Aussies like Parko, Fanning, and Burrow have set the bar for Gold Coast surfers; young guns like Daniel Ross from Angourie NSW, are reaching that standard and challenging it. After battling his way through six heated rounds in the prestigious O'Neill World Cup at Sunset this last December, Ross made it to the finals, captured two of the highest heat scores of the competition, a fourth place finish, and a spot on the Dream Tour for 2008.

This Aussie has an arsenal of power slashes and tail whips that can obliterate the competition. He's also confident, focused and hungry to surf with the best in the world. Ross has his eyes set on a good year and we can expect this machine, with support from his sponsors and respect from his peers, to clear his mind, set his goal, and shred waves of any size until he reaches it. A shot for the World Title? You bet. A threat to fellow Aussies and the pool of ASP competitors? No doubt!

weight: 179 lbs (81 kilos)

height: 6'0" (184 cm)

stance: Regular (natural) foot

sponsors: Oxbow clothing, Odyssey 20/20 sunglasses, Nixon Watches, C.H.E.K Australia and Creatures of Leisure accesories

shapers: Rod Dalhberg and Eric Arakawa

quiver: Working on it

favorite wave: North Pointn in West Oz and Frontski's

favorite maneuver: Tube rides

favorite surfers: At the moment, MF, Taylor Knox, Occy, Shane Dorian and Adam Melling

2008 Rating: 42

2008 Points: 1535

2008 earnings: $28,900.00

Career earnings: $117,540.00

highest ASP World Tour rating: Rookie on ASP World Tour in 2007

years on ASP World Tour: 2008 will be Daniel's rookie season on tour

elite inception: 2008

hard yards: Three years

filmography: Campaign 2

honor roll: MR, Tom Carrol, Occy , Slater, Sunny Garcia, Baddy Treloar, Nat Young and the Paterson Bros

elite tour victories: (0)