- WSL / Matt Dunbar

Want to peek into the future? Look no further than Bronson Meydi from Lakey Peak, Sumbawa. At various stages of his development, the talented natural-footer has been described as the best 11,12 and 15-year-old surfer on the planet. Having just turned 16 in May, it's probably time to drop those type of lazy judgements and simply track his incredible progress.

Meydi was born to an Australian father and an Indonesian mother in 2004 and grew up surfing the several world-class waves that surround Lakey Peak. When he wasn't in school, Meydi spent most of his days surfing and most nights watching surf videos at his dad's restaurant that overlooks the breaks.

By age 11 he was already recognized as a grommet with an incredible natural talent. With the waves of Lakey Peak offering everything from bone-crunching tubes to high-performance skateparks, his range of technique was exceptional for one so young.

Around this time, Indonesian surfing legend Rizal Tanjung saw the potential of Bronson. With secondary education opportunities limited on remote Sumbawa, Meydi moved to Bali to live with Rizal and his family. It was an opportunity for a better, higher education and also the chance to be mentored in surf knowledge by one of the best in the business.

BALI, INDONESIA - MAY 17: Bronson Meydi of Indonesia places fourth in Qualifying Heat 6 of the Red Bull Airborne at the 2019 Corona Bali Protected at Keramas on May 15, 2019 in Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL via Getty Images)(Photo by Matt Dun Meydi's appearance at the Red Bull Airborne comp at Keramas as a 14-year-old grom was a big moment in his young career. - WSL / Matt Dunbar

Meydi's surfing has been accelerating ever since as he continued to spend time between his Bali base and home on Sumbawa. His casual approach to big barrels combined with his progressive aerial maneuvers has seen him compared to another phenom; Maui's Eli Hanneman.

Last year Meydi became the youngest surfer to compete in the Red Bull Airborne event as a 14-year-old at Keramas. He didn't make much of an impact heat total wise, but his inclusion was a nod to the aerial ability he possesses now and what he will do in the future.

Meydi has been sprouting in size since and still improving by the day. From laying down full-rail wraps and massive rotations to packing impressive pits, he has a technical range well beyond his years. His ambition is to reach the highest echelons of the sport and become Indonesia's first-ever Championship Tour surfer. At this rate it seems only a matter of time.

BALI, INDONESIA - MAY 15: Bronson Meydi of Indonesia places fifth in Qualifying Heat 3 of the Red Bull Airborne at the 2019 Corona Bali Protected at Keramas on May 15, 2019 in Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Cait Miers/WSL via Getty Images) With a bright future and surfing once again allowed in Indo, Meydi has much to smile about these days. - WSL / Cait Miers
World Surf League
Download it for free on the App store. Download it for free on Google Play.