Filipe Toledo has recently made bold statements that are sure to spark discussion among his peers and surf fans alike. After stepping back from the World Surf League (WSL) tour to focus on mental health and preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games, Toledo has remained relatively quiet. However, his latest remarks—claiming to surf better than some of the sport’s most decorated athletes—are quickly drawing attention.
Known for his exceptional aerial abilities, Toledo’s competitive credentials are solid, with two World Titles to his name. Yet, while his aerial prowess on smaller to mid-sized waves is undeniable, he now finds himself in the spotlight for making comparisons between his skills and those of surfing legends. Toledo’s dominance at specific venues, especially Lower Trestles, is widely acknowledged, with many surfers, including John John Florence, admitting that he’s a tough competitor at the famed break. However, in a recent interview with ESPN Brasil, Toledo was asked an unexpected question that took his statements to a new level: “Who surfs better?”
The interviewer presented a long list of notable surfers, including Gabriel Medina, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Italo Ferreira, Mick Fanning, Tom Carroll, and others, including the late Andy Irons. Toledo’s answer was candid—he believes he surfs better than everyone on the list, with the exception of Medina, Fanning, and Irons. In a moment of clear admiration, Toledo declared, “Andy surfs better than the whole world combined!”
When it came to Kelly Slater, Toledo offered a more nuanced response. Pausing before answering, he stated, “Now, yeah, I do. Back in his day? No way. But today, yeah I do.” The question about John John Florence elicited a similarly bold response. After a brief pause, Toledo nodded affirmatively, signaling that he believes his skills surpass those of the three-time World Champion.
These statements are significant, considering both Slater and Florence’s immense achievements. Slater, widely regarded as the greatest surfer of all time (GOAT), has won 11 World Titles and the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, while Florence has earned three World Titles and the Eddie. Toledo’s confidence in his current form—especially in comparison to these icons—has raised eyebrows across the surfing community.
While Toledo respects Medina and Fanning as superior competitors, his remarks about Slater and Florence have stirred the pot. Despite their rivalry, Toledo and Florence are friends, and it’s unlikely that the Hawaiian surfer is losing sleep over the claim. Florence, now a father and enjoying a more relaxed phase of his career, is unlikely to be bothered by Toledo’s comments. Still, with the WSL’s revamped schedule ending in Fiji, Toledo may soon face Florence at Cloudbreak, where conditions could prove challenging for the Brazilian if the waves turn massive.
Toledo’s bold predictions have certainly reignited the competitive fire in the surfing world. As the WSL tour progresses, it will be intriguing to see if he can back up his claims in the water. For now, the sport’s biggest names, including his fellow Brazilians and perhaps even the GOAT himself, will be watching closely.
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