Gabriel Medina, New Zealand

Gabriel Medina’s currently in New Zealand for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic. Travelling down to Gisborne with fellow Brazilians Jesse Mendes, Alex Chacon and Miguel Pupo, the gang stopped at Mt Maunganui to look for some waves. Rambo Estrada, local photog and owner of best name in the biz, suggested a spot slightly further down the coast, which turned out to be pumping – glassy, head-high walls. According to Rambo, Gabriel was the standout. Known for his slick frontside aerials (which saw him win the junior trials of the Boost SurfSho at Bondi and receive a wildcard into the main event,) the kid impressed Rambo with his backside rail game, which Rambo describes as “On point. Most turns were super tight with the tail out, like this one.” Though Full Frames ain’t usually the home to power shots like this, we’re sometimes tickled by a tight display of fundamentals (like the shot of Luke Davis we ran a lil’ while back,) and the way a photo like this fires up excitement like only a crisp autumn morning can. Y’can check pout Rambo’s Tumblr here.