Happy New Year!! This year we are very excited to announce that we have added the very talented Leila Hurst to our team!

Island born and bred, Leila Hurst came of age in the fertile surfing grounds of Kauai, HI. With an abundance of world-class surf all within her reach, she grew up with luminaries like Andy and Bruce Irons, Evan Valiere, Aamion Goodwin, Keala Kennelly and Bethany Hamilton in the water alongside her.

Comfortable in just about any conditions the ocean can devise, she’s made a habit of being in the water when it’s pumping, but don’t count her out when the contest season gets underway. A distinguished member of the Hawaiian World Junior surf team and multiple time NSSA National Champion, in 2010 she was named Triple Crown Rookie of the Year. Most recently she took out the 2011 Arnette World Pro Junior competition held in Brazil. Oh, but it’s not just the judge’s heads that she’s turning, she’s appeared in surf magazines around the world, as well as Outside Magazine and Vanity Fair.

The future is truly bright for this young Garden Isle beauty. She took most of the last year off to finish up high school and explore some of the planets more obscure surf spots, but she has since refocused her energies, moving to California to be “closer to the industry.” She now has her sights set on getting back into the competitive swing of things, so look for her to make an immediate impact on the ASP rank and file in 2012. Of course, she’s got a wandering spirit, so don’t think for a second she’s going to give up the gypsy life. “I’m looking forward to traveling and exploring new ways to share my love of the ocean and staying healthy,” says Leila. ZEAL will be with her every step of the way.

Welcome, Leila!