Photo: Chris Straley

ANON Optics today announced that it has signed surfer Tonino Benson.  At just 17, Tonino is welcomed as ANON’s youngest global surf athlete with man-sized power and an arsenal of aerial maneuvers.

“I’ve seen him progress so much, watching him surf Shane Dorian’s grom contests in Kona throughout the years. Now he’s on a whole other level with his surfing,” says fellow ANON Optics teammate Benji Weatherley.

This year, Tonino proved his dominating surfing presence when he won the 2007 NSSA Open Men’s Championship title, took first place at the 2007 Lost Pro Junior during the US Open of Surfing and became the 2007 NSSA Air Show Champion. Back in 2005, Tonino won the ISA World Junior Championship title in the under-16 division and helped bring home the gold for Team Hawaii.

“I’m amped to surf with Tonino. He’s pretty quiet with a humble attitude, then just blows up in the water with some radical moves,” says fellow ANON Optics teammate Damien Hobgood.

“I’m really excited for this new path of sponsorship and the opportunity to represent ANON. I’m stoked to be on a team with legends like Damien and Benji,” says Tonino.

Tonino joins the ANON Optics global surf team that consists of Damien Hobgood, Benji Weatherley, Dion Agius, Reef McIntosh and Betet Merta.