“Lanky” doesn’t do Owen Wright’s physique justice. “Wiry” might. Certainly “skinny” works. And while he’s filled out some in the last year, however you describe the 18-year-old goofyfooter when he’s on land isn’t apropos once he hits the water. A remarkable tube-rider, in 2007 he won the inaugural Hobgood Challenge, besting the likes of Clay Marzo, Dusty Payne, and Eric Geiselman in kegging Micronesian right-handers. Proof more that he’s the exception to the norm, while most of his peers preoccupy themselves with setting their fins free or rotating their aerials, Owen lists his signature as a “good, solid hook in the pocket.” An ISA World champion and king of the groms, competitive success came early and often, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone to his head. With his blonde mop-top and quiet demeanor, he still plays the roll of the shy teenager quite well. But for what he lacks in outspokenness he makes up for in bravado, already logging some serious days at Pipe, Backdoor, and Off the Wall. A few more pounds of muscle on that frame to help maximize his power potential and Owen Wright could very well be a world-beater in the years to come.