Meet Red Bull Rising Athlete Gavin Gillette

Hawaiian surfer Gavin Gillette can’t remember a time when he wasn’t surfing. “I’ve been surfing since I can remember, I’ve always been on a board”, the smooth, lanky, natural footer said. “It’s in my blood, mom and dad who are my tow-in partners, are both amazing surfers”, says the 21 year-old from Kilauea on the northerly island of Kaua. “I grew up surfing Pinetrees on Kaua‘i's north shore.” Gillette says that he became fascinated with competitions as a youngster and that throughout his teens, he always ranked highly in the National Scholastic Surfing Association events. Last year Gillette withdrew from the WQS after his younger brother suffered a terrible motorcycle accident, he ranked 174th.   “It’s a job! But if your job is fun, you want to do it all the time”, he said of his surfing. “2008 will be great – I’m going to be great I’m aiming on making the WCT,” said Gillette. “Surf with your heart and keep your talent and ego out the equation”, he advises. With his priorities re-aligned, his big-wave act beyond question and his small wave and competition strategy constantly being worked on, look for Gavin's heart to be propelling him towards his ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2009 ASP Dream Tour.