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| Fresh Blood - ASP Newcomers |
The Lounge Feature |
Words by : Caz Ridings
As the Quiksilver Pro bunkers down on Queensland’s Gold Coast for the first event of the World Championship Tour, the returning WCT men’s field must be getting a bit anxious harbouring the knowledge that this year they’ll face the biggest fluctuation of rookies in ‘CT history! It’s no secret that nothing strikes more fear in the hearts of veterans than un-scouted, un-heard-of, and underestimated rookies looking to become giant killers, and these following fellows are the frothing, WQS-hardened mega-talents who are looking to claim the scalps of any established vet they can get their hands on this season. Introducing the freshest of fresh WCT chargers…
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
This 19 year-old from São Paulo, Brazil won the 2005 WQS by the largest point margin in history. If that doesn’t put the top 44 on notice, they’re in for a rude awakening. Ever since Adriano took out the World Junior Championship at age 16, he’s been on a meteoric rise to the elite WCT. This lightning-fast regular foot is capable of world class performances wherever he goes. His small frame is ideal for surfing circles around his competitors in speedy beach breaks. Expect him to shine at spots like the Gold Coast, Japan, and at home in Brazil.
Bobby Martinez (USA)
With a style refined in the long canvasses of the Santa Barbara point breaks, this goofy foot has honed a lethal backhand. At 23 years young, it seems as though Bobby’s been around for ever. After an incredible junior career with the NSSA, Martinez was touted as the next big thing to come out of California. After a few years of injury-marred attempts to qualify, Bobby put together a phenomenal year in 2005 to easily make the WCT cut-off. Exciting to watch in any conditions, a healthy and focused Martinez could prove to be the spoiler as his talent most definitely belongs at this level of competition.
Adrian “Ace” Buchan (AUS)
This stylish and agile goofy foot hails from Copacabana, New South Wales. At 23 years young, “Ace” has developed a reputation as a smart competitor, and the past few years have seen him add world-class power behind his turns. Not only brilliant in competition, Buchan has proven himself an eloquent journalist as he served as a junior editor for Australian surf magazine “Waves”. The said combination of talent and smarts could see him as a lethal threat to the established WCTers.
Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
This incredibly talented goofy foot from the sleepy township of Mullaway, New South Wales has long been heralded as one of the most naturally gifted surfers to come out of Australia in the past five years. With frequent comparisons to Billabong stable mate Joel Parkinson, Shaun beautifully blends power and innovation with ease. Although expectations have been high, the quiet 23 year-old has matched them with the same hustle and flow that he exhibits in his surfing. Expect big things from Shaun this year as he is at the level of competition to which he belongs.
Pedro Henrique (BRA)
The diminutive goofy foot from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a small wave phenom. At 23 years-young, Pedro makes a fantastic addition to the swelling Brazilian ranks. Although untested at the ‘CT level, expect him to pose a huge threat in smaller conditions.
Roy Powers (HAW)
Growing up in the melting pot of talent that is Hanelei, Kauai, Roy Powers merges a new-school repertoire with classic Hawaiian power. After a few seasons of narrowly missing the cut for the WCT, the ever-cool 25 year-old had a stellar year on the ‘QS in 2005 to easily qualify. With the Irons brothers as neighbours, Roy should feel right at home on the "Dream Tour", and we look forward to seeing him this season.
Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
The definition of a pure Hawaiian power surfer. Born in 1973 in Hawaii, the North Shore resident was quick to make a name for himself as one of the best surfers in the world when it came to the powerful waves of Sunset and Pipe. Although never one to charge the ‘QS grind, Pancho’s incredible performances in Hawaii the past few seasons inadvertently qualified him for this year’s WCT. With Sunny Garcia and Luke Egan retiring, we’re confident that Pancho will provide more than enough punch to fill their shoes.
David Weare (ZAF)
David Weare proved to be the WQS’s dark horse last season. The 26 year-old from Durban, South Africa posted a massive win at the 4* WQS Body Glove Surfbout against an incredible seed list. The explosive regular foot excels in everything from punchy beaches to massive point breaks. Although limited in his experience at the WCT level, Weare possesses the talent and competitive drive needed to excel. Keep your eye on him.
Mickey Picon (FRA)
Mickey will be competing this season as Europe’s sole representative on the WCT. After narrowly missing the cut-off the past few seasons, Mickey finally allowed his competitive results to match his skill level. With endorsements from Quiksilver team mate Kelly Slater, the goofy footer definitely has the talent to rise to the ‘CT level of competition. We look forward to watching Mickey proudly flying the European colours this year on tour.
Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Originally from Adelaide, the 27 year-old Howse currently resides in Manly Beach, New South Wales. Jarrad qualified through sheer last minute heroics at Sunset as he defeated Andy Irons and Sunny Garcia to slip into the final qualifying slot for this year’s WCT. The always hard-charging Howse will no doubt put it all on the line this year against the world’s best, and we can’t wait to see what happens.
Well then, if that doesn’t put the fear of God into you, I don’t know what will. Of course, our young challengers have their work cut out for them as well. As the low seeds, they will draw the highest-rated surfers on tour right away. And if they think that Andy, Kelly, Mick, Damien and the others are going to lay down for them, they have another thing coming. With this sea of incredible new talent coming to meet the already phenomenal level exhibited by the tour vets, 2006 is shaping up to be an amazing year
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Tags: The Lounge, Sport
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