Alana Blanchard is the most talked about rookie of 2009, and for good reason. Yes, she's a knockout. Yet it's what Blanchard represents that's so intriguing. Fact is, she's leading a pack of young surfing goddesses who absolutely rip, thus, likely to raise the profile of the entire sport of surfing. Of course, Alana grew up in the shadow of Bruce and Andy Irons, who live just down the street from her. Not surprisingly, she inherited a very progressive style that's smooth and polished. Blanchard finished ninth place in the 2008 WQS, launching her onto the dream tour.