The Youth Don’t Know Fear

A few days ago, a 14-year-old became the youngest person in history to qualify for the Championship Tour. A few months ago, a 12-year-old became the youngest to ever step into a CT heat. A few decades ago, John-John Florence was born, and the speed at which he went from toddling to throttling Pipe might’ve changed surfing forever.

Now, the kids are everywhere. Here’s some undeniable evidence. 

Rocco Rigliaco, Italy’s 12-year-old boy-wonder, splits his year between the volcanic slabs of Fuerteventura and the warm rinse cycle of Bali. He could be Italy’s best surf export since Leo Fioravanti, who, incidentally, tops Rocco’s list of favourite surfers, right alongside Griff, Gabby, and John John. Leo seems to return the favour.

“Rocco is my favourite grom surfer!” says Leo. “First of all, he’s a charger. He sends it. It’s amazing.”

“When I was 8 or 9, Rocco’s dad, Alessandro, used to take me surfing around Italy,” Leo reminisces. “I was the little grom tagging along with 18-year-olds, and I had the best time ever. They were so kind to me. It’s been cool watching that generation come around — now Alex has a kid, Rocco, and the last couple of years, we’ve surfed together. I’ve had the chance to take Rocco out just like his dad used to take me. He’s a great kid, which is very important — respectful, kind, and he rips. Such a good surfer, and he’s improving so fast. Already such a good barrel rider, but he’s also a very complete surfer. I can’t wait to see where he goes. Go Rocco!”

Watch Rocco’s new edit, Tropical Pizza, above.