JORDY SMITH – WONDER KID

THE NEXT BIG THING?

If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing JS surf, then drop what you are doing right now and find some footage. This kid is something else, a style that is up with that of Parko and Fanning with his own flavour. Jordy makes every wave look easier than the last, will land almost anything and shreds. We believe the wonder kid will be showcasing some of the best surfing you have ever seen over the coming years, so keep a very close eye on him!

The 21-year-old prodigy born and raised in the rough and tumble land of Durban, South Africa is set to embark on his second year on the ASP Dream Tour after completing his long-awaited rookie year. The powerful regular-footer’s spotless season in 2007 saw him claim both the 2006 ASP World Junior Championships as well as the ASP WQS season, qualifying for the coveted ASP Dream Tour in only one year. Before ever officially setting foot on the ASP World Tour stage as a regular campaigner, Smith had already earned results as a wildcard that exceed what some ASP Dream Tour surfers had ever achieved. Smith earned an astonishing third place finish at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in 2006 at the age of 18, and then returned as a wildcard in 2007 at the Boost Mobile Pro pres. by Hurley and smashed the likes of Joel “Parko” Parkinson and former ASP World Champ Andy Irons on the way to his ninth place finish.

With an innovative free-surfing approach compared to that of groundbreaking aerialist Dane Reynolds and a competitive mindset compared to that of nine-time ASP World Champ Kelly Slater, it is no wonder critics are touting Smith as the next surfer to eventually dominate the ASP World Tour scene. His novel approach to surfing combined with an intense competitive prowess leave the remainder of the top 45 fearing a draw against the youngster and it’s a safe bet to say that there will be amazing things to come from Smith as he matures while his career progresses.

THE WEIGH IN:
d.o.b.: February 2, 1988
born: Durban, South Africa
weight: 190 lbs (86 kilos)
height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
stance: Natural (regular) foot
favorite maneuvers: Barrels

INSIGHTS:
a.k.a.: KID WONDER
resides: Newport Beach, California USA
shapers: Jason Stevenson, Dad, Al Merrick and Wade Tokoro
hobbies: Soccer and Tennis
favorite waves: New Pier, J-Bay and Snapper
sponsors: O’Neill wetsuits and clothing, Red Bull energy drinks, JS Industries surfboards, DVS footwear, Vestal watches and Dakine accessories

ASP DIG:
highest world tour rating: 26th in 2008
years on ASP World Tour: 2009 will be Jordy’s 2nd year on the ASP World Tour
elite inception: 2008

source: www.aspworldtour.com

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Want to know more?
Head to www.aspworldtour.com for up-to-date coverage
Each week we will be putting the spot light on one of the top 45 riders so you get to know these skilled catz just a little more personally. So next time you reach out for a autograph, you can let them know you really do care. (just like mum!)

DANE REYNOLDS – BRO

THE DARK SIDE OF DANE

BLOG: http://www.dane-reynolds.com/

Dane Reynolds surfed uncompromisingly during his rookie year on the ASP World Tour, combining progressive aerials and massive tail out-turns in his performances, stunning onlookers and sending some of the most elite surfers on the ASP Top 45 packing their bags. The young natural-footer from Ventura, California donated especially memorable performances at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the Quiksilver Pro France and the Boost Mobile Pro in 2008 and his equal 5th place finishes in those events combined with his laid back approach to competition has proven to be a dangerous combination which last left the remainder of the Top 45 fearing a draw against the innovative Californian.

With Reynolds putting several skeptics to rest regarding his competitive abilities in 2008, he will indeed be an even bigger threat to the ASP Top 45 in 2009 with a year of experince under his belt. Aside from his proven competitive skill, Reynolds jaw-dropping maneuvers have earned him the title of the world’s most progressive free-surfer by many, with his amazing surfing found in his first profile video, ‘Dane Reynolds: First Chapter’, as well as parts in Taylor Steele’s ‘Stranger than Fiction and Quiksilver’s ‘Young Guns’ videos.

THE WEIGH IN:
d.o.b.: September 7, 1985
born: Long Beach, California USA
weight: 175 lbs (79.4 kilos)
height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
stance: Regular (natural) foot
favorite maneuvers: Airs

INSIGHTS:
a.k.a.: BRO
resides: Ventura, California USA
shapers: Al Merrick
hobbies: Drinking beer
favorite waves: Trestles
sponsors: Quiksilver wetsuits and clothing, DC footwear, Boost Mobile, Channel Islands surfboards, Monster energy drinks, Komunity Project accessories and Ventura Surf Shop

ASP DIG:
highest world tour rating: 22nd in 2008
years on ASP World Tour: 2009 will be Dane’s 2nd season amongst the elite
elite inception: 2008

source: www.aspworldtour.com

_______________________________

Want to know more?
Head to www.aspworldtour.com for up-to-date coverage
Each week we will be putting the spot light on one of the top 45 riders so you get to know these skilled catz just a little more personally. So next time you reach out for a autograph, you can let them know you really do care. (just like mum!)

DAYYAN NEVE – DAYYOOF

MAKING HIS MARK IN '09

Dayyan Neve has had his ups and downs in his surfing career, but it seems as if the natural-footer is slowly but surely ripping his way to the top, and this year is more prepared than ever to make a statement. Neve competed on the ASP WQS from 2000 to 2007. During that time, he dropped 40 spots to place 100th.

This devastating drop jump-started a new perspective on surfing, and a new training regimen that catapulted him to 2nd place in just six months, proving that his determination could take him far. The powerful surfer has a solid reputation for being an underground Hellman and his track record in small beachbreaks is impressive.

In 2008, he managed to surf consistently and post enough decent results to keep him well within the qualification cutoff, so in 2009, look out for this Australian native to turn more than a few heads.

THE WEIGH IN:
d.o.b.: March 31, 1978
born: Wellington, New Zealand
weight: 176 lbs (80 kilos)
height: 5’10” (178 cm)
stance: Natural (regular) foot
favorite maneuvers: Putting my leggie on

INSIGHTS:
a.k.a.: Dayyoof
resides: Manly, NSW Australia
shapers: Hayden Cox
hobbies: Golf and cruising at Jocks
favorite waves: North Steyne, Winki (Manly), Deadmans and Iluka
sponsors: Mambo clothing, Hayden Shapes surfboards and Seasons Therapy (Ben Serrano)

ASP DIG:
highest world tour rating: 19th in 2008
years on ASP World Tour: 2009 will be Dayyan’s 3rd year on the ASP World Tour
elite inception: 2007
rating by year:
2008: 19th
2007: 32nd

source: www.aspworldtour.com

_______________________________

Want to know more?
Head to www.aspworldtour.com for up-to-date coverage
Each week we will be putting the spot light on one of the top 45 riders so you get to know these skilled catz just a little more personally. So next time you reach out for a autograph, you can let them know you really do care. (just like mum!)

JOEL PARKINSON – PARKO

GOING FOR GOLD IN '09

JOEL “PARKO” PARKINSON is one of surfing’s most iconic stylists, that has him posted as one of 2009 favorites to take out the world title. In 2008 Parko put together one of his best seasons yet, and finished by winning the highly coveted Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing Title. On top of that Parko pulled off history’s second perfect 20 in his heat last winter at the Billabong Pipeline Masters. Parko is poised to really take flight this season, and since writing this, he has taken out the Quiky Pro, first event of the tour scoring another 10 in his final.

Parko grew up with Fanning and Dean ‘Dingo’ Morrison on the sunny Gold Coast forming the untouchable  ‘Coolie Kids’. Parko’s career took a leap forward when he won the ASP World Junior Championship and then went on to win the ASP Billabong/MSF Pro (1999) as a wildcard, making him the youngest non-seeded surfer to ever win an ASP World Tour event.

Parkinson has been on the ASP World Tour since 2001 and has so far captured six event wins. In 2005, he added producer and film star to his resume when he teamed up with surf moviemaker Jack McCoy to produce ‘Free as a Dog’. With a career that has spanned virtually every aspect that surfing can throw at you, the last bastion of dominance Parko is looking at is the ASP World Title. Smart money is on him in 2009.

Stay up to date with Parko’s every move here

THE WEIGH IN:
d.o.b.: April 10, 1981
born: Nambour, QLD Australia
weight: 185.2 lbs (84 kilos)
height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
stance: Regular (natural) foot
quiver: Three 6’2″s and one 6’1″
favorite maneuvers: Big ones

INSIGHTS:
a.k.a.: Parko
resides: Coolangatta, QLD Australia
shapers: Jason Stevenson (JS industries)
hobbies: Fishing and spending time with the family
favorite waves: Long ones
sponsors: Billabong wetsuits and clothing, Von Zipper eyewear, Kustom footwear and JS Industries surfboards

ASP DIG:
highest world tour rating: 2nd in 2004
years on ASP World Tour: 2009 will be his 9th year
elite inception: Rookie in 2001
rating by year:
2008: 4th
2007: 4th
2006: 6th
2005: 12th
2004: 2nd
2003: 5th
2002: 2nd
2001: 21st

source: www.aspworldtour.com

_______________________________

Want to know more?
Head to www.aspworldtour.com for up-to-date coverage
Each week we will be putting the spot light on one of the top 45 riders so you get to know these skilled catz just a little more personally. So next time you reach out for a autograph, you can let them know you really do care. (just like mum!)