Bede Durbidge, known as "The White Fijian" for his laid back friendly attitude and toothy grin, may have a relaxed appearance, but don't let his islander demeanor fool you. The Australian honed his wave riding skills at Point Lookout on Queensland's North Stradbroke Island before coming onto the ASP World Tour in 2005. During his freshman year he ploughed into the early events and managed to knock Kelly Slater out of competition for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

Durbidge would go on to have his way with the champ in 2006 where, at the Boost Mobile Pro at Lowers, the Australian once again dispatched Slater in the finals. Unsponsored for the first half of the 2007 ASP World Tour season, Durbidge dipped into his own pockets to fund his assault on the ASP World Title. The powerful natural-footer finished runner-up to Fanning at the opening event of the season, and would continue with solid performances the world over before tearing into the Hawaiian juice, claiming the Billabong Pipeline Masters and the Vans Triple Crown Award. Inside the Top 5 now, look for Durbidge to continue to build upon last season's momentum.

weight: 179 lbs (82 kilos)

height: 6'1" (180 cm)

stance: Regular (natural) foot

sponsors: Mada clothing, Ocean Minded footwear, Mt. Woodgee surfboards, On A Mission (OAM) accessories, Xcel wetsuits, Freestyle watches and Green Stuff Surf Wax

shapers: Wayne McKewen

quiver: 6'2" to 7'0"

favorite wave: Straddie

favorite maneuver: Aerials

favorite surfers: Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and Joel Parkinson

2008 Rating: 4

2008 Points: 5990

2008 earnings: $93,250.00

Career earnings: $440,535.00

highest ASP World Tour rating: ASP World No. 5 in 2007

years on ASP World Tour: 2008 will be Bede's 4th season amongst the elite

rating by year:
2007: 5th
2006: 15th
2005: 29th

elite inception: 2005

hard yards: Bede contested the ASP WQS from 2002 to 2004 to qualify for 2005
filmography: Stepping Stones

honor roll: 2007 Triple Crown of Surf Champion

elite tour victories: (2)
Billabong Pipeline Masters, Pipeline Beach, Hawaii (2007)
Boost Mobile Pro of Surf, Trestles, California (2006)