ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE

KAI OTTON, 26, Australia

Vitals: Finished 15th on the WQS in ’06. WCT rookie in 2007.

Behind the Numbers:Otton won the 4-star WQS event in the Canaries with a giant aerial reverse in the closing minutes of the heat. He also had a third in Newcastle.

Heading into 2007:It took him five years to get to where he is, so fatigue is a valid question when talking about Otton, but two things should help him make the ’CT cut. First, he charges when it’s heavy, so the goofyfooter should do just fine at Teahupo’o, Chile, and possibly even Pipeline. Second, he’s got some big moves under his belt. Expect one or two good showings this year.

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