May 12, 1988 // Nambucca Heads, Australia
Synopsis:
A reformed vegan from the sleepy central coast of New South Wales, Heath Joske was spotted this winter in Hawaii sinking his teeth into massive Off The Wall—and that’s just one freesurf highlight from the powerful Aussie’s year. Competitively, he’s been a perennial standout on the Australian Pro Junior circuit—a tour that’s bred World Champions—and finished runner up to C.J. Hobgood at the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games.
Variables:
Heath won his first-ever Junior comp this year in his last event at that level—a result that could either mean he’s graduating with momentum or that he’s destined for a slow start on the WQS.
Forecast:
Heath’s learning to mix hyper-progressive airs into his lead-footed approach, which, if his Hawaiian season is any indicator, means he’s equally adept on the face, under the lip, and above it. Already a huge name in Oz, expect him to make a splash internationally soon.