January 26, 2000 // Newport Beach, California
Synopsis: Tyler Gunter holds the distinct honor of being the first surfer in the Hot 100 born in the 21st century. At 9 years old, Tyler is still very much a grom. What’s more impressive—and perhaps shocking—is how well the Newport kid surfs. The future looks bright for this child of the new millennium.
Variables: At an age that has yet to strike double-digits, it’s not an easy task to pick apart Tyler’s surfing. Let’s keep it simple: He’s good…really good…for a 9-year-old.
Forecast: With the majority of his counterparts recently weaned off breast milk, Tyler is already leaps and bounds ahead of his contingency. We’re not familiar with many other 9-year-olds that can throw down a legitimate frontside hack at Lowers.