This was a first for competitive women's surfing, and Bartels has been on a roll ever since. Her first major pro win came at the WQS 6-Star event in Magnolia Portugal in 2003. This was the jump-start she needed to win the WQS year-end ratings and secure herself a spot on the coveted WCT for 2004.

Melanie's aerial antics have caused quite a commotion on tour, and after only one event, she's already won one Expression Session. Her WCT success remains to be seen, but her technical prowess and progressive surfing is untouched by any of her peers, and this puts her in the driver's seat for Rookie of the Year and World Title contender.