Is this the Best Young Surfer Competition Out There?

Quiksilver is excited to invited the world’s best newcomer surfers to show their skills in another round of Young Guns, a one of a kind surf competition run almost entirely on the internet. Meanwhile a household name in the surfing scene, the Young Guns franchise give the chance to rise and shine to any teenage surf enthusiast.

Groms from 13 to 17 years of age are invited to submit their best surfing footage via Instagram to qualify and get the chance to make any aspiring’s surfer dream come true. After several rounds of voting, mixing professional judges and the public, the lucky finalists will be invited to the surf trip of their lifetime, joined by Quiksilver team riders and professional photographers.

After exotic locations like Sumatra or Brasil, this year’s final will be held in no other then the world’s most talk about surf destination: The recently opened WSL Wave Ranch in Lemore, California. For a full day, this notorious location will belong to a small group of teenage surfers, hosted by Quiksilver Pro riders Leonardo Fioravanti and Kanoa Igarashi. To put the cherry on top, the winner will take home a $10,000 check and join the likes of Gabriel Medina and Mikey Wright by becoming a Young Guns Surf Champion.

So how does it work?

Phase 1: Submit your entries

It couldn’t be any easier. From June 3rd, , 8 AM PCT, 2018 – June 18, 7:59 AM PST any surfer who is under the age of 18 by August 31, 2018, and at least 13 by June 4th, 2018 is invited to post a clip on Instagram, tagging @quiksilver and hashtagging #YGSurfContest. All entries will be viewed and evaluated indivudually by no one less than Leonardo Fioravanti and Kanoa Igarashi, both accomplished professional surfers and former “Young Guns”.

Judging criteria are based on technique, creativity and flow – entries can be a single wave or a full edit, as long as the clip is no longer than 60 seconds.

To reward up-and-coming creative talent, there is also an extra price of $1,000 for the most creative video entry, regardless of the skill level. Have fun, get weird, get rich!

On June 23, Quiksilver will announce the 8 finalists on their website and social media.

Phase 2: Voting period

Now it’s time for the public to get involved. From June 25th – July 2nd, Quiksilver dedicate one day to each surfer in their Instagram stories on @quiksilver. Via the poll feature, votes can be given to your personal favorite. On top of the contestants with the highest numbers, Leo and Kanoa will pick an additional wildcard.

Phase 3: The final

That dream of showing up, surfing the world’s best man-made wave. This is where it comes true. The 4 finalists will hit Lemoore with Leo and Kanoa and spend an entire day at the Surf Ranch to battle it out. Quiksilver will be sharing the experience on their Instagram and publish a short film that’ll make you feel like you were there.

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THE JUDGES

Leonardo Fioravanti

Surfers don’t come any more well-rounded than Leonardo Fioravanti. He’s creative. He’s technical. And he’s completely fearless. Growing up in the spotlight, Leo knows what it’s like to be a Young Gun on the international scene. He first qualified for the CT at only 18-years-old and is currently a resident of the barrel. Plus, he may or may not be on a first-name basis with A$AP Rocky.

Tip: Go as big as you can!

Kanoa Igarashi

Kanoa is consistently surprising and surprisingly consistent. He quickly became a surf prodigy in Huntington Beach, CA and has lived up to every bit of hype. Only 20 years old and already in his 3rd year on the CT, he made the Pipe Masters as a rookie in 2016. Plus, he’s one of the best at the Surf Ranch — he made the final at the WSL Future Classic last year. Maybe he’ll give you a tip or two before your waves at the final.

Tip: If you link some big maneuvers, you’ll get my vote.