On the weekend young Brazilian, Miguel Pupo, won the Hang Loose Pro at Fernando de Noronha in Brazil. The Hang Loose was a PRIME event and the result rockets Pupo to the lead in the One World Ranking. Of greater interest than points - at least to spectators - was the incredible surf at the event. From 6'-8' offshore barrels on the first day the waves never dropped below 4' for the duration of the contest.

See the photos below or check this video.

At the same time Pupo was winning the Hang Loose Pro another World Tour rookie was asserting himself in Australia. Julian Wilson won the Breaka Burleigh Pro at Burleigh Heads, a 4 star event. With ideal starts to their 2012 campaigns Pupo and Wilson look set to make their mark on the World Tour this year.