https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQJHm-D5ivM Last year, Gabriel Medina became a Brazilian icon, winning the country's first surfing world title, and ultimately proving that the sport would no longer be predominately dominated by Americans and Australians. Over the weekend, the reigning World Champion reminded us all of his aerial prowess and the reason he took the title last year with a perfect backside air.
During round 4 against Australia's Owen Wright and Matt Wilkinson, the young Brazilian - he's only 21 - started cranking on a glassy ramp, and eventually boosted high above the lip, completing an air-reverse with a perfect landing. The ride earned him a perfect 10 and a fast-track straight into the quarterfinals – where he’ll once again meet none other John John Florence. In what should make for one of the best heats of the tour - just ask Kelly Slater who said the same during their match up at the Billabong Pro Tahiti earlier on the tour - Medina and Florence will show off their seemingly impossible maneuvers in critical waves.
Watch Gabriel Medina's massive air (and subsequent claim) that secured him a perfect 10 at Hossegor above.