The Brazilian triple threat of Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo and Gabriel Medina are coming for a world title. In round one of the Quik Pro, Snapper Rocks they outmuscled, out surfed and outsmarted the competition – putting everyone on notice for 2016.
Rookie of the year Italo Ferreira kicked things off with a win over Aussie Ryan Callinan and Hawaiian Keanu Asing. The battle of the backhand hook took centre stage with Italo’s stabs just a little spicier than the Novocastrian’s whips. There was a bee’s dick in it, but Italo held on and the summer of the Brazilians never looked brighter.
Italo, confident and a genuine world title threat. Photo: WSL/Cestari“I feel so confident and so happy to make my first heat of the year,” said Italo after the win. Already labelled a world title contender by commentators this season, Italo seemed a little surprised by the hype. “It’s a long year and this is jus’ the first event of the year…I’m not thinking about it.”
Watching Filipe Toledo run out with a lime splice surfboard and fluro green boardies he resembled a mini version of the incredible Hulk. Noticeably girthier after the off-season Filipe had his air reverse on lock and his rail work was tack sharp. While Stu Kennedy and Jadson Andre anxiously tried to summon a fight back, Filipe cruised and exuded nothing but confidence.
“Last year I had a good feeling fighting for a world title so this year I feel more comfortable,” said Filipe after the win. “I know I have the potential to be there so I’m just going to enjoy my year, it’s going to be fun.”
Gabriel taking the quickest way down the line at Snapper Rocks. Photo: WSL/CestariRonnie Blakey said it best when summing up Gabriel Media’s backhand whip. “Some guys hit the snare and it sounds nice but Gabriel hits the bass drum every time and just goes bang!” Bang it certainly did. He belted inviting three-footers and guided his wide and thickish-looking board through sections with plenty of variety and torque.
When Rosie Hodge asked Gabriel Medina what his goals were for 2016 it wasn’t just us who were bemused. “Goals? “Same as everyone I think – a world title.” The single-minded focus of the 2014 world champ puts him in a league of his own as a competitor on the dream tour. Having set the precedent for his Brazilian peers with a maiden world title in 2014 he, Filipe and Italo will now be looking to ride on de Souza’s slipstream.
A huge thanks to Isuzu for providing the Tracks team with vehicles for the 2016 Quiksiliver Pro Gold Coast.
