San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto earned yet another win at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal on Friday, Oct. 23, his third victory at the same surf contest.
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Oceanside surfer Caitlin Simmers took runner-up in the event, won by Australian surfer Molly Picklum.
The final’s day at the surf break Supertubos, considered the “Portuguese Pipeline,” was held in pumping 6- to 8-foot barrels in front of thousands of surf fans, the World Surf League said. It was the 10th stop on the WSL Championship Tour.
Colapinto overtook Brazilian surfer and three-time world champion Gabriel Medina in bombing barrels, where each went blow-to-blow to earn excellent scores.
“That’s the dream, how good were the waves out there,” said Colapinto. “The battle with Gabriel was unreal … Portugal has a big place in my heart.”
His brother, Crosby Colapinto, recently won a Challenger Series event, the EDP Ericeira Pro, in Portugal to earn big points toward regaining his spot on next year’s World Tour.
“When Crosby won that, I had a realization that I need to lock in and he really inspired me,” Griffin Colapinto said. “The universe was on my side this week, it felt like things went my way, but it’s also the hard work that goes in behind the scenes, and everything I do every day. I’m just so grateful.”
Medina had the early lead before Colapinto posted a 8.17. Then two big scores by Medina– an 8.57 and 8.20 – put Colapinto in a tight spot, according to WSL.
“Colapinto disappeared in a Supertubos cavern before reemerging to the cheers of the crowds and a 9.43 to close out the heat and secure the win,” it’s announcement said.
Picklum, the reigning world champ, earned her first win of the season after matching up against good friend Simmers, who won a world championship in 2024. CT.
“I’m so grateful to have a job that takes me here,” said Simmers. “I really mean it when I say Portugal is one of my favourite places on the planet. I really do love surfing, and I’m trying to find the joy in it this year, and it feels like there’s so much more behind every heat win.”
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The next stop will be the Philippines Pro, which runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10.