Thanks to Saffas like Royden Bryson, South Africa is once again getting the credit it deserves for breeding world-class surfers on its fertile shores. With guidance from tour veteran Travis Logie and joined by rookie Jordy Smith, Bryson's development as a competitive surfer has given him a solid footing in the ratings and a professional savvy that will only mature as the season continues.

Once known for his wild ways, Bryson now trains hard, surfs daily and concentrates on his sport. He pushes his progression with massive turns and has undoubtedly become a standout surfer. The sky is the limit for South Africa, and after building steady momentum throughout his career, the progressive goofy footer is right in the thick of it.

weight: 143 lbs (65 kilos)

height: 5'7" (170 cm)

stance: Goofy foot

sponsors: Oakley clothing and eyewear, Red Bull energy drinks, Safari surfboards and Hurricane accessories

shapers: Spider Murphy

quiver: Six boards

favorite waves: The Garden, Indonesia and J-Bay

favorite maneuvers: Barrels

favorite surfers: Rob Machado, C.J. Hobgood, Damien Hobgood and Bobby Martinez

2008 Rating: 32

2008 Points: 2090

2008 earnings: $31,000.00

Career earnings: $170,310.00

highest ASP World Tour rating: 27th in 2007

years on ASP World Tour: 2008 will be Royden's 2nd year on tour

rating by year:
2007: 27th

elite inception: 2007

hard yards: Has competed on the ASP WQS since 2004

elite tour victories:(0)