Ulladulla's Russell Bierke is just 16-years-old and already getting kudos for his surfing talent. However, in this age of second and third gen surfers, it seems every beach has a resident teenage phenom, yet Old Russ sits apart from his prodiguous peers.

For one, he's grown up far from surfing's commerical centres so his reputation is based on rock solid surfing and not fleeting media appeal. Also, his Dad Kirk only stage manages him insofar as putting the right equipment under his feet. Lastly, Russ' chosen discipline is heavy water; he's preternaturally comfortable in situations that belie his age. When the going gets critical Russ' composure and confidence come to the fore, traits that should only improve in the coming years.

Max Zappas has put together a clip of Russ surfing locally, around Australia, and also overseas.