Gabriel Medina Undergoes Surgery After Pectoral Injury in Maresias 

Gabriel Medina’s 2025 CT campaign has hit an early wall. The 3x World Champ tore his pectoral muscle last week in Maresias during a tube-to-oop attempt gone sour. 

Gabs, slightly off balance mid-maneuver, threw a hand back for balance. His hand skidded, the weight shifted, and the strain tore straight through his chest. As of an hour ago, Medina confirmed via Instagram that he’s undergone surgery to repair the damage.

“Last Thursday, I suffered a pectorial injury and this morning I underwent a surgical procedure to begin treating this injury. I was preparing and very focused for the 2025 season, but unfortunately I will be out for a while.”

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No specifics on the severity, but surgery and vague timelines point to something serious. Orthosports suggests major pectoral tears take six months to heal post-surgery, followed by rehab to rebuild strength. In short: Medina’s odds of competing in the first half of the season (and thus qualifying for the WSL Finals) are slim.

A huge loss for surf fans who were eager to see apex Gabby scalp-hunting on tour this year. But one person’s misfortune is another’s golden ticket. Who gets that ticket, though, will depend on the severity of Gabby’s injury. 

According to a WSL representative, it all comes down to the type of withdrawal. If Gab pulls out for the entirety of 2025, his spot would go to #23 on the 2024 CT, Samuel Pupo. However, since Samuel already requalified via the Challenger Series, the additional spot would pass onto the next surfer in line on the CS — Mexico’s Al Cleland Jr. This would be a full-time spot on tour and would make 2025 Al’s official rookie year on the CT.

On the other hand, if Gab decides to withdraw on an event-by-event basis, #24 from last year’s CT, Ian Gentil, would fill Medina’s spot in any events that he misses. During that time, any points Ian accrues would be admissible toward his season total, meaning he can requalify for 2026 by making the mid-year cut.

The WSL Commissioner’s office is currently working through the formal process with Gabriel’s team, and they’re expecting to hear back from them on Monday.

While Gabby’s misfortune is a tough pill to swallow, it’s essentially handed someone else a chance to define their future. Who it is, though, depends on how badly Gabby’s hurt. If it’s lights out, Al Cleland steps up. If it’s just a niggle, Ian Gentil gets another shot.