REDBULL

With a nickname like ‘Spartan’, Michel Bourez’s strength and ability is unquestionable. The Tahitian learned the ropes on some of the world’s gnarliest breaks and seems destined to take over the mantle from fellow countryman Manao Drollet as the best surfer at the world's heaviest wave, Teahupoo. Michel is a complete surfer, who burst onto the competition scene in 2007 with a first-placed finish at the O’Neill Mission event in his homeland before claiming the European title. That same year he also defeated nine-times world champion Kelly Slater at the Quiksilver Pro, showing he was a force to be reckoned with. Everything came together for Michel in 2008 when a string of consistent World Qualifying Series results, coupled with a victory at the Hawaiian Pro, earned him a place on the elite ASP World Tour. Michel is now firmly living the dream, traveling the world and making money doing the thing he loves – an inspiration to us all.