Surf grom life: pizza, surf, sleep, repeat; Winter Vincent. Photo: Waves 4 Water
If you’re like me, you’ve most likely had that moment at your local surf spot when you’ve paused to think, “Damn, I’m getting old.” These thoughts are usually prompted by some tow-headed tyke (who likely can’t even tie his own shoes yet) hucking an air reverse over your head. While this might not be the best thing for your self-confidence, you can’t help but be happy for the little guys, considering how much fun they’re having. Take a look at the newest crop of surf stars who are setting the bar and have yet to finish primary school.
Winter Vincent
This 10-year-old humanitarian absolutely rips. Best known for his work with Waves 4 Water, Winter made waves when he raised over $3,000 in order to provide clean water filters to 5,000+ people in the Mentawai Islands. Aside from his big heart, Winter is quite the stand out in the water, and growing up in Manly Beach, Australia only helped him hone his skills.
Steve Roberson
Little Steve Roberson is the youngest grom to surf the world-class point of Honolua Bay. At only 4 years old, Steve took on solid overhead surf and made YouTube history. With a solid arsenal of rail work and down-the-line moves, Steve will definitely be one to keep an eye on in the future, as well as the whole Roberson brother clan.
Quincy Symonds
Quincy Symonds, aka the “Flying Squirrel,” might be the best 6-year-old surfer on the planet. This little surfer chick from Australia’s Gold Coast is absolutely fearless, and she’s got perfect technique to go with it. She can be seen shredding the lineup of Snapper Rocks while getting mad respect from seasoned veterans like Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson. Although she was diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Quincy doesn’t let anything stop her. We wouldn’t be surprised to see her competing on the World Tour a few years down the road.
Kobi Clements
Kobi Clements started surfing at the age of 1. Yes, 1. The prodigy’s talent has been compared to that of a young Kelly Slater, yet the precocious 9-year-old remains humble and stoked. Coming out of Narrabeen in Northern Sydney, Kobi’s skills quickly earned the grommet plenty of attention, as he already has a full lineup of sponsors.
Sierra Kerr
Daughter of professional surfer Josh Kerr, Sierra isn’t one to be outshone by her pops. Although she’s only 8 years old, Sierra absolutely rips both in the water and on the half pipe. This pint-sized cutie doesn’t shy away from anything pink or frilly, but she’s absolutely fearless and loves using her passion for extreme sports to encourage other young girls. Get familiar with this cute little face because you’ll be seeing plenty of her in the future.
Brayden Burch
This 10-year-old comes out of the talent-rich coast of San Clemente, CA. Brayden has been making a splash in local competitions for years, but only as of recently has he been on a terror at Seaside Reef in Cardiff, where he won the past three NSSA competitions. With plenty of other up-and-coming groms to spar with in the area, Breyden has plenty of friends to keep him on his toes.
Photo: OC Register
Ty Richardson
Surfing is in Ty’s blood. This 8-year-old phenom is following closely in the footsteps of his world champion uncle, Joel Parkinson. Ty has been surfing since 3 years old and already has his sights set on a professional surfing career. With a couple of years of competition already under his belt, Ty is well on his way of becoming the next up-and-coming surf star of Australia’s Gold Coast.
Noah Steinmetz
Most people spend years and years working up to surf Pipeline, but this 10-year-old firecracker is getting started early. While his peers are still learning fractions in grade school, Noah creating a bright future in the world of professional surfing. In fact, Noah surfed Pipeline for the first time last winter, and to say he was turning heads would be a towering understatement. The boy rips.
Noah doing what he does best. Photo: SolSpot
Keanu Taylor
Keanu Taylor has the best backyard in the world: Oahu’s North Shore. The young grom is already ripping far beyond his years, and while he may be small in stature, he’s not afraid to take on the big surf at his local breaks.
Keanu is a little ball of fire that pulls out of nothing. Photo: BodyGlove
Kai Kai Alcala
Little Kai Kai is Filipino surfing royalty. Son of Manette Alcala, the 5-time Philippine National Surfing Champion was destined to be a surfer. At only 5 years old, Kai Kai is already determined to follow in the steps of his favorite pro surfer, John John Florence.
