Griffin Colapinto

American professional surfer who competes on the World Surf League Championship Tour and represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition.

Born in San Clemente, California, on August 1, 2001, Griffin Colapinto emerged from one of surfing's most fertile talent pools along the Southern California coast. Growing up in the shadow of Trestles, one of the world's premier surf breaks, he began surfing at age four and quickly distinguished himself in junior competitions throughout his youth. His natural affinity for powerful waves and innovative approach caught the attention of sponsors and coaches early in his development. Colapinto's professional trajectory accelerated rapidly through the World Surf League's qualifying series, where his explosive surfing style and fearless approach to critical sections earned him recognition as one of surfing's most promising young talents. He qualified for the Championship Tour and established himself as a consistent threat in both powerful reef breaks and hollow beach breaks. His surfing combines traditional high-performance elements with progressive aerial maneuvers, making him equally dangerous in small surf and consequential waves. The young Californian has secured multiple Championship Tour victories and consistently finished among the world's top-ranked surfers. His ability to perform under pressure in elimination heats has become a defining characteristic, with several dramatic come-from-behind victories highlighting his competitive instincts. Colapinto's aerial repertoire and commitment to pushing surfing's progressive boundaries have influenced a generation of young surfers worldwide. Representing American surfing's new generation, Colapinto has helped restore the United States' prominence in professional surfing after years of international dominance. His success has coincided with surfing's inclusion in the Olympic Games, positioning him as a key figure in the sport's global expansion. The San Clemente native's combination of technical innovation, competitive drive, and marketable personality has made him one of surfing's most recognizable athletes, bridging the gap between surfing's traditional culture and its modern commercial appeal while inspiring countless young surfers to pursue excellence in the sport. Colapinto surfed brilliantly through Finals day at Cloudbreak in 2025, defeating Italo Ferreira and Jordy Smith, but was denied a maiden world title in the deciding match by Brazil's Yago Dora.

Progressive aerial surfing with powerful turns and innovative maneuvers

• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Surf Ranch Pro 2022
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2023
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Margaret River Pro 2023
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Tahiti Pro Teahupo'o 2023
• WSL Top 5 Ranked Surfer 2023
• US Open of Surfing Winner 2019
• ISA World Surfing Games Team Gold Medal (representing USA) 2023