Brighton Reinhardt. Photo by Andrea Swayne
By Andrea Swayne
Age: 15, Cal Prep Academy
Brighton Reinhardt of Dana Point has been building a successful record so far this season and is currently ranked among the top 10 in the Surfing America Prime series and the top 5 in the WSA for Boys U16. “My goals for the rest of the season include doing well at the WSA West Coast Championships, finishing strong in Prime and getting a good result at the U.S. Championships,” he said. “I am working hard and hoping to earn a spot on the PacSun USA Surf Team.” Brighton is putting in the time training with DSC and surfing as much as possible, usually at Lowers, his favorite local break. “Every time I surf I practice as if I’m in a heat, so I have more confidence every time I compete,” he said. Brighton’s long term goals include having a career as a professional surfer as well as attending college. As a high school freshman, Brighton is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student who enjoys both the freedom of scheduling and the challenges of completing his course work via independent study. While he’s not surfing or studying, Brighton enjoys playing the guitar. One of his biggest challenges as an athlete is a bone disorder he was diagnosed with as a baby. The condition affects his left tibia and the screws in his knee and ankle and the metal rod in his shin sometimes make surfing a bit painful. “The doctors say I should outgrow it, but for now I just do what I have to do and try not to let it bother me,” Brighton said. –
