“Focusing on the Little Tiny Details”: American Surfing Star Goes Candid Ahead of 2023 Rip Curl Finals

Surfing sensation Griffin Colapinto has taken 2023 by storm. The talented surfer has already qualified for next year’s Paris Olympics as well as clinched victory at the Surf Ranch Pro, earlier this year. All this success led him to the world’s number two rank in the World Surf League. If all this wasn’t enough, he was also being psyched up by none other than Hollywood royalty, Matthew McConaughey, during one of his WSL stops. But sometimes, no amount of success or trophies can make an individual happy.

This is something that Griffin Colapinto seems to be going through this year. Despite having an outstanding surfing season, Colapinto revealed in a recent social media post that he often struggles with anxiety. He unveiled his vulnerable side to his followers and highlighted the steps he undertakes to battle similar issues.

Surfing icon Griffin Colapinto opens up on anxiety

Colapinto’s recent Instagram caption indicates that the waves of success can often be difficult to navigate. After participating in the Shiseido Tahiti Pro, the surfer reflected on his journey and opened up about the complex emotions that often accompany achievement. He candidly described the odd sensation of expecting joy from his accomplishments, but in fact, all he felt was a void. A part of the surfer’s Instagram caption read, “This year I’ve finished 2nd in the world after a full season of 10 events. I look at that on paper and expect to feel an abundance of joy. But for some reason I feel nothing and I can’t understand why. So I try to think harder and feel harder but I only seem to fall further into the trap. What’s happening? What’s this all for? Do I deserve this? Why do I work so hard to feel nothing?”

The surfer acknowledges that all these thoughts further fuel his anxiety. But he seemed to have found something that works for him to counter his anxious thoughts. Colapinto claims that journaling and meditating have helped him a lot. He also shared that he regularly talks to his spiritual accomplice, Troy Eckert, and he has realized that he was looking for happiness in the wrong direction. The Olympic-bound surfer admits that people should live in the moment and not chase the feeling by trying to achieve something. He further added, “What’s most important is focusing on the little tiny details of our day right now. To practice Sadhana a spiritual practice of life,” referring that he participates in a practice that helps him become more aware of himself and his feelings. As Colapinto shared this heartfelt post with his followers, he will be looking to leave his mark on the upcoming 2023 Rip Curl Finals.

The 2023 Rip Curl Finals

After chasing giant swells all over the globe, the top 5 ranked men and women surfers will battle for the ultimate crown at the 2023 Rip Curl Finals. This event will take place in Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California from 8 to 16 September. All eyes will be on the world title which will be decided in a winner-takes-all event, with Filipe Toledo, Ethan Ewing, Griffin Colapinto, Joao Chianca, and Jack Robinson fighting for the men’s title. Meanwhile, the women’s title will be decided between Carissa Moore, Tyler Wright, Caroline Marks, Molly Picklum, and Caitlin Simmers.

Read more: “Been Quite the Journey”: After Qualifying for 2024 Paris Olympics, American Surfing Prodigy Sends Out Candid Confession

As the 2023 WSL season comes to its last stop, Griffin Colapinto will aim to clear his head and bring his a-game to California. His newfound approach of introspection over accolades and inner contentment over accomplishments tends to resonate with his followers and pro surfers alike.

Watch this story: Watch: 27-Year-Old Surfing Star Goes on an Epic Barrel-Ride at 2024 Olympics Venue