Surfer faces surgery after injury during practice session at Backdoor, just days before 2025 WSL Championship Tour begins.
In a setback just days before the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour kicks off, San Clemente’s Crosby Colapinto, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, has been sidelined with a serious injury. While training at Backdoor last week, Colapinto encountered a devastating fall, resulting in a broken elbow.
The injury occurred when Colapinto, deep in a wave, lost control and fell directly into the dry reef after attempting to bail. “I jumped forward off my board after the back spit because I was too deep, and fell into the vortex of the lip,” Colapinto explained. “The lip hit the reef hard, breaking the flat water, and my elbow made direct contact with the reef.”
Colapinto’s mishap follows a long history of injuries at the Pipeline, a wave known for its brutal breaks. Recent years have seen high-profile surfers, including Joao Chianca and Owen Wright, suffer injuries at the same location, but Colapinto counts himself fortunate that his injury wasn’t worse.
“I’m grateful it was my elbow and not something more severe,” he expressed. “The timing of it is tough, with the season starting so soon, but I’m eager for the challenge. Challenges strengthen you, problems weaken you.” Colapinto is scheduled for surgery this Wednesday and plans to update fans on his recovery journey.
Due to the injury, Colapinto has withdrawn from the 2025 Pipe Pro and could miss additional events depending on his recovery timeline. His injury adds to the growing list of early-season setbacks, with fellow CT competitor Gabriel Medina also sidelined after a pectoral injury.
With two major Pipeline and Backdoor specialists out of the running, the WSL has yet to announce replacements for the season opener. Colapinto’s recovery will likely be a key story as the 2025 season begins.
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