Don’t Sleep On California’s Premier Power Contortionist

If we were to break surfing down to its most basic components, modern-day performance is built upon three distinct pillars: airs, turns and barrels. 

Some surfers choose to focus only on one (see: Zoltan Torkos), others are masters of two (see: Filipe Toledo), but very few surfers can consider themselves experts at all three (see: John Florence). 

And if we can agree that John Florence resides on the topmost tier of airs, turns, and barrels, would it then be fair to say that Micky Clarke, the relatively unknown towhead from the video above, is just one or two notches down in each of the aforementioned categories?

This video in question, which was filmed between California, Portugal, and Hawaii, showcases the Venturian’s skills in each distinct pillar, leading me to believe we could have a sneaky Tour-caliber surfer on our hands. 

Ya know, like a Fred Morais or something. 

Statistically the odds are against it, but I can’t help but adore Micky’s well-rounded approach and cooked spaghetti legs.