G-44 Philip Koester

Well you couldn't leave this guy out. 2 events. 2 wins - all aged just 17. Surely that can't be right? Well the guy is on fire and just one more top result will pretty much give him the 2011 overall wave title. He is sailing incredibly and his jumps are insane. I mean, he rarely lands not planing. No joke - even his one-foot one-hand back loops are pretty much planing. And, because of this, I decided not to put a jump shot in. Why I hear you ask...well he's had a lot of stick for his wave riding not being up to scratch but from what I saw in Tenerife that is rubbish. The kid has tonnes of skills in the surf too. Massive cut backs with huge spray, all the moves, like 360s and even onshore tweaked airs. Look at this main picture - anyone would think it was shot in down-the-line conditions. So, a massive big-up to young Mr Koester for really stepping things up and pushing the sport high and higher - literally!
Since the PWA kicked-off their live webcasting service, Brit Pro Ben Proffitt’s been a hit in the commentary box with the tour reaching staggering web traffic figures. Still dripping wet from sailing heats and dashing back to the mic, who better to pick some key moments and top performers from the recent Canaries leg? All Pics JC/PWA