June 17, 1991 // Santa Cruz, California
Synopsis: Nat went on a serious tear in 2008, winning the NSSA Nationals and the Rip Curl Grom Search, finishing second on the ASP’s North American Pro Junior rankings, and winning his first WQS event at the prestigious 4-star O’Neill Cold Water Classic.
Variables: He was merely “one to watch” heading into last year, but now his success has put him squarely in the limelight. As a country’s hopes are being piled on, can Young keep delivering?
Forecast: While the target on his back will indeed be getting bigger, there’s little anyone can do to slow this surf-stoked heir apparent to the Santa Cruz throne. Young’s Santa Cruz victory is a small sign of what’s to come.