Nick McDonald, Queenscliff

Remember this guy? His name’s Nick McDonald and he was one of the finalists in Stab’s little weeds competition. So what are he and the rest of those kids doing now?

Nick’s been surfing a bunch and doing a few comps on the ultra-competitive Australian Junior Series. Fellow surfer and winner of the talent search, Chippa Wilson has won international acclaim for his progressive brand of skate-surfing. Recently, he stomped one of the most progressive moves the sport’s seen in a while – a big spin– which is predicted to challenge for Kustom’s US $50k for one move. Thom Pringle and Billy Bain have also had spreads in mags.

Out of the filmmakers, Riley Blakeway recently made Quiksilver’s hit movie, Water and Oil and is about to release the much-anticipated Chippa Wilson profile film, NOW. He’s also dabbled in skating and music film clips. Fellow finalist, Chase Burns has also been picked up by the music industry along with Melbourne based youth culture mag, Spook.

In the writing category, Mike Jennings has taken up the deputy editor position at Surfing World. Likewise writer, Mark Rosenberg at Australia’s Surfing Life. Model finalist, Chloe Chapman has featured between (and on) the cover of Stab.

While photographers Duncan Macfarlane and Matt O’Brien are getting regular space in the print and online realms. Duncan was recently employed by Wade Goodall and the Creative Destruction team to shoot their Yamba adventure. While Matt has featured in surfing magazines around the country and the world.

Stay tuned for details about the beginning of Little Weeds, season two.- Jed Smith