After a challenging start to the 2025 WSL Championship Tour season, Crosby Colapinto, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, is set to make his return to competitive surfing. The San Clemente native suffered a serious injury during a warmup session at Backdoor in Hawaii this January, when he collided with the reef and broke his elbow. The injury forced him to miss the first two events of the year.
Following surgery to repair the damage and a battle with a bacterial infection in the wound, Colapinto has undergone weeks of intense rehabilitation. Now, he’s ready to make his comeback at the upcoming MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.
“This has been such an incredible time to sit with myself, reflect, heal, and deepen my understanding of both life and myself. It’s also rekindled my love for surfing after being out of the water,” Colapinto shared on Instagram over the weekend.
In an exciting twist, Colapinto’s first heat back will see him facing off against his brother, Griffin. The two brothers, along with French rookie Marco Mignot, will compete in heat three of the opening round in Peniche, Portugal.
Additionally, Crosby Colapinto has signed with Oakley, joining his brother on the brand’s prestigious surf roster. Known for its strong surf team, Oakley continues to back top talent, now including the Colapinto brothers.
Wishing both Crosby and Griffin the best of luck as they hit the waves in Europe.