Griffin Colapinto bundled out of surfing grand slam after controversial interference call “caused by one man’s insecurity”

“Wrong and sad call. What was João gonna do, go left? He should have been penalized for silly games."

Tears across Southern California tonight after San Clemente’s great world title hope Griffin Colapinto was deemed to have interfered with Brazilian João Chianca in their round of 16 heat at the El Salvador Pro.

Examine the footage below.

The pair are jostling for priority. Griffin Colapinto has to do a little duck-dive under João, whom we last saw getting his head belted into the Pipeline reef, who appears to be going left at the righthand point. Immediately, João theatrically throws his hands in the air demanding a paddling interference.

Which he gets.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by World Surf League (@wsl)

The WSL’s Wall of Positive Noise is briefly shattered when commentator Strider Wasilewski says, “Ooof, honestly that was a bad…uh…I mean a tough call.”

In a post on Instagram the WSL’s Renato Hickel explained the decision,

“Unfortunately for Griffin (Colapinto) a pretty text book interference. Heats start with no priority and the normal interference rules apply. And, in that situation, João was in position for that wave and Griffin did a classic block so he loses half of his second scoring ride.”

Which meant, in theory, Griff could still win the heat but even with an almost perfect score, a 9.43, the decision meant his second best ride, an eight, was slashed to a four.

Final heat tally, Joao, 14.50, Griff, 13.99.

Without the interference Griffin Colapinto would’ve won 17:43 to 14.50.

“Complete and utter bullshit, flagrantly and purposefully caused by one man’s insecurity, knowing he was vastly inferior in the conditions,” wrote Griffin’s shaper Matt Biolos.

BIPOC surfing icon and activist Selema Masakela wrote, “This call is HORSESHIT…”

Former tour standout Cory Lopez, “No need to call that, let them surf.”

“That call was DOG,” wrote Jett Schilling.

“Just a bad call honestly,” wrote Kade Madson.

Big-wave surfer Rusty Long: “Wrong and sad call. What was João gonna do go left? He should have been penalized for silly games. I think they should re do the heat how incorrect that call was.”

A little push back, here and there, and some crowing from Brazillians, but most commenters critical of the decision.

“I knew I would have to play tough against Griff, he’s one of the best,” said João in his post-heat interview. “Such a bummer that that interference happened so early. But when that happened, the first thing I thought is, ‘Don’t hate the player, hate the game.’”

In these matters I tend to cede to the judge’s call, but, here, it did seem like João forced the interference.

You got an opinion. Where do you stand?