Pottz is one of the forefathers of the modern, agressive and progressive style of surfing. He influenced a whole generation of surfers including guys like: Matt Archbold, Christian Fletcher and Kelly Slater.

When he came to California he was radical, surfing like nobody before him. People took notice especially in a little town named San Clemente. Guys like Archy and Fletcher took in what they saw of Pottz and brought surfing into the air.