Kolohe Andino came into the 2012 ASP World Tour season as one of the most hyped rookies in a long, long time. But there are a lot of lessons to be learned and he would experience a host of ups and downs.

For his first event on tour Andino did remarkably well. He finished 13th and demonstrated that there was some truth to all the hype that surrounded him.

Looking for a creative outlet that's not necessarily bound to the beach, over the last couple of years Andino's found enjoyment in photography. Here we find him making the most of his time on Kirra Hill in Australia.

Film's not dead. For a kid that grew up in the digital age the return to the old medium has been very fulfilling.

Taken during an advertising shoot for Nike's Legacy boardshorts, by the end of the ASP season the Portland-based sportswear company, Andino's main sponsor, would close shop and fold everything into their Hurley label.

The perks of being a teenage surf star.

Andino spends an average of five to six hours a day in the water, which means missing the most important meal of the day is not an option.

After stumbling at Bells Andino came back strong in Brazil, posting a 13th place finish. The breakbreak's air sections gave him plenty of room to showcase his above-the-lip abilitites.

Not every day on tour is a day at the beach, some are considerably tougher than others. At 18 years old Andino's had to grow up fast.

The training ground for any up-and-comer, Andino's been making annual trips to Indo for years. The travel pays off with experience in empty waves of all shapes and sizes.

Coming off of an injury early, Andino pinned his hopes on a good result at the Hurley Pro. Growing up at Lowers, for the first time in his rookie year he came into a venue with more experience than most. But it was all for not as he lost in round two.

Behind every great day in the water, every video part and photo are hours of travel. Spending ten months of the year on the road has its pros and cons.

Last year big Pipeline broke Andino's spirt. Nervous and unsure of what to make of the wave he admitedly struggled. But after a full season on tour he came in more confident and prepared than ever. And it paid off.

Concluding the season on a strong note, Andino finished 13th at Pipe Masters, not only locking in a spot on the 2013 tour, but also proving to himself that he can contend at the most infamous wave on the schedule.