David Weare
Age: 25
From: Durban, South Africa
Surfs: Regular
When the spray settled Weare found himself a Surfbout Champion last year. He also landed himself on the World Tour. If this South African decides to return to California again for this year’s event, don’t be surprised if he makes another solid push deep into the Finals.

Adrian Buchan
Age: 23
From: Avoca Beach, NSW, Australia
Surfs: Goofy
“Ace” took the backseat to Weare in the Finals last year, but by nabbing 2nd, he took down both Pat O’Connell and Rob Machado, two seasoned Trestles vets. And while like Weare, he’s also undergoing his rookie season on the ’CT, last year’s solid results suggest a return visit is in order.

Asher Nolan
Age: 26
From: Neptune Beach, Florida
Surfs: Goofy
Asher had a hallmark year last year. Not only did he win several ’QS events across the country, he also came to California and competed with the consistency that’s necessary to win a Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series Title. With the momentum he generated as fuel, Asher will return to Trestles to defend his title and continue climbing the WQS ranks.

Chris Ward
Age: 27
From: San Clemente, California
Surfs: Regular
Trestles has been Wardo’s stomping grounds for years and every time he paddles out he practically owns the place. It would be unwise to rule him out as a contender on his home turf.

Nathaniel Curran
Age: 21
From: Oxnard, California
Surfs: Regular
Nathaniel was in the running last year for the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series Points Title, a position he earned by winning his first-ever WQS event in Newport. Coming into this year with a surge of confidence, this explosive youth from Oxnard could prove to be a lethal heat draw at Lowers.

Brett Simpson
Age: 21
From: Huntington Beach, California
Surfs: Regular
Brett had a breakout year of his own last year with a Hawaiian campaign that earned him the Vans Triple Crown Rookie of the Year Award. Back on the mainland he was smoking as well, making ’QS finals and presenting a threat on the Trifecta ratings boards. Expect a continually maturing Brett to be a major threat this year at Lowers.

Taylor Knox
Age: 34
From: Carlsbad, California
Surfs: Regular
Knox is renowned for his powerful approach and uncompromising full-rail gouges. Growing up in the Oceanside area, the lineup at Lowers is no secret to Knox, and after finishing in the Quarters last year, he could easily find himself on the top step of the winner’s stand in ’06.

Taylor Knox. Photo: courtesy of Surfing Magazine.

Pat O’Connell
Age: 33
Home: Laguna Beach, California
Surfs: Regular
While Pat may not be battling it out in as many heats as he used to, he possesses no shortage of talent or competitive savvy. Growing up just a few minutes up the road in Laguna, O’Connell is right at home here and has the potential to take out those less familiar with the Lowers lineup. A Finals appearance in 2005 is proof-positive that Pat should always be considered a lethal heat draw at the Surfbout.

Pat O'Connell. Photo: courtesy of Surfing Magazine.

Rob Machado
Age: 32
From: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California
Surfs: Goofy
Former champ and 2004 runner-up, Machado surfed all the way to the ’05 Finals from Day One of competition last year. His smooth, goofyfooted brand of surfing is devastating, and much to the dismay of his competitors, he still has a knack for getting high scores in any heat he enters.

Rob Machado. Photo: courtesy of Surfing Magazine.

Damien Hobgood
Age: 26
From: Satellite Beach, Florida
Surfs: Goofy
Both Hobgood brothers have relocated to Southern California, so it shouldn’t be a shock if one or both put in Surfbout appearances like they did last year. Coming off his best season ever on the WCT, Damo is as capable of taking down any competitor he may meet on his way to the podium.

Photo Courtesy of ASP International.

C.J. Hobgood
Age: 26
Home: Satellite Beach, Florida
Surfs: Goofy
Versatile in anything from 2- to 15-feet, C.J. is capable of winning in just about any type of conditions the planet can throw at him. A former World Champion, he is sure to be a daunting obstacle for any young pro with dreams of grandeur.

Tim Curran
Age: 28
Home: Oxnard, California
Surfs: Goofy
Last year, Curran boosted a showstopper air that touched down in the flats for a Perfect 10. Now on his first season off the ’CT, Tim should come to Trestles in ’06 looking fresh, and is likely to yet again pull something freaky.