Former World No.1 Surfing Champ Gabriel Medina Goes Out Of His Comfort Zone For WSL 2024

A sudden chill has settled in the air. As the cold winter winds are buffeting the beaches of the world from all corners, one surfing legend from Brazil is heating his training regimen in anticipation of the 2024 WSL Tour. 

With just two months left for the promulgation of the WSL Tour, Gabriel Medina is not leaving anything to chance. Otherwise, reticent about his secret preparation, the three-time WSL champion has sprinkled hints about his intense training routine on social media. Surprisingly, the surfing ace has teased an unconventional twist by opting to train on land. What’s the reason behind this shift? 

Gabriel Medina’s unconventional surfing shift

Gabriel Medina was part of the celebrity caravan visiting Abu Dhabi for the unveiling of Kelly Slater‘s surf ranch in the Middle East. Thereafter, the Brazilian has returned to his home country and has been surfing non-stop. However, instead of sharing those pictures of himself on the water, Medina has been posting photos of his land-based training sessions.

On his Instagram story is a carousel of photos from his adventures on land in Brazil, starting with a mind-blowing cycling trip covering 44.93 kilometers. The legendary surfer is equally agile on land as he traversed the challenging terrain through steep mountain passes in 2:58:52.

Paddling through sharp turns and rocky trails at a breakneck speed of 15.1 km/hr, Medina burned about 1361 calories, according to his Fitbit. However, this was not the sole limbering tactic that he adopted. 

Gabriel Medina also dabbled in weightlifting in a gym. He styled his hair in cornrows and threw fierce fists at his sparring partners. The man looked all business, but what was fueling this drive? 

Gabriel Medina overcoming 2022 setback

Gabriel Medina is keeping his cards close to his vest. He will only reveal them at the opportune moment. He gave a subtle hint of his purpose by sharing the banner photo of his favorite Netflix show, “Unknown”.

Just like the protagonist, Medina, too must prove himself and recapture his identity as the world’s number 1 surfer. He lost that moniker after an injury forced him to sit out the WSL Tour in 2022. The surfing ace has regained his momentum and also won one event to set his hopes up.

Read More: “Good to Have Heats”: Just After Getting Defeated by Brazilian Surfer, Surfing Legend Goes Candid on Their Heated Battle at El Salvador

The 2024 WSL Tour will play out at the Pipeline, where he has shined in the past. His biggest rival for the crown will be reigning world champ Philipe Toledo, who has seen lesser results in the area. Notwithstanding these advantages, Gabriel Medina is not leaving anything to chance and is preparing in secret for the big showdown. 

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