Parko's Last Lap: Episode 2 | Billabong

The Making of A Champion.
In a career spanning two decades, you’re bound to have some wild highlights. Lowlights too. Many you’d rather forget. But a true champion embraces those dark moments, using them to learn hard lessons.
In 2009 when Joel Parkinson came out of the gates with back-to-back wins, it looked like a lock to be ‘his year.’ But a mid-season ankle injury opened the window for his best mate, Mick Fanning, to go on a tear, winning Trestles, then France to set up a title showdown at Pipe. After a narrow loss, Parko was filthy. He was punching walls to get out his anger, furious at the world. Then, he sucked it up and chaired his mate up the beach, after Mick’s next heat win sealed the deal.
“I look back and go: That was a test,” Parko reflects. “It was the right thing to do. I was stronger. It set me up for what was to come.”
What was to come was a similar showdown, at Pipe, against the GOAT Kelly Slater - who started his run with a win at Trestles, then France.
You probably know the ending, but you might not know the inside of what went on before, and during, that day.
Here’s an inside look at Parko’s ride from dark to light....
#ONYAPARKO
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[@decentlayer6599]

Parko, Taj and Andy still my all time favorites

[@natbarron]

Mick? Yes no?

[@decentlayer6599]

@@natbarron yes:) i like his style and much more his personality

[@decentlayer6599]

@@natbarron ua-cam.com/video/4yuxie5T3xk/v-deo.html :)

[@jimihendrixx11]

Yes probably the best. Bruce is another

[@forreztflanderz]

Tear jerker when Mick running up the beach to hug him :'(

[@mitch9114]

What an amazing surfer

[@timblizzard4226]

Man, I’m so sad. I’m 33, and I moved to the coast and started surfing when I was 25. My heroes were Taj, Mick, Kelly (though I hated him too) and most of all, Parko. I watched free as a dog a million times. I just wanted to surf like parko. 8 years later I surf 5 days a week (still a kook), but I feel like all of my heroes are gone. It makes me feel lost.

[@jimihendrixx11]

Andy?

[@macrovigilance]

Him and Mick.. such great champions, sportsmanship and friends! Well done Parko on such a great career... World champ and three back to back triple crowns!

[@jimihendrixx11]

Smoothest 😊

[@jlm3336]

The man RIPS
Has Great style
Surfed a couple spots on the NS with him in the line up , respectful guy !
Enjoy the last lap on a Great career!
Aloha 🤙🏻

[@domlagesse9111]

loved this, Parko legend!

[@Dimebif]

The best of 2012

[@briandemirjian1335]

You are your own hero sometimes. I know the greats we looked up too are retiring but you are great as long as you believe in yourself. Never give up. I just pop on loose change or momentum and I'm charged. Just think about what Andy irons would give to have one more good barrel or 1 chance to be with his family again. Live each day like it's your last. And surf each session for yourself not to impress anyone. Surfing is the greatest. I hope everyone who surfs gets there one day although it never ends. Your always chasing that perfect barrel or biggest wave but enjoy the ride cause it goes by so fast.

[@thebensman9786]

Best cutbacks!

[@jposner5464]

legend what a humble guy

[@mattdk09]

LEGEND

[@cononmctapper202]

Went to my school in Caloundra.
Great career mate

[@hokuinsai4299]

Keep ripping the shit out of it Parko!

[@luciaseacreature8705]

very beautiful surfer

[@believe4740]

RIGHT''OH MATE

[@nothing_happening_here]

Cool Starry, Bra.

[@cccccc54able]

legend

[@TheFlounderPounder]

Whats up with all the surfer profile documents? ....