Joel Parkinson calls Gabriel Medina most talented surfer on tour

In a recent interview, Joel Parkinson has said that Gabriel Medina is the most talented surfer on the ASP World Tour. Gabs is currently the ratings leader rolling into the tour’s Hawaiian climax, having won three events this year and rarely done worse than a fifth. So, on paper, this is no surprise. Gabs’ air […]

news // Mar 8, 2016

Words by stab

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In a recent interview, Joel Parkinson has said that Gabriel Medina is the most talented surfer on the ASP World Tour. Gabs is currently the ratings leader rolling into the tour’s Hawaiian climax, having won three events this year and rarely done worse than a fifth. So, on paper, this is no surprise. Gabs’ air game is obviously magnifique, too – last winter on the North Shore he pasted the best backflip ever done, and his ability to punctuate a high-pressure situation with a full roter has been proven repeatedly.

(Speaking about world titles) “Gabriel will win one,” Joel told News.com.au. “It’s only a matter of time until he’s a world champion and probably a multiple world champion.

“He’s the most talented surfer on tour. His free surfing is unbelievable.”

Even assuming Joel means naturally talented, it’s still a powerful statement when you consider that tour also consists of Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Jordy Smith, Julian Wilson, Taj Burrow, Filipe Toledo and more. But whether or not you agree with Mr Parkinson, you’ve got to applaud a man drawing a clear line in the sand.

And that wasn’t all Joel jammed about in the interview. He also spoke on hits like…

Mick’s role in the title race: “If I was involved I’d hate to be Gabriel and to be getting chased by Mick Fanning. Just because he’s been there, he’s chased people down at the last hurdle a lot.”

Kelly Slater’s broken toes: “I would not read in to Kelly’s toes. I saw Kelly win Teahupoo with a broken foot and I reckon Kelly could win Pipe on one leg. Don’t rule him out.”

The lack of enthusiasm in some parts of the surfing world towards a Brazilian world champ (he says it’s a non-issue): “Good surfing is good surfing and that guy (Gabriel) is a freak. Your nationality doesn’t matter to me.”

And two calls on outcomes we’ll be watching unfold real soon:

Who wins Pipe? “Me? No … Mick wins Pipe and the title.”

Who wins more world titles in their career: Gabriel Medina or John John Florence? “Gabriel.”

Real good answers (albeit a little diplomatic) on all fronts. If nothing else, another thing to mess with your Fantasy Surfer or betting needs in the coming weeks.

Full article here.