Ethan Ewing Clinically Dissects His Best Rail Work From Breakthrough Season

Ethan Ewing maybe claimed twice in 2022. The first was his maiden CT win at J Bay, the other came after a clutch Teahupo’o train ride.

Some of surfing’s most colorful personalities are easy to read during heats, and it’s hard to miss how Italo Ferreira or Kanoa Igarashi feel after a win (or loss). But so stoic is the 24-year-old from North Stradbroke Island that fans often hang on to every word and every pumped fist just to gain some insight into his mindset. While it’s not a deep dive into his competitive psyche, Ethan recently provided some pleasantly candid commentary with GQ Australia on the waves that launched him to No. 4 in the world. As is usual with an EE highlight reel, it’s a textbook lesson in fine form meeting brute strength. 

While you almost feel sorry for the rights he demolished (Sunset Beach, Bells, Margaret River, J Bay), Ethan says he had to paddle past his comfort zone on the tour’s two heavy lefts, Pipeline and Teahupo’o. One started the year while the other was the curtain call. Safe to say he did alright. The first wave of the season was his best Pipeline wave to date, then he had to pigdog past Tahitian Michel Bourez at the End of the Road to clinch his spot at Lowers. 

Ethan goes into all of this and more in great detail, more so than any post-heat interview. Grab your notebook and do yourself a favor by reliving Ethan’s 2022 CT highlights.