Who is the world's most popular surfer? Let's dig in to real numbers!
I am usually not a stat nerd but when it comes to the unmeasurable like “popularity” or “likability” I can’t get enough. Maybe its the artificiality of applying the science of numbers to something so fleeting. Maybe its the codification of “in crowd/out crowd.” Maybe its just another tool to make some people feel quantifiably better than other people. I don’t know but whatever it is the boys over at empireave.com crunch the information and give me what I needs.
Like today!
They went and examined the “fans” for the top ten most popular surfers in the world for 2015, 2016 and the first six months of 2017.
Shall we look?
Any surprises for you? Maybe that Shane Doz cracks the list? Maybe how “popular” Mick Fanning was but how his rate of growth is showing steep decline? Maybe Kelly Slater’s steadiness?
Gabriel Medina appears to be king of all surfers. He has as many “fans” as the entire rest of the entire list combined. Are you amongst them? I think probably not and I think you might feel a little sad for the second runner up but best surfer in the entire world John John Florence.
Do you feel a little sad for him?
Well don’t!
If there is one thing social media has taught me since the founding of our little BeachGrit it is that big numbers might make people feel good but the real art is in engagement. How do the people respond to the material you share?
And cue the engagement slide!
John John Florence has almost twice the engagement as anyone else. Gabs, on the other hand, falls dead last.
Scientifically what can we deduce from these hard numbers?
People who like Gabriel Medina tend to be shallow and prone to distraction.
People who like John John hang on his every full-bodied turn.
If we could actually invest in professional surfers I would mark Gabs as a “sell” and John as a “buy.”
Don’t you wish we could actually invest in professional surfers?
Little boy blue,
go blow it out your arse,
‘Maps got a Pipe House,
and this Tennis Tour’s a farce.
Where is the boy who looks after the sheep?
A ‘free-surfer’ without cares,
not even a peep.
Sponsors still paying,
maybe a bit too well.
he’s still selling his ass,
just not for the WSL.
The article makes it sound like John should be riding a long board with Phil Edwards. Gabriel is exciting & unpredictable. John is predictable. Importantly, John is popular because he is blonde, white & a media darling. Mass market media surfer for the sheeple. Fact is it was Medina who lead this generation and changed the very old guard, which Jordy, ADS & Julian failed to do. Medina & Toledo are the leaders of the pack & now John has joined in, with a little help from his friends.
Thief.
If instagram followers is the measure, then Gabs beats JJF easily. Then again, Gabs has put up 33 instagrams in the last 2 months, JJF has provided only 3 in the same period. If you want instagram numbers, you’ve got to work it.
I note all the surfers are on a downward engagement trend, would that suggest a. the surfers are losing their appeal b. instagram is losing its appealor or c. are they buying followers so though it would look to be they are gaining popularity it’s still the same old beach grit followers pushing the like button
I think they are gaining more fans in total numbers, though fewer are engaging as those who came earlier, which makes sense, as they are spreading their influence beyond a core audience.
Interestingly, gabby’s “engaged” fans declined from 2015, whereas John’s grew. That would be the interesting graph, to see the trend of engaged fans over the 3 year period. Maybe someone has time to burn?
This Simple “Trick” Melts Belly Fat While You Sleep (Try Tonight)
apparently doctors are shocked!
Unfortunately it also gives you syphilis.
that must be why the fucken doctors are shocked.
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Just more of the same mumbo jumbo that has been paralyzing industry marketing directors for years now. Step away from the spreadsheet and actually go to a beach once in a while. You might even learn something.
Freerider, is that you?
even gabs real father marked “sell” on him.
…even though JJF’s engagemnt percentage is more then double of Gabs, Gabs still has more then double in real engagement 95,000+ vs 44,000+. #Math
The question is, who hits ‘like’ on anybody who’s ‘like count’ is so high its not gonna make a difference by adding one more ‘like’ #ConsumerPsychology
Micro Analysis of General stats will derive erroneous conclusions #ClickBait
…and yes i bite at the bait every time 🙂
I can’t help but feel you’re dropping in on me brah, about ten minutes after I rode the wave.
classic me – the no-look after burn
I bet you’re a riot at parties.
Not to Brazilian storm on Booyas or the boys at empireave, but Medina has greater engagement than John, more than twice as much.
Gabby 2017: 1.73% of 5531520 is 95695
Johnny 2017: 4.18% of 1062303 is 44404
One up vote for each, KVF. A gentleman’s solution, to be sure.
sure, but won’t some social media expert argue that engagement is like exponential or some shit? that Medina is watered down somehow because after a certain figure one person can’t manage their fan’s expectations. guess that’s where your “team” comes in. guess these teenagers will pretty much blow a celeb for a follow-back.
Teenagers? I was under the impression that Medina’s fan base, much like Bieber’s is composed of gay 50-year-olds.
It’s rigged.
In reality, Gabs numbers should be halved due to an interference call.
Who uses a grey font for the most recent data? Not UCSD grads.
After “investing in” McGregor at the weekend I think I’ll sit this one out!
Don’t sit! Gotta keep moving Jimmy.
PS: Camping holiday going well. Wish you were here.
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A girl at work was saying that her brother bet €600 on Connor, well we all had a good laugh at that bastard, but I feel responsible for your predicament! Lots of high quality halting sites in Ireland with friendly folk living there, you should jump on the ferry, September swells are going to start slamming into the coast!
Sweet Jesus.
Not sure which is more terrifying, there being people who’ll bet €600 on Conor against Mayweather, or being invited to paddle out at one of those frozen Irish slabs.
Wait till you see the halting sites…
halting site?
It’s where Irish gypsys or rather Irish “travellers” live in their caravans!
Pikeys?
I like the sound of this.
All welcome?
Not quite, bring a slash hook…
Shocked and appalled that Ford Archbold did not make this list.
Science
Statistical proof that Medina is the Kanye West of surfing.
Drake*