Latest Happenings:

Several winters ago people on the North Shore learned two things about Sebastian Zietz: 1. Given the opportunity, he’ll takeoff on anything. 2. He has three thumbs. And while it may have been his antics at Off The Wall that got him notice—and his extra digit that got him talked about—as time goes on “C-Bass” is proving to be much more of a complete surfer. A win at the 2008 Oakley Pro Junior at Lower Trestles is testament to his competitive prowess, and an expression session victory at the O’Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro proves his innovativeness. But more than that, C-Bass has the charisma to go places. Listing Journey as one of his favorite bands, dancing as his favorite pastime, and mimosas his favorite beverage, if he doesn’t end up on American Idol he may just have a shot at the world tour someday.

Sea Bass's Quick Hits:

Funniest road experience: I got left at the Sydney airport for 36 hours once. Some how I missed my ride and spent the whole day in the terminal. That evening I was joined by two Belgium girls and somehow fell asleep in the most comfortable three-way cuddle sesh anyone ever had in an airport. The next morning the girls left, I stayed that whole day. I eventually got a ride, and later that night I went to my first club and won a huge dance-off. True story.

Best part about growing up on Kauai: My big loving family of 11, and the true Hawaiians…and by that I mean the happy ones.

One wish: To have enough money to buy my family a beach house at Pine Trees.

Curren or Occy: Curren. He looks good just standing on a wave.

Andy or Bruce: Andy, he’s the best surfer in the world.

About Sea Bass:

An understated, and not to mention, until lately, an extremely underrated surfer, Sebastian Zeitz’s profile may not be as lofty as some of his classmen, but when it comes down to it, he has to be considered a contender in any conditions. For the past several winters “Seabass,” as he’s been affectionately dubbed, has applied a time-honored approach to getting recognized on the North Shore. He’ll paddle out on the ugliest day at Off the Wall, find the most hideously deformed closeout, hurl himself over the ledge, and hope a camera catches the action. At the very least, it’s earned him the respect of surfers both young and old, which goes a long way in the Islands. “Seabass rips,” says Alex Smith, who’s grown up on the North Shore of Kauai surfing with Zietz. “He catches more waves in one session than I do all year. He just goes and goes and goes. He’s classic to party with too. He’ll usually get himself into a dance-off and end up singing karaoke.” The hard-charging regularfooter has also developed a fondness for Teahupoo, spending some serious time there over the past several seasons. And while he’s not necessarily known for doing his best work while wearing a contest jersey, his small-wave act is impressive as well. Garnering the highest heat score of the recent O’Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro, he proved there’s more to his surfing than simply sitting on the foam ball and hanging behind the curtain. “I’d eventually like to make the WCT,” he said in Florida, “but for now I’m on the WQS and doing everything I can to make the dream a reality.”

Photos courtesy of Oakley.