ASP Stand Outs 2006
Nov 02 2006 / Los Angeles, CA
Taj Burrow - This fleet-footed Australian has had an excellent run all season as well, although still falling short of the Slater juggernaut. No world title shot this season aside, Burrow has won down in Brazil (2004) before and with the help of his futuristic Firewire surfboard technology, he may be due for his first win of 2006.
Adriano de Souza - Although struggling with the rookie jinx this season, Adriano is a stone-cold competitor who won last season's ASP WQS tour by the highest points margin in ASP history. The diminutive Brazilian is virtually a god amongst his countrymen, and at home in the tricky beach breaks of Brazil, the Nova Schin event may be Adriano's breakout event.
Bobby Martinez - Another rookie this year, but Bobby has been on fire. 
Martinez is the only surfer, aside from Slater, with two event wins under his belt this season and he's a rookie! He may be the most technical surfer on tour and with the momentum of his win at the last event (Billabong Pro Mundaka), anything is possible.
-Read more on Bobby Martinez
Mick Fanning - The lightning quick Fanning is looking in top-shape this season and although he's not in title contention, he and good buddy Joel Parkinson have been surfing phenomenally well in recent events. Fanning already has a win under his belt this season from J-Bay, but look for "white lightning" to strike again in Brazil.
- Read more on Mick Fanning
Joel Parkinson - Slater has commented at every event since the Boost Mobile Pro that Joel Parkinson has been the top-form surfer of the event. He won in France and placed 3rd in Spain. Parko can win anywhere and one must
never count him out.
Kelly Slater - Many think Kelly Slater may be over it after recently clinching world title number 8, but above all, he's a competitive machine. He's having his most consistent season ever and it's easy to see he's going to continue to ride his A-Game all the way to the North Shore. Obviously he has nothing to prove, but like a true champ he continues to compete with himself. He's currently tied with Tom Curren for 33 ASP World Tour wins and it's easy to gather imagine he'd like the smash that record too.
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Check out Lat34's Quick Hits to find out more about which surfer is coming back on the tour after a six month suspension for steroids.
