‘Classic Power Surfing’: An Ode to Griffin Colapinto’s Masterful Backhand at Cloudbreak

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 9:27 PM ET

Corny intro aside, this is a video about great surfing. In 2025, Griffin Colapinto went from one of the worst starts to the best finish in his career. From mid-year cut speculation to world No. 2. And it all culminated at Cloudbreak this month.

Sure, Caroline Marks surfed more heats, two more surfers won world titles, but Griffin’s surfing in his two heat wins over Italo Ferreira and Jordy Smith was clearly one of the highlights from the WSL Finals in Fiji. The barrage of backside snaps, carves and arcs was fundamental yet radical. A masterful balance of power and aggression and technical skill.

“Griffin's backhand was next level,” noted SURFER Mag Editor in Chief Jake Howard, who watched every heat from the channel. “It was the talk of the finals. He was on a different level than the other finalists until he got to Yago. The deep, deep, deep bottom turns into these beyond-vert hammers in the pocket; it was classic power surfing.”

Based on this BTS video from the Cola Bros, the scene on the surfers’ boat looked calm and quiet. Griffin leaned into his mindfulness and a pair of headphones. It looks almost tranquil. In the water, however, it was a different story. The Mayhem did whatever he wanted. Timing on point, flare on command, and fins ditched out the back with regularity. It’s not just the goofies who would love a few more lefts on the Championship Tour. Then Yago Dora arrived and deservedly earned his world title in scintillating form.

It was a helluva show by Yago and Griffin, who will likely be battling it out for more world titles at Pipeline for years to come.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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