Tom Whitaker entered competitive surfing at age 13 in lieu of following his Aussie family's professional rugby ways. An all-around athlete, but especially masterful in the water, Whitaker spent three years on the ASP WQS before joining the tour in 2003. Boasting a style that features classic rail work as well as progressive fin-free maneuvers, Whitaker has proven he has the goods to dissect all conditions with beautiful precision.

Often heralded as a "dark horse" in competition, but one of the nicest guys you'll meet on the Tour, it's no wonder Whitaker took time out from racking points on the circuit to flex his philanthropic muscles. In March of '07, Whitaker partnered up with Youth Off the Streets in Bondi Beach to introduce surfing to disadvantaged young people. "I was lucky to be surrounded in a loving family and sport all my life…maybe I can help by introducing kids, who have not been as lucky as me, to the sport of surfing." There's no doubt Whitaker, with undeniable support, will use the experience gained in acquiring an 8th and 11th place ranking in '06 and '07 to climb straight to the top.

weight: 176 lbs (80 kilos)

height: 5'11" (180 cm)

stance: Regular (natural) foot

sponsors: Oakley clothing and eyewear, Creatures of Leisure accessories and Dahlberg surfboards

shapers: Rod Dahlberg

favorite waves: Anything over three foot

favorite maneuvers: Tight lines

favorite surfers: Occy, Taylor Knox and Rod Kerr

2008 Rating: 20

2008 Points: 2655

2008 earnings: $33,500.00

Career earnings: $438,925.00

highest ASP World Tour rating: 8th in 2006

years on ASP World Tour: 2008 will be year No. 6 for Tom

rating by year:
2007: 13th
2006: 8th
2005: 18th
2004: 20th
2003: 46th

elite inception: 2003

hard yards: Whitaker began his dance on the ASP WQS in 1999 and competed through 2002

filmography: A Separate Volume (2006)

honor roll: ASP World Tour Top 10 in 2006

elite tour victories:(0)