1| HOT 100 LONGBOARDERS Schuyler McFerran
Birthday: January 28, 1989
Hometown: Encinitas, California When Schuyler McFerran won the first-ever Women’s World Longboarding Championships in Biarritz, France, this year, she instantly became one of longboarding’s most visible young stars. But the kicker is, while riding planks might be what’s gotten her attention, she also loves to shortboard, and likes hitting the lip as much as she enjoys hanging toes. That being said, McFerran also understands the fundamentals of her niche. “I love noseriding,” she says, “and I think it’s a huge part of longboarding. That’s one of the main things: You need to be able to noseride well because that’s what sets longboarding apart from everything else.” As a world champion at only 19, McFerran has a lot to live up to, but all indications suggest that her love for riding waves, and her commitment to the lifestyle—regardless of fame or fortune—will insulate her from the pressures of expectation. 2| Christian Wach
Birthday: January 28, 1989
Hometown: San Clemente, California Wach’s Southern California upbringing has exposed him to a deep pool of roots and influences, and, at 18, he’s not only widely respected for his ability to blend the old school with the new, but he’s also got quite an impressive contest résumé. A productive 2006 saw him put plenty of stamps on his passport and turn up as the Under 18 U.S. Longboard Champion during Surfing America’s contest in Oceanside. Meanwhile, earlier in the summer, he also won his second consecutive NSSA West Coast title. As just a little guy, Wach caught the eye of Joel Tudor, who described him as an “amazing natural talent,” and today, he certainly seems to be living up to his potential. As the heir apparent to a discipline centered on knowing the past and applying it to the present, Wach is bridging the gap seamlessly. 3| Ned Snow
Birthday: September 6, 1986
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii Ned Snow spent the majority of his life on a taro farm on the Big Island, waking up before dawn to surf unmentionable and lonely corners of its coast. But, as a teenager, a move to Oahu put him smack in the middle of surfing’s gathering place and into contact with two of his biggest influences: Rusty Keaulana and Kekoa Uemura. Competitively, Snow had a big year in 2006: Not only did he win and make the finals of multiple contests at home in Hawaii, but he also finished runner-up at the Men’s World Longboarding Championships, which are hosted by Rabbit Kekai in Costa Rica. Powerful and progressive, Snow seems to be less focused on where longboarding’s been and more on where it’s headed, but solid Hawaiian influences will keep his approach grounded to its roots. 4| Tyler “Pickle” Warren
Birthday: July 19, 1988
Hometown:Dana Point, California Pickle’s got the whole rootsy, groovy longboard thing down. He rides a fish like Rasta and a plank like Knost. And, on top of that, he’s also a hell of an artist—a real artist, not just some surfy, knockoff hack. Movie parts, and a few contest results sprinkled in, have also helped to put him on the map, and his overall stylish vibe should keep him there. 5| Tony Silvagni
Birthday: January 4, 1990
Hometown:Wilmington, North Carolina Who says sponsored surfers don’t have to work? Silvagni waits tables, attends school, and reps. And, in addition to being one of the most talented young longboarders the East Coast ever has produced, he also stand-up paddles and rides thrusters well enough to win the shortboard division at select events. Basically, Silvagni’s the full package: He rips no matter what’s under his feet and has the dedication to excel on shore and in the water. |
