With Alejandro and Tia rising to every challenge thrown at them, there are now two powerhouse teams at the Ranch, and this certainly grinds Zeke's gears. The alpha Hawaiian is used to being the big dog in camp and teammate Malia also fancies herself as the surfer to beat. So while it's not clear who will rise to the top, it's crystalline at this point that all roads lead to these surfers facing off.
There's also tension building elsewhere as Brianna feels like her teammate Mason is dead weight, and keeping the vibes right is a task made harder with every challenge they fail in.
"Having Mason as my teammate is really rough, you want someone who's pushing just as hard as you because if you're pushing 110 and your teammate is pushing 30, you're going to lose."
So, the way Brianna sees it, she's working 80% harder than her other half … She's frustrated and looking for someone to blame and poor old Mason's all she's got, since she's clearly not looking inward for answers.
The green team, Brianna Cope and Mason Barnes, struggle to make it through challenges and tension begins to build. - WSL / ABC
Beach Battle: The Paddle Battle
Personal drama aside, the teams are about to be put to the test as they get set for their next Beach Battle. And to set up the battle, the voice of surfing Joe Turpel and legendary sportscaster Erin Coscarelli are here to help, donning lifeguard gear and doing their best Baywatch-style entry into the basin.
This Beach Battle is going to test contestants' paddling ability. Paddling is the keystone of surfing. Before you can even think about riding a wave you need to be able to get out the back, and you need to be strong and fast enough to chase down waves. Stamina is everything. On the Championship Tour if you can't outpaddle your opponent, it might mean losing the heat.
This Battle is a paddling tug-o-war. Two boards are tethered together, and looped around a pontoon. Each team paddles as hard as they can. The stronger team will pull the weaker team backwards as they head for the finish line.
Tia and Alejandro chose to go up against Zeke and Malia, which is the equivalent of trying to run through a brick wall instead of trying to go over it, as Zeke is a paddling beast.
And remember Zeke and Malia have sent Alejandro and Tia to not one, but two Surf Offs, so they really want to go out there and give it to them. But Alejando and Tia aren't scared of anything, even the Hawaiian paddle god Zeke and his feisty Californian teammate Malia.
Love the attitude guys, but as everyone expected, Zeke and Malia smash them. Brianna and Mason then go up against Koa and Julie, and lose yet another challenge. Relations between Brianna and Mason are now at an all-time low.
Zeke and Malia go up against Koa and Julie in the final. It's a little bit closer this time, but Zeke and Malia power through for the win, with the help of some very enthusiastic sound effects. They win an extra ride in the Wave Challenge, as well as the chance to switch up their rival teams.
This means they can break up their biggest threat, Alejendo and Tia, and that's music to Brianna's ears. Alejando is now her teammate, while Tia is stuck with Mason.
Orange team member Tia Blanco paddles hard alongside Alejandro Moreda during this episodes Beach Battle. - WSL / ABC
Wave Challenge: The Crossover
The contestants don't have long to get used to the new teams as Kelly Slater dials via "Kelly Vision" to explain the Wave Challenge -- the crossover, AKA the party wave, AKA riding tandem at the Surf Ranch.
Each team will have to ride together on the same wave -- think about it as synchronised surfing. This isn't one where you want to ride your favorite board, because boards and bodies are liable for some bangs and bruises.
This challenge is about sharing a wave with the most style and flair. The new and old teams set about choreographing their tandem rides, and Brianna is already vibing with New Mason, AKA Alejando.
Meanwhile, Koa is banking on being able to execute a double barrel -- two surfers in the barrel at the same time -- risking it for the biscuit with a plan he thinks has a 98% chance of him and his teammate colliding.
Meanwhile, Tia and Mason aren't exactly gelling either. The guy can't catch a break. This is a challenge where chemistry is everything, so neither are going in feeling very confident. But somehow they do really well -- maybe there's more chemistry there than they realize?
The new green team, Brianna Cope and Alejandro Moreda ride a wave together for the crossover challenge. - WSL / ABC
The Wrap: Brianna Loves That She Broke Up With Mason
Zeke never seemed like much of a dancer, and this is all about rhythm. He and Malia look like they went into this without a plan, barely crossing over on their first wave. The second wave turns out way better though -- they learn quickly, and come away with a solid score. But it's Brianna and Alejenado the Puerto Rican salsa dancer who post an excellent-range score. To Brianna, Mason is now but a distant memory.
Koa and Julie put up a good fight, but Briana and Alejeando get a win -- Brianna finally knows what it feels like to be safe from elimination. Zeke might be regretting that team swap decision. And now that Brianna is finally in the driver's seat, she wants to rattle some cages. Her and Alejando chose to send Koa and Julie to the Surf Off.
Surf Off: Tia Faces Elimination For Third Week In A Row
Koa and Julie in turn decide to Surf Off against Tia and Mason, which means Tia is going into her third surf-off in a row. She's eliminated everyone she's gone up against, so it's an interesting decision, especially from Julie.
Tia makes a nice barrel, bringing the whole Surf Ranch package together. She gets better every Surf Off she finds herself in, but Julie finds a great tube, too, meaning it's very, very close.
Koa has a magic board and hopes that is going to make the difference for him. He rides a nice wave but falls on the end section. Mason now has to step up if he wants to stay in the game, except he doesn't.
Koa comes back through the reveal door -- indicating who won the Surf Off each episode -- with Mason sent packing. And it's Tia who survives yet another Surf Off. She's eliminated three women now, in a row. So great news for her fans, and great news for all the contestants. Because with Julie and Mason now sent packing, everyone now has their own Airstream to call
