Taylor Knox, by contrast, the purist’s purist. Photo: Olson/A-Frame

The contemporary rail purist’s favourite surfer, Taylor Knox survived 20 seasons on tour in spite of himself, his rail technique being so good he kept requalifying without any noticeable tactical savvy. After a skate accident set him back as a grom, a rigorous rehab regimen including a focus on ab work would became the hallmark of his core- orientated power surfing. Full rail speed and precision from a low stance, Taylor is recognizable a mile off. Despite winning 50 grand of K2’s money for a big wave at Todos Santos in 1998, Taylor will always be known for his scorching power arcs on righthand open faces that at their best, none of his various contemporaries, not Slater nor Andy nor Joel nor Mick could match.