Game Time: Introducing The 2006 WCT Rookies

De Souza. Watch out for this one. Karen/ASPworldtour.com

Adriano de Souza

Currently Ranked: 28th

D.O.B: February 13, 1987 Country: Brazil Stance: Regular Weight: 135 lbs. Height: 5' 5"

Synopsis: This kid knows how to win. Lauded by many as one of the best surfers on the planet under the age of 18, he’s Brazil’s best hope for a World Title. A competitor who should never be counted out at any venue, de Souza could be particularly deadly at the smaller wave events like Japan, Brazil, and Trestles. He could go far just about anywhere.

California hopeful Bobby Martinez Karen/ASPworldtour.com

Bobby Martinez

Currently Ranked: 29th

D.O.B: May 26, 1982 Country: United States Stance: Goofy Weight: 165 lbs. Height: 5' 7"

Synopsis: B.M. is finally on the ’CT, and now that he is, the surf world will eagerly watch his every move. Bobby may have a rocky rookie season, but with his groomed point surf background, he could be a major threat on his backhand at venues like J-Bay and Snapper Rocks. He’s a solid competitor and the WCT man-on-man format will play into his favor.

Adrian Buchan

Currently Ranked: 30th

D.O.B: September 21, 1982 Country: Australia Stance: Goofy Weight: 165 lbs. Height: 5' 8"

Synopsis: Ace is capable of practically everything. He’s progressive. He’s got polish and flair in rippable surf, and can drive through gaping pits as well. As a pick, he could be an excellent and relatively cheap addition to your team, with the talent to reap dividends at many locales.

SHAUN CANSDELL

Currently Ranked: 31st

D.O.B: January 5, 1983 Country: Australia Stance: Goofy Weight: 145 lbs. Height: 5' 9"

Synopsis: Quiet yet dynamic, “Cans” is another of the New Aussie Guard. With good Hawaiian experience and ’QS results all over the globe, he could, from time to time, be a shrewd and thrifty dark horse addition to the roster.

PEDRO HENRIQUE

Currently Ranked: 32nd

D.O.B: April 20, 1982

Country: Brazil Stance: Goofy Weight: 135 lbs. Height: 5' 4"

Synopsis: He’s Brazilian, which means he’s capable and accomplished in smaller surf. Henrique will be a thorn at many high-profile sites, venues like Japan and Brazil.

ROY POWERS

Currently Ranked: 34th

D.O.B: January 1, 1981 Country: U.S./Hawaii Stance: Regular Weight: 170 lbs Height: 6' 0"

Synopsis: Kauai has yet to disappoint with its recent ’CT offerings and Powers should be no different. Magic could happen for him at any time, but it will most likely strike in island-style surf where power and big-wave prowess come into play.

Pancho power. Karen/ASPworldtour.com

PANCHO SULLIVAN

Currently Ranked: 35th

D.O.B: July 1, 1973 Country: U.S./Hawaii Stance: Regular Weight: 210 lbs Height: 6' 0"

Synopsis: You already know Pancho is going to be a huge threat in anything that throws. What you may not know is that he also has the potential to blow up in practically everything else. In addition to his escapades behind the curtain at the heavier spots, don’t be surprised to see strong results at J-Bay, Trestles, or even Europe if it packs some juice. Sullivan may not represent the cheapest rookie pick this year, but he certainly is one of the most promising.

DAVID WEARE

Currently Ranked: 39th

D.O.B: September 12, 1980 Country: South Africa Stance: Regular Weight: 170 lbs. Height: 6' 0"

Synopsis: Weare, South Africa’s newest addition to the ’CT, should do well at venues that require a polished and explosive approach. Watch for him at Snapper, J-Bay, Trestles, Japan, and even Brazil, but with an unproven competitive track record in heavier surf, perhaps steer clear at Teahupoo and Pipe.

MIKAEL PICON

Currently Ranked: 41st

Age: 26 Country: France Stance: Goofy Weight: 160 lbs. Height: 5' 7"

Synopsis: The first Frenchman to ever qualify for the WCT, Picon is a highly touted Euro contender, the first in a long time forecast to make in impact. Expect him to do well on his home turf, in beachbreaks, and at other less-than-critical waves on tour.

JARRAD HOWSE

Currently Ranked: 42nd

D.O.B: December 9, 1978 Country: Australia Stance: Regular Weight: 170 lbs. Height: 5' 10"

Synopsis: Howse qualified this year at Sunset in a heat that pitted him against A.I., Sunny Garcia and Pancho Sullivan. He took 2nd behind Irons, but the mental toughness he showed in beating both Garcia and Sullivan in Hawaii, with his future on the line no less, suggests that Howse should be around for a while. He may not be a stunning addition to your team this year, but then again, at the price you’re likely to pay, a roll of the dice on this rookie at places like Lowers might not be such a bad idea.