Kelly Slater’s unparalleled dominance in professional surfing speaks volumes. He is an 11-time World Surf League champion with 56 elite event victories, including the US Open of Surfing, solidifying him as the greatest in the sport’s history. From a young age, Slater showcased natural talent, winning contests by age ten and utilizing surfing as a refuge during a tumultuous childhood. However, a new rival has emerged, but not in terms of surfing.

The Brazilian sensation Gabriel Medina has brought a new breath to the whole sport of surfing. His influence goes beyond the sport as a two-time WSL world surf champ. This goofy-stance surfer has huge Instagram followers of about 11.4 million who represent the next generation of modern surfing. Nevertheless, in the latest revamp, he has come out with a business similar to Kelly Slater’s.

Medina soft boards vs. Slater designs

Gabriel Medina recently shared a captivating Instagram story while showcasing his exceptional skills, as he often does. What made this particular moment intriguing was his tag for Medina Softboards, accompanied by the caption, “First try.” Medina Softboards are crafted by three-time world champion Gabriel Medina. The brand showcases a diverse selection of premium soft boards that blend a hybrid construction with innovative, and original designs.

In 2015, the world witnessed Kelly Slater’s introduction of his surfboard label, Slater Designs, at the Pipe Masters. The Banana model, crafted by Greg Webber, made its debut, intriguing many with its obscured dimensions and innovative design. Slater’s collaboration with Webber, focusing on artificial wave technology, highlighted their shared interests. The Surf Expo marked the launch of Slater Designs in Florida, offering a first look at selecting representatives for the upcoming spring/summer season. These boards, incorporating sustainable practices certified by SustainableSurf.org as “EcoBoards,” featured work from Daniel Thomson alongside Webber.

Surfing disappointment

On 18th August, Kelly Slater predicted Gabriel Medina’s victory in securing the World Title for the year based on his exceptional surfing prowess. Both revered in professional surfing for their last-minute heroics, Medina and Slater faced a disappointing Championship Tour season. Medina narrowly missed the WSL Finals after a defeat in the Tahiti Pro final, while Slater yielded unexpected challenges in competition results.

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Read More: US Surfing Icon Kelly Slater Reveals the Biggest Influence of His Life

Both Slater and Medina, with World Titles, found themselves out of contention for another championship this year. Additionally, they missed out on securing Olympic spots via the WSL rankings route for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Watch this story: Surfing World In Shambles As They Lose Two Icons In One Week