CHARLES MARTIN, 24: GREAT CHANCE RIGHT NOW, THIS YEAR… IF HE CAN KEEP HIS SHIT TOGETHER

Photo: Laurel

Strengths: Determination, spark, self-confidence. Loss of main sponsor a few years ago has seemed to helped his hunger. He also has a strong name… ‘Charles Martin’ sounds like an RAF Squadron Leader,  or a head of a House of Lords sub committee on judicial reform.

Weaknesses: Inconsistency. Some surfs he looks like the best surfer in the world, others, can’t do a turn.

Another one of those well-rounded souls who can attack anything from waist high slop to grinding reefs, Charly seems to have evolved philosophically to a place where qualification doesn’t seem that improbable at all. Despite recent quasi-forays in Buddhist mantra, Charly does a good job of maintaining his heat-winning inner fire. Whether it be from needing the prize money, or from the myriad of global conspiracy theories spinning around his melon, more than his contemporaries, he seems to be able to switch on the anger in heats.

Form-wise, if he can stay on a roll that’s seen him get a strong start to 2014, this is his year.

VASCO RIBEIRO, 19: DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH

Photo: Carlos Pinto 

Strengths: Repertoire.

Weaknesses: Sometimes still looks like someone who grew too quickly.

It’s hard to believe Vasco is still a teenager, he’s been around for yonks. Groomed for greatness like Leo,  his fate will be decided by his ability to keep pace with omnipotent new generation while out-foxing the old WQS warhorses. Making finals in open events at 14 has heaped pressure, as has being the heir apparent to superstar Tiago. But the rise of Von Rupp, Kikas and fellow ‘Geezers could help Vasco flower by more evenly spreading the expectations of a surf mad nation. Being recently dropped by Quik would’ve hurt,

it’s now sink or swim time. Or make butter. Or something.