Christian SaenzPlacing bets on Nationals this year? Then pay attention to the 2009 NSSA West Coast Championships. Kids like Christian Saenz, Conner Coffin, Courtney Conlogue and Kanoa Igrashi aren’t just regional threats any more. In recent years, they’ve proven their worth at a national level and it’s only natural that they’ll be even more deadly in 2009. So those are our picks. Still not convinced? Then check out our interviews with them from our 2009 NSSA Contenders Guide to learn more. (The full guide is out now with our July Issue).
Age: 17
Hometown: Huntington
Homebreak: HB Pier
Favorite Surfer: Adrian Buchan
What band and song would be your part in a surf movie? “Y Control” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
If you could have one superpower, what would you be? To make food wherever I am at the snap of a finger.
Celebrity crush: Marisa Miller
The most stylish NSSA surfer is: My little brother Jake.
Pre-heat superstitions? Pray before every heat.
iPhone or BlackBerry? BlackBerry. They look like you mean business.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? A bulldog
If you could be an Olympian, what event would you do? Swimming, so I could wear Speedos.
Conner CoffinAge: 15
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Homebreak: Rincon
NSSA crush: No more surfer chicks.
Book in school you finished and liked: It’s been a while... The Night by Eli Weisel. It’s a heavy book.
If you could play a part in a movie, what would you be? Michael Corleone. The Godfather.
If you didn't surf what would you do? Be a barney.
Pre-heat superstitions? I always come up with something weird: certain trunks, wax on the feet. I’m keepin’ it a secret though.
iChat or Skype? I never have Skyped but iChat is a time drain.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? Hopefully some cool animal. Maybe an eagle.
Courtney ConlogueAge: 16 years old
Hometown: Santa Ana, CA
Home break: Huntington Beach
Favorite Surfer: Kelly Slater, Lisa Andersen, Pat O’, Joel Parkinson
If I could have one super power, what would it be: I want to be a Jumper! Teleport around the world to wherever the waves are the best or be anywhere I needed to be at a moment’s notice.
What’s the last song you want to hear before you paddle out? Kanye West, “Champion”
Best surf video segment of all-time: I have about 150 surf videos, but some of my favorite videos are The Dream Tour and Young Guns 2.
Book in school you finished and liked: The Kite Runner
What would you do with $100? Donate it to Surfaid International.
Words to live by: “You can’t change the winds but you can direct your sails.”
Biggest Fear: That we are going to destroy life in the oceans with our technology and carelessness. Many people are being so destructive and not protecting the environment.
If you could be an Olympian, what event would you do and why? Surfing or pole vaulting! But if surfing was in the Olympics I would hope they’d pick the best locations with the gnarly waves not at a wave pool!
Kanoa IgarashiAge: 11
Hometown: Huntington Beach
Homebreak: Huntington pier, south side
Favorite surfer: Taj Burrow and Julian Wilson
What band and song would be your part in a surf movie? “Embrace” by PNAU, featuring Ladyhawke.
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Turn invisible to paddle around people in heats without them noticing.
Pre-contest meal: Ice Cream
Book in school you finished and liked: Maniac McGee
If you could play a part in a movie, what would it be? The main character, because that is what the movie is about.
What would you do with $100? Buy one of those waterproof video camera helmet things
Pre-heat superstitions? Throwing a coin in a fountain to get good luck.
If you could be an Olympian, what event would you do? A pole vaulter because you just get launched by a stick.