Crosby Colapinto Makes Good On DNA Prophecy, Joins Brother On Championship Tour

Judgement day looms in Saquarema, and the Challenger Series has whittled itself down to fourteen men and about eight women — the remaining samurai vying for 15 total CT allocations.

On the men’s side, Crosby Colapinto and Frederico Morais have officially locked their spots, meaning Crosby will be joining Cole Houshmand and Jacob Willcox as a rookie.

“Everytime I was trying to do something, it was because Griff was doing it. He would always get annoyed because I would copy him,” Crosby told us during the filming of DNA, regarding his childhood.

And the pattern continues — except this time, Griff seems pretty happy to have Cros along.

On his Instagram, Griff shared this message, along with a handful of nostalgic videos.

“My brother Qualified for the WSL world tour! Our lifelong dream came true today. So many downs to get to this moment. My brother has grown so much these past few years not just as a surfer but as a person too. It’s crazy to see what can happen when we dive inward, work on our flaws and be real with ourselves. Life seems to reward us! 

Crosby was a late bloomer that didn’t really get the surf bug until he was about 14. He lost a lot and didn’t handle it well. One day he came to me and said, “ Hey Griffin, do you think I could make the tour one day?” I told him, “No I don’t think you can right now, you don’t surf enough. You gotta at least be putting in 4 to 6 hours a day in the water minimum.” And he actually listened. Was obviously bummed at first when I said I didn’t think he could make it but that drove him that summer and he improved like crazy! 

Then he went on to win 4 US championships in a row. Which I think has to be some kind of record. He was looking good to get on tour at a young age. Until Covid hit and he lost some drive, some discipline, and competition smarts. He then went into a year and a half losing streak until he said that’s enough! Went all in. And now he’s back on track and on the World Tour! I’m so excited to start this new journey with you, Cros. We will finally be on the same schedule! Love you brother 💙 congratulations”

Continuing on the Men’s side, Jake Marshall, Deivid Silva, and Imaikalani Devault — all surfers who have made the CT before — are pretty much a guaranteed lock for qualification (barring a five way flurry from the boys below.)

The interesting bit is down with Eli Hanneman, Kade Matson, Mateus Herdy, Jacko Baker, and Samuel Pupo. Though Jacko and Samuel sit just below the cut, the point difference between these five is nominal — meaning whichever three finish higher here in Brazil will pretty much make the tour.

And, with a flourish of drama, all five of them are still in the contest — as is 13th ranked longshot Michael Rodrigues.

Kade and Sammy will meet in the R16, while Jacko will face Mateus in the quarters if they both make their R16 heats against Shion Crawford and Mihimana Braye, respectively.

Eli Hanneman and M-Rod will also meet in the quarters if they make their heats.

Heavy.

If Kade and Eli manage to hold onto their spots above the cut, five 2% rookies should be showing up at Pipe in 2024. 

The fifth?

Sawyer Lindblad. 

Though the San Clemente youngster hasn’t officially qualified, the only way she could come unstuck from her current third place is if she loses in the upcoming R16, and Luana Silva and Vahine Fierro both final.

For a bit more drama,  Vahine and Luana are both still in the event, on opposite sides of the draw no less.

4th and 5th placed women Alyssa Spencer and Isabella Nichols are also still in the draw, alongside Ladybird longshot Bella Kenworthy — whose only hope at qualification is to win the event.

Very possible with surfing like this.

You can read our Premium analysis of where the CS stands here — and we’ll have another one post-Saq — but essentially, even though a decent amount of surfers are locked in on both sides, the true composition of the 2024 Rookie class will be determined on the final day of the Challenger Series.

As for the forecast? Waves looks small, clean and fun tomorrow — very possible run day — but there’s also a big clean swell at the end of the window on Friday which could be very worth waiting for.

Good fun.