Underrated aerialist Ryan Carlson has just inked a deal with Katin USA.

There's no shortage of talent in Surf City, but any HB local can tell you that Carlson is one of the best aerial surfers in town. Since his town is Huntington Beach, that puts Ryan into a pretty elite category.

Since Ryan never went down the contest jersey path, he instead relies on his free surfing to make a name for himself. With an influx of good quality DIY film clips seeping in from around the globe lately, I hope to see some more edits out of Ryan. I know what he's capable of, and I know he's been filming...

Here is a clip of Ryan from a recently featured filmer Tony Adams. Short and sweet.

I ran into Ryan Carlson the other day while checking the surf at Huntington Pier. He's been in the running for the $50,000 Kustom Air Strike contest, click here to check it out. He also had not one but two parts in the newest ...LOST movie, 5'5" 19 1/4" 2 1/4" Redux. Here's a quick little interview:

What's going on?

I'm hanging in a parking lot in Huntington Beach waiting for my chick to get back with my keys, so I can get in my truck.

What do you think your chances are in the Air Strike Contest?

I dunno, I don't really think their that good anymore, unless I go on a trip or something.

[some guy in the parking lot interrupts]

Are they doing it by who has the most votes? Because you have the most votes. Or do they actually judge it?

[Back to Carlson]

Who knows. I think Ry [Craike] is going to win.

What do you have coming down the line?

Just trying to get on a trip, and working on the video I'm making with DSG Productions.

How did you like your two parts in the ...LOST movie?

I was stoked to finally get a part in a ...LOST movie, and not just a wave.

Getting some good ones from Cole?

Those boards are so good, the best boards I've ever had, every board gets better! Cole is a really good shaper and I'm glad to be working with him.

How's O'Quinn?

They're doing good. It's hard for pretty much every company right now, but they have less overhead, so it seems like they're going to make it through.

Huntington Beach, CA professional surfer and aerial sensation, Ryan Carlson, landed one of the most progressive moves of the winter this year in Hawaii. It went down at Rocky Point on the North Shore of Oahu, a wave known to inspire futuristic trick surfing.

A Kerrupt Flip is combination of a 360 degree spin and a back flip. In surfer's terms an inverted full rotation alley-oop. The move gets its name from Josh Kerr, an Australian surfer who is known for progression, and is the first person to successfully pull one.

Now, Carlson and others are taking the move to new heights, and being rewarded for it, as in the Kustom Air Strike Contest. A video clip entry contest rewarding the single best aerial maneuver with $50,000. Go to http://www.kustomairstrike.com/ to submit your vote today! Check out Carlson's entry below.

Here's what I feel are the Top 10 surf stories of 2008 in no particular order. It is only my opinion, if you feel differently tell me about it. Sorry Barca and Coco, I tried to squeeze you two in there. If it was a Top 12 you guys qualifying would of so made it. Photo: MORINformed

1. Slater wins his 9th WCT title, ridiculous.
2. Bruce retires from the WCT.
3. Andy may retire as well.
4. Still no Kickflip. As in no one has stuck one and taken the 10K from Volcom in the Kickflip Off.
5. ...LOST's 5'5" Redux is finally released.
6. Peter Davi dies at Ghost Trees.
7. Bruce wins The Search contest in Bali, and pretty much teases the ASP with a, "See Ya!"
8. Bird Rock kook is convicted of murder.
9. Joel Parkinson surfs a perfect heat in the Pipe Masters, and wins the Triple Crown.
10. Slates wins Pipe on a 5'11".

I don't think anyone has ever had Quote of the Day and Video of the Day on the same day. Well, today is a first, here's a video put together by Ryan Carlson and DSG, of some itchy butt getting cured on the Northside of Huntington Pier.