17-year-old Aussie surfer Tyler Wright has been named ASP Rookie of the Year after a standout first year on the ASP Women’s World Tour.

In a sport that currently has more talented rookies than it knows what to do with, Tyler started the season with a bang with a runner up finish at the Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks. She then scored a series of semi and quarter final finishes and ended the tour in an incredible fourth position, just one spot behind four times World Champ and current Cooler cover star Steph Gilmore.

“I’ve had a great year. I think the girls really stepped it up this year,” said Tyler. “There were a few events where I didn’t get to perform like I would have liked surfing-wise. It was a great year to come on tour. It’s at the stage where it’s at a turning point. It’s no longer going to be about floaters and cutbacks. In the next five years, it’s possibly going to be about finners and airs.”

“Obviously I wanted to be World Champion. I think that’s everyone’s goal, but I just wanted to have a good year. Top five was a hopeful benchmark for me.”

Now the ASP World Tour is over for the winter, Tyler plans on heading to the snow and hitting some swells with her brother and pro surfer Owen. “I’ll probably be looking for barrels. I love getting barrelled.” Man we love that kind of talk, big up Tyler and look forward to seeing you on the tour next year! Until then here are some video highlights of Tyler.