December 27, 1988 // Lahaina, Hawaii
Synopsis: Dusty Payne’s stock rose considerably in the latter half of 2008. A victory at the Oakley Global Challenge gave Dusty the competitive confidence to put himself in the running for the Triple Crown title. Although Parko’s perfect-20 heat put an end to Dusty’s perfect run, his freesurfing ability and competitive résumé are indisputable.
Variables: If Dusty’s current form is anything to go by, he will be a dominant force in the international arena, but to ensure longevity and reach his true potential, he’ll have to keep his wild side in check.
Forecast: Think Bruce Irons or Jamie O'Brien, and couple that with a new-found competitive savvy and a complete new-school repertoire, and you'll arrive at the conclusion that Dusty Payne is the fastest rising surf star in the world today.