KOTG is kinda semi-interesting-ish if you’re in it, or maybe if your kids are, but largely speaking, it’s fair to say the surf world is not overly bothered.

However, back in 2009 a young Gabriel Medina sent shock waves through the surfosphere with a freakishly impressive performance in the final against Caio Ibelli, surfing a perfect heat.  But it wasn’t only the score that caught the attention. The thing that made it so newsworthy was the manner of the two tens: they just looked so easy. Earlier on in the same heat he’d also recorded a 9.7.

Then 15, Gab’s victory interview was pre-emptive of the cornerstones of his career to come: family, God, and winning comps. “The waves are amazing, I’m so happy with my 20 points. I thought about my mother on the other side of the ocean and she prayed for me. I love this contest and I love France.”