2012 saw Stephanie Gilmore reassert her dominance on the ASP Women's World Tour. Sally Fitzgibbons and Carissa Moore nipped at her heels, but it was clearly Gilmore's year. Will 2013 see an upset in the power balance? Maybe.
Five titles in six years, what else do you need to know about Stephanie Gilmore? If she's not careful, she may end up breaking a few records.
While it's Gilmore who's defending the title, early indications are that Fitzgibbons is the one who's going to have to be stopped. Fit, focused and ready to take it to the world, 2013 may be Fitzy's year.
Rivals in the water, both Fitgibbons, left, and Gilmore are quick to put on a smile and let their hair hang down when the contest isn't running.
Moore spent last year with her head in the clouds, enjoying her 2011 title and traveling with her boyfriend. But she's learning talent will only get her so far. If she wants more titles, she has to buckle down and put the work in.
If things go right for Conlogue this year she seems like a strong dark horse to win a world title. She's every bit as talented and contest savvy as Moore and Fitzgibbons, and she could very well prove that this year once and for all.
Tyler Wright finished 2012 ranked forth in the world. She calls it a disappointment. But with a big brother like men's tour vet Owen to help guide her, she may not be disappointed for long.
Surfing's a "what have you done for me lately" kind of world. Malia Manuel broke onto the scene when she became the youngest surfer to win at the U.S. Open at 14. Her last wins came in the form of two six-stars in 2011. Needless to say, she's due.
Raised in the wholesome goodness that is Ojai, Calif., Sage Erickson spent her formative years at Rincon watching surfers like Dane Reynolds and Tom Curren. Last year was her first year on tour. She finished a respectable 13th.
Erickson has also started to spend some time in front of the camera as a reporter on webcasts.
The biggest moment of Lakey Peterson's career came last year, when she won the U.S. Open. Progressive and explosive in the water, now that she has some experience to back up her talent, she could enjoy a significant rise in the ratings in 2013.
With more than a decade of experience on a surfboard, Australia's Laura Enever climbed two spots in the overall ratings last year, and will return to the ASP tour for her third season.
Coco Ho seems to go through life unaffected by pressure. Happy and delightful, last year she finished ranked ninth on tour, and there's no reason to think she won't land right in that range again this year.
Don't let the pretty face fool you. When she's focused, Blanchard is a formidable competitor. She's spent the past couple of years on the qualifying series, which has toughened her up.
Curious about Blanchard's dedication to the sport? Look no further than the leash tan on her right ankle to understand how much time she spends in the water.
The 19-year-old South African goofy-footer is a rookie this year and should bring some new school expression to the tour. Finishing 2012 ranked second on the qualifying series, when she's not traveling, Buitendag lives in Victoria Bay, South Africa.
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2012 saw Stephanie Gilmore reassert her dominance on the ASP Women's World Tour. Sally Fitzgibbons and Carissa Moore nipped at her heels, but it was clearly Gilmore's year. Will 2013 see an upset in the power balance? Maybe.
Five titles in six years, what else do you need to know about Stephanie Gilmore? If she's not careful, she may end up breaking a few records.
While it's Gilmore who's defending the title, early indications are that Fitzgibbons is the one who's going to have to be stopped. Fit, focused and ready to take it to the world, 2013 may be Fitzy's year.
Rivals in the water, both Fitgibbons, left, and Gilmore are quick to put on a smile and let their hair hang down when the contest isn't running.
Moore spent last year with her head in the clouds, enjoying her 2011 title and traveling with her boyfriend. But she's learning talent will only get her so far. If she wants more titles, she has to buckle down and put the work in.
If things go right for Conlogue this year she seems like a strong dark horse to win a world title. She's every bit as talented and contest savvy as Moore and Fitzgibbons, and she could very well prove that this year once and for all.
Tyler Wright finished 2012 ranked forth in the world. She calls it a disappointment. But with a big brother like men's tour vet Owen to help guide her, she may not be disappointed for long.
Surfing's a "what have you done for me lately" kind of world. Malia Manuel broke onto the scene when she became the youngest surfer to win at the U.S. Open at 14. Her last wins came in the form of two six-stars in 2011. Needless to say, she's due.
Raised in the wholesome goodness that is Ojai, Calif., Sage Erickson spent her formative years at Rincon watching surfers like Dane Reynolds and Tom Curren. Last year was her first year on tour. She finished a respectable 13th.
Erickson has also started to spend some time in front of the camera as a reporter on webcasts.
The biggest moment of Lakey Peterson's career came last year, when she won the U.S. Open. Progressive and explosive in the water, now that she has some experience to back up her talent, she could enjoy a significant rise in the ratings in 2013.
With more than a decade of experience on a surfboard, Australia's Laura Enever climbed two spots in the overall ratings last year, and will return to the ASP tour for her third season.
Coco Ho seems to go through life unaffected by pressure. Happy and delightful, last year she finished ranked ninth on tour, and there's no reason to think she won't land right in that range again this year.
Don't let the pretty face fool you. When she's focused, Blanchard is a formidable competitor. She's spent the past couple of years on the qualifying series, which has toughened her up.
Curious about Blanchard's dedication to the sport? Look no further than the leash tan on her right ankle to understand how much time she spends in the water.
The 19-year-old South African goofy-footer is a rookie this year and should bring some new school expression to the tour. Finishing 2012 ranked second on the qualifying series, when she's not traveling, Buitendag lives in Victoria Bay, South Africa.
