Gabriel Medina, La Madrague, Anglet, France

Brazilian Gabriel Medina don’t mind making a bit of history for himself. The kid’s 17, and throws down contest runs like that of a true prodigy. For example, the Sooruz Lacanau Pro, which finished, like, two days ago. In the Pro Junior – first place every heat, managing two 9.97’s in round two (heat total 19.94), two 10’s in the semis (wha?) and in the final, a 9.83 and a 10 (the latter of which was unanimous across the judging panel). Now let’s look at the prime event at the same competition. First in every heat (bar one), a 9.70 and 9.93 in round one, and a finals finish with a 9.23 and another 10. Gabriel was the first surfer in the event’s 32-year history to win both the juniors and prime in the same year. You don’t get much more prodigious than that.

Kid’s now in the Basque Country. Before the Prime event in Zarautz, Spain (where he took bronze last year), he’s throwing down in the final of Nike 6.0’s Cash For Tricks series, held at La Madrague, Anglet in France (where this photo was shot). Reckon he’ll win everything there, as well? Probs.