PARKER COFFIN
Surfer Pro
Originating from Santa Barbara, California, Parker Coffin is a dynamic surfer with a goofy stance, carrying the legacy of renowned professional surfers from his region. This lineage includes iconic figures such as Tom Curren, Dane Reynolds, Bobby Martinez, and notably, his elder brother Conner. Embracing a versatile approach to the surf culture, Parker is a genuine polymath, engaging in various pursuits such as art, music, skateboarding, home renovation, video production, and currently harboring a strong desire to become a dog owner in the future.
EZEQUIEL LAU
Surfer Pro
Ezekiel Lau, a native Hawaiian with a deep connection to the surfing heritage, perfected his skills in wave-riding in Honolulu, the heart of the surfing culture. Despite being raised in a family known for their prowess in stick-and-ball sports, Ezekiel embodies the essence of ancient surfing royalty. His father, Leonard Lau, initially excelled in football at the University of Hawaii and later became a notable high school coach.
JACK FREESTONE
Surfer Pro
Although Jack Freestone was born on the Gold Coast, he initially contemplated pursuing a different sport. His father, Scott, had a professional career in the National Rugby League, a prominent football competition in Australia. Despite excelling in various sports, particularly in "footy," Jack secured a spot on the Australian schoolboys team and received scholarships for training and playing in Europe. However, a transformative experience with a wave at Kirra led Jack to develop a profound passion for surfing, causing football to take a back seat. Making a name for himself in the competitive Coolangatta scene, he clinched two World Junior titles, matching his childhood hero Joel Parkinson. Slowly ascending the rankings, Jack qualified for the Championship Tour (CT) in 2016. Joining his partner Alana Blanchard on tour, the couple later welcomed their first child. In 2019, they launched a YouTube series that gained immense popularity. Despite his remarkable talent both above and below the lip, Jack's competitive success didn't fully materialize until 2019 when he demonstrated his CT prowess. Balancing his time between Kauai and the Gold Coast, Jack Freestone might be considered one of the late bloomers in surfing. With continued success, a top-ten ranking and his first CT victory could be on the horizon.
WADE CARMICHAEL
Surfer Pro
Wade Carmichael, an Australian surfer, has long gone unnoticed, possibly due to his unassuming appearance and humble demeanor. Despite his stocky build, thick beard, and preference for a low-profile lifestyle, Carmichael hails from Avoca Beach, a secluded town in New South Wales, shielded from media attention. Unlike the typical glossy surf celebrity, he is a hardworking, blue-collar individual, dedicated to representing his hometown. Despite the town's small size, it has produced notable surfing talents, including Carmichael, who admired local heroes such as Matt Wilkinson and Ace Buchan. His journey to success was delayed due to a lack of sponsors, leading him to take on various jobs, from ditch digging to surf instruction. Carmichael's breakthrough occurred in 2015 when he won the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, showcasing his authoritative rail game. Although he narrowly missed qualifying for the Championship Tour that year, he eventually achieved the feat in 2017. In 2018, he earned the Rookie of the Year title at No. 9 in the world. Throughout 2019, Carmichael solidified his position on the CT, gaining recognition for his distinctive style of power surfing. Despite his unsung status, those who closely observe him are aware of the serious threat he poses in the world of surfing.
LEONARDO FIOROVANTI
Surfer Pro
Leonardo Fioravanti, the accomplished surfer born on December 8, 1997, made history as the first representative of Italy in the newly-introduced Olympic surfing competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics. His journey to the Olympic stage was marked by resilience, as seen in his participation in the 2016 US Open despite injuries sustained in pre-competition practice. Despite being eliminated in the contest, Fioravanti's determination and skill paved the way for him to replace Jordy Smith from South Africa at the inaugural Olympic surfing competition. This marked a significant moment as Fioravanti became the first surfer from Italy to compete in the Olympic event. During the competition, he reached the second round, showcasing his prowess on the international stage. The Olympic experience added another remarkable chapter to Fioravanti's surfing career, solidifying his status as a trailblazer for Italian surfing on the global platform.
LAURA LOUISE "LAKEY" PETERSON
Surfer Pro
Laura Louise "Lakey" Peterson, born on September 30, 1994, is a highly accomplished American professional
surfer who has achieved remarkable rankings in the world of women's surfing. She reached the pinnacle of her career
by attaining the No. 1 spot on the World Surf League, the highest professional level for women's surfing, and securing
the sixth position on the ASP Women's World Ranking. Notably, in 2009, Peterson made history by executing
the first-ever aerial in NSSA women's competition, clinching the coveted title.
Background
Laura Peterson's surfing journey began at an early age of five during a year-long, around-the-world
adventure orchestrated by her parents, David and Sue. Alongside her older siblings, Whitney and Parker,
Laura learned to surf during the family's three-month stay in Manly Beach, Australia. Here, she quickly
earned the local moniker "Lakey Legend" for effortlessly mastering wave after wave on her boogie board.
Despite this early exposure to the sport, Peterson took a break from surfing upon returning to the US.
It wasn't until the age of 12 that she reignited her passion for surfing. By 16, Peterson was competing
on the ASP World Qualifying Series, eventually earning a spot on the ASP Women's World Championship Tour
in 2012, marking her rookie year at the age of 17. Peterson, known for her impressive skills, is also a
person of Christian faith.
OWEN WRIGHT
Surfer Pro
Owen Wright, born on January 16, 1990, stands as a prominent Australian professional surfer participating in the Men's Championship Tour of the World Surf League, previously known as the Association of Surfing Professionals. Notably, his sister, Tyler Wright, is also a contender on the World Surf League Championship Tour.
In a historic achievement at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Owen Wright displayed incredible resilience, facing challenges from Brazil, overcoming past injuries, and conquering rough seas to secure Australia's first surfing Olympic bronze medal. His inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Team marked a significant comeback in Australian sports, following a challenging experience in Hawaii in late 2015. For a comprehensive overview of Australia's performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics, detailed results can be found.
On June 16, 2015, Owen Wright etched his name in surfing history by becoming the first surfer to achieve two perfect scores in a single event, achieving this remarkable feat during Round 5 and the final of the Fiji Pro. This accomplishment solidifies Wright's status as a standout performer in the world of professional surfing.
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