Owen Wright, backside-gripping at Winkipop, VIC

Owen Wright’s contest surfing is so controlled that he rarely needs to change gears. He often retains the same amount of speed through finners and airs as he does through bottom turns and swerves. It’s a sturdy gawdamn approach and one that sees him into the business end of every WT event. But, when he ain’t in a contest jersey, he knows how to throw more caution into the breeze and fly big. Like in the image y’see above, shot by Ryan Miller at Winkipop. Now remember, Owen’s 6’3″ – the tallest man on tour – so, this air’s bigger than y’think. And, as stylish a backside grab as you’ll likely see. During the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, many were calling Owen the new Occy. A compliment, f’sure, but Owen brought the added element of frequently-loosened fins to the formula. Lethal, to say the least.