Mexico has produced a long list of distinguished professional surfers. From the late great Oscar Moncada and hellman Coco Nogales to the early aughts standout Kalle Carranza, our neighbors south of the border know their way around a lineup. Now there’s a new generation continuing the tradition of talented Mexican surfing alive, and it’s being led by 21-year-old Jhony Corzo.

Raised within a stone’s throw of the heavy waves of Puerto Escondido, Jhony learned how to ride and respect the Mexican Pipeline from an early age—5 years old, to be exact. He proved that years of practice, nerve, and pure talent paid off with a 3rd place finish at the 2016 Surf Open League Puerto Escondido.

A mere year later, the regular footer became Mexico’s first world champ when he took home the gold medal at the 2017 ISA World Surfing Games in Biarritz, France. During his march to the win, the then 18-year-old Mexican beat a handful of Championship Tour veterans, including consistent tour standout Joan Duru, to secure one of the biggest upset victories in recent ISA history. Jhony Corzo also helped the Mexican National team win an impressive 4th place copper medal at the same competition.

Since those celebratory days in France, Jhony Corzo has continued to improve on his already world-class talent. He’s currently battling his way through the WQS in order to become the first professional surfer from Mexico to qualify for the 2021 Men’s World Championship Tour. We hope to see him amongst the top 34 very soon.