Shaping Gabriel is an eye-opening video installment that dives into the underlying factors that contribute to Gabriel Medina’s extraordinary success. It begins by suggesting that Gabriel’s success is largely due to his unique relationship with his shaper John Cabianca. However, as the movie progresses you find out that his boards are just part of the equation.
Gabriel’s achievements – aside from his innate talent that has been fine-tuned over the years – are a result of his remarkable support group that consists of friends, family and God. Best friend and fellow WCT competitor, Miguel Pupo, summed it up quite well by saying, “I think this generation of Brazilians is way better because of the family. Before the Brazilians traveled by themselves and had to fight their way through the World Tour. And it’s like extra support [traveling family] that love us no matter what happens.”
Gabriel Medina pre-heat meditating. Photo: Jason Horton
It is the culmination of several different factors that have shaped Gabriel Medina into the fierce competitor he is. Having trust in God and his ability to surf, combined with the unconditional support from family and friends, has created the fiercest Brazilian competitive surfer the surfing space has ever seen.
