Name: Joan Duru

Age: 17

From: Ondres, France

You can tell Joan Duru is serious about his surfing. He has the support of his whole family too, who continuously drive him around from spot to spot, videoing him for later scrutiny. As a member of the best surf club in France with one of the finest beach breaks in the world on his doorstep, it’s plain to see why a successful pro career is in the making.

“My aim is to develop my level of surfing to a point where one day I can beat the best in the world,” says Joan. At the heart of the Hossegor Surf Club under the watchful eyes of the coaches Didier Piter and Philippe Malvaux, Joan’s aim doesn’t sound so far-fetched. The young Landais has already racked up enough experience to back up his lofty ambitions, but knows there’s always room for improvement.

“I think my surfing is pretty explosive but I’m still lacking some precision on my manoeuvres compared to some of the lighter and more technical surfers.” Joan’s won an impressive number of Junior contests (including French and European Championships), and very nearly won the World Juniors in Tahiti two years ago, missing making European surf history by a whisker in the final.

Even so, that 3rd place at the ISA World Championships shows that the Ondres teenager has the pedigree to hold his own against any surfer his age anywhere. Joan has already focused on putting time in at two of the most important surf destinations – Hawaii and the Mentawais. As he continues on a steep learning curve, by the time he does hit the pro tour full-time you can expect Joan to do some serious damage.

Joan rides for Quiksilver, DC Shoes and Pukas