57| Riley Metcalf
Birthday: April 3, 1992
Hometown:San Clemente, California

Not making the Hawaiian pilgrimage this winter, Riley Metcalf certainly didn’t waste his time twiddling his thumbs at home. “There were some cold mornings, but I’d pick him up everyday and he’d just be amped to get in the water.” says photographer Jason Kenworthy. “There were a couple of solid days shooting at Salt Creek that he definitely stood out. The kid’s totally solid.” A member of the U.S.A. surf team, a propensity for big moves on the best days, and a 3.7 GPA in advanced placement classes, Metcalf is definitely well rounded. With a multitude of travel plans on the calendar this year, including Portugal for the ISA World Games, Metcalf’s graduating from the classroom and into surfing’s brave new world.

58| Hidetoshi Tanaka
Birthday: May 5, 1989
Hometown: Osaka, Japan

After getting bumped as a venue on the WCT, Japan just doesn’t seem to get enough credit. But the country is absolutely gaga over surfing, and next-generation surfers like Hideyoshi Tanaka are a manifestation of this popularity. Making it to Round Four of the Billabong World Junior Championships, Hideyoshi showed his ability to compete solidly against some of the best juniors in the world. He surfs far more powerful than most of his countrymen, and without the awkward style usually associated with small-wave Japanese performers. Look for this kid at a WQS near you soon.

59| Kai Ellison
Birthday: April 16, 1987
Hometown: Ventura, California

A great tube rider with a solid, rail-utilizing style, Kai Ellison, along with his brother, Kellen, is part of Ventura’s next generation and a key member of the Dane Reynolds’ posse. Taking a page out of the Malloy’s adventure book, Kai and his brother are already savvy world travelers, who’re likely to be better known for opening up new frontiers than blowing up in contests. But don’t be fooled, there’s plenty of raw talent here, and for him to get noticed in California’s hottest hot bed, there has to be.

60| Brent Reilly
Birthday: May 19, 1990
Hometown: Carlsbad, California

Calling Warm Water Jetty in Carlsbad home, 17-year-old Brent Reilly continues to develop and make an impact amongst his Southern California peers. In the last year or two he’s gained some valuable travel experience, which has helped in the development of his surfing. An extremely sharp surfer on his backhand, this goofy-footer understands the value in using his rail. Considering he holds local Carlsbad hero and WCT power broker Taylor Knox in such high regard it’s little surprise. While very competent when it comes to releasing his fins, for his age and size, the power game is evident in Reilly’s approach.