KAI BARGER

Birthday: November 20, 1989
Hometown: Haiku, HI
Stance: Goofy
Sponsors: Hurley, Oakley, DaKine, Nike 6.0, Kazuma Surfboards

As the current ASP world junior champion, Maui’s Kai Barger is the man to beat going into Lowers. Truth be told, there aren’t a lot of kinks in Kai’s armor-he’s competitively ruthless, naturally talented, and holds with him a burning desire to win. In the past, Kai’s had a lot of success at Lowers, taking a win home in ‘07 and making numerous finals at Nationals over the past few years. Look for Kai to put his near-flawless frontside attack into full gear on the lefts.

CORY ARRAMBIDE

Birthday: June 22, 1989
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Stance: Goofy
Sponsors: Billabong, Globe, Spy, Al Merrick, Creatures of Leisure, Sex Wax

Hailing from Ventura, Cory Arrambide has forged a reputation for himself as a straight-up competitive beast, dangerous in any conditions. He’s got a national title notched into his belt to prove it. Although deathly talented on both his front and backhand, it’s Cory’s Mach-speed backside snap that has been sending shivers down the competition’s spine for years. Look for Cory to utilize the open walls on the rights if conditions permit.

NAT YOUNG

Birthday: June 17, 1991
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Stance: Goofy
Sponsors: O’Neill, Nike 6.0, Channel Islands, Oakley, Freestyle, Sexwax, Creatures of Leisure, GFH Skateboards

As the current National champ, Nat Young has Lowers on lock down. Last year, Nat put on one of the most dominant junior performances we’ve seen in decades, taking home the aforementioned national title and a huge win in front of his hometown crowd in Santa Cruz at the Coldwater Classic. Although he’s still young, Nat’s surfing and competitive savvy are wise beyond his years.

EVAN GEISELMAN

Birthday: August 31, 1993
Hometown: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Stance: Goofy
Sponsors: Hurley, Nike 6.0, Red Bull, Oakley, Jack’s, Dakine, Orion Surfboards, Sexwax

One of the most technically progressive surfers representing the East Coast, Evan Geiselman is at the forefront of the modern surfing movement, constantly dreaming up new turns, rotations, and lines. With Lowers being one of the most rippable waves on the planet, expect to see Evan blow some minds-and some fins-at the event. If you want to see where surfing will be in five years, watch Evan’s heats.

KIRON JABOUR

Birthday: January 10, 1991
Hometown: North Shore, O’ahu
Stance: Regular
Sponsors: Quiksilver, Kommunity Project

Making the trek across the pond from Hawaii, rest assured that Kiron Jabour will be set to do battle at Lowers against his mainland and international counterparts. Although he hails from the land of throaty pits, Kiron’s very adept in small-wave conditions as well and will put his small-wave antics and futuristic surfing to good use throughout the event.

DAVEY CATHELS

Birthday: March 30, 1991
Hometown: North Narrabeen, Australia
Stance: Regular
Sponsors: Rip Curl, Gorilla Grip, FCS, Warner Surfboards

At the forefront of the Aussie talent boom, Narrabeen’s Davey Cathels is a very serious threat to an American victory at Lowers. Hypnotically in tune with an array of conditions, Davey is the real deal. Look for him to put on a very strong showing at the event and take down some giants in the process.