tonight this little island in the Pacific will party. “Namotu is great, the Fijian guys are always great they always smile and are positive. I feel just like home, I have a family here and to be the first Namotu guy to win this event it’s sick! I think they are really proud, I think they should get ready for me.” We’re ready for you Gabby, Skulldraggers and all.

Watch The Highlights Here

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