The hometown hero is back in the WSL Finals and looking for his first world title. San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto comes into the event in his backyard with the number two seed, and while last year the hype machine was in full effect, this lap around the block things are a little different. Carrying this summer’s Olympic experience with him, and a new sponsorship deal with Lexus, this is a wiser, more mature Griff. And with a fun-size swell on tap for Lowers, the deck feels like it’s stacked in his favor. He’s also already planning the party for after the event, so he’s making sure all his bases are covered. SURFER caught up with the man to see where he was at the day before the finals:
WSL Finals part two, how’s this year feeling different than last years?
It’s feeling a little more calm than last year, which is nice. It feels like I belong, and that feels good.
How has your preparation changed from last year to this year?
I’ve definitely been able to push off more obligations than last year. I’m trying to pace myself more. I’m not trying to over surf Lowers. It’s a spot where if you surf it too much you can almost start overthinking the wave, and I’m trying to pace myself there. And I want to have a super excited mindset on finals day.
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How do you that?
Accepting a lot of the things I can’t control is a big part of it. People around me saying things, and things constantly going on, obligations, and all that. Just accepting them all and understanding it is part of it. The better you handle all this stuff the better chance you have of doing well in the contest. Just as important as training or surfing is being able to handle these kinds of things. Also I do a lot of meditating, journaling and talking to people that are close to me. That’s what’s helping me.
Your brother, Crosby , is rookie of the year. You’re back in the Finals. It’s been a good year for the Colapinto family.
It’s true, thank you. It’s pretty insane. I should be going into this thing with no pressure, nothing to lose. I had the best year of my life on tour. And having Crosby there, it’s been the best year ever. But at the same time, this could be the last Final Five at Lowers, so there’s more to do.
And about the boards, what have you and Matt [Biolos] been working on?
I have a magic board, it’s the one I lost to Joao Chianca on in El Salvador when I had the interference. I haven’t ridden the board since then until today. I’m pretty fired up to get on that thing for the comp.
Anything you’re more excited about this year than you were last year?
I’m excited about the party we’re going to have after. We've got a good party setup, I’m stoked for that. You have to have it planned and organized, then just go for it no matter what.
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