Leading up to the 2016 World Surf League Championship Tour season, I will be counting down my projected Top 10 surfers for the highest level of men's competitive surfing. A preview of the women's 2016 season is also to come.
Italo Ferreira, Brazil
2016 Go Left World Ranking Projection: 7
2015 World Ranking: 7
2015 WCT Wins: 0
I must admit, I did not see Italo Ferreira coming in 2015.
To be honest, I didn’t know much about the Brazilian when the year started, but
that quickly changed. Italo looked like he belonged with the big boys right out
of the gate when he posted a ninth at Snapper Rocks. After a pair of
less-than-stellar results on the remainder of the Aussie leg,
Ferreira really began to show his chops in Rio when he did his brethren proud
by appearing in the semifinals. I was prepared to chalk that up as a fluky
result, but there was no denying this kid’s staying power after he reached the
quarters in Fiji.
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| Ferreira throwing some spray on his backhand at J-Bay. Courtesy of Leo za1 |
Italo continued to post good finishes as the season
progressed, including a fifth in Tahiti, a fifth in France and a second in
Portugal. It was a no-brainer to vote him as Rookie of the Year, and he
finished in the Top 10 for the season. Italo surfs well in all conditions. He
has an electric air game, and he quickly proved himself in barrels as well. His
backside hacks are always on-point, and he’s a real threat to break into the
Top 5 this season if things really click for him. He failed to reach Round Three just one time in 2015, an amazing feat for a rookie. There could be big things
in store for this youngster.
Follow Morgan, founder of Go Left, on Twitter @GoLeftSurf
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