Jesse Mendes, Ehukai Beach Park, Hawaii

“The Brazilians are coming for the crown and I’m not sure anyone can stand in their way,” says photog Ryan Miller. Gabs Medina blazed onto the dream tour at mid-year rotation and won two events (France and San Fran). Miguel Pupo is well on his way to cracking the code. After Gabs’ French victory, these kids were straight back to their accommodation to watch replays of the heats and figure out how to win the next contest. “While those two might be on the stage right now, there are quite a few soldiers waiting in the ranks ready to push on up any time now,” continues Miller. “Jesse Mendes (pictured here), at only 18 years old and with his first year on the QS behind him, finished 39th on the one-world ranking. Dude was only seven spots out from making the cut with only one run at figuring out how the whole thing works. Can’t really say anything bad about him. He just signed with Quik to be their main shredder in Brazil. The guy speaks perfect english. I’ve been working with him a bit in Hawaii and he’s always on it. And, I am yet to see him claim a wave. What more could you ask for?” Not much. And with sizzle like this, which is a double grab alley oop (but what y’may know as a Kerrupt flip), this kid’s another power-piece of the ever-strengthening Brazilian contingent.