Last year we introduced the What Youth Top 34. The idea being: we wanted a list that gathered a more dynamic group of surfers together. The criteria? Umm, this:

The perfectly inexact science that sees the surfers who represent themselves the most authentically through their surfing and living at the top. Their creativity rewarded. Their flaws embraced. Their zest and style counting exponentially. There are no numbers, it’s all feeling. Like music. Or poetry. Subjective. Like surfing should be.

Last year we dubbed Ozzie Wright What Youth World Champ. We were fresh off of spending a week with him in Byron Bay with his family, his surfboards, his paintbrushes and his vibe. And it won us over. His philosophy of “saying yes” really appealed to us and he’s been showing up and turning up all over the place. Ripping, smiling, shredding, rocking.

Who will it be this year? Well, we’ve got a pretty good list going, but we’re open to some last minute suggestions. Chime in on Facebook, Twitter, or at Hello@whatyouth.com with your suggestions.

We’ll announce the new list on Monday.