Martin Potter or Pottz as he's more commonly known was born in England and first jumped on a surfboard in Durban, South Africa aged ten.
At 15yrs old he was defeating the world's best including the then World No.1 - Shaun Tomson in his first event. He paved the way for a new generation of power surfing with his fluid, powerful, radical style which in turn made him one of the most admired surfers in the World. This was just a taster of what was to come... Nicknamed 'The Beast' by his peers, he won the World Title in 1989 leaving surfing legends Mark Richards, Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew and Cheyne Horan in his wake.
Earlier successes included two victories at the Newquay Boardmasters in 1984 and 1987 where his family were based during that time. He spent 16 years competing on the World Pro Tour notching up 15 top ten finishes. Pottz also holds the record for the highest winning points margin in any WCT heat which he attained during his World Title year. He has also made the semi-finals of the last two World Masters Finals.
The Gotcha team rider is now married with 3 kids and lives in Biarrittz, SW France. A keen golfer and snowboarder, the 37-year-old regular footer was a member of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Surf Team in 2002 which raised hundreds of pounds for Sports Aid.
Russell Winter - Britain's current No1 and currently ranked 36 on the WQS tour has been one of Britain's most high profile surfers in recent years with a brief stint on the World Championship Tour, Russell was forced out of the top 44 due to injury.
Last year things improved as he broke all records by becoming the first British surfer to take the championship title at the WQS surf event - Rip Curl Newquay Boardmasters so all eyes will be on him to see if he can repeat his performance again this year. Winter peaked in the final of the 4* WQS Boardmasters Championships, taking the lead over three other top international surfers - Eneko Acero (Spain), Ryan Campbell (Australia) and Eric Rebiere (France). He said afterwards "I am really pleased to win my first ASP event on my home beach in front of family and friends".
