Jay Occhilupo cut a determined and stylish figure contesting the recent Australian junior surfing titles on Victoria's Phillip Island.
But the event announcer provided a less than timely reminder that his family name was inescapable.
"It's great to see former world champion Mark Occhilupo down here this morning watching his son Jay Occhilupo surf the Under-14 Boys."
Watching from a respectful distance, his world champion father was on hand to offer some words of wisdom after an unsuccessful heat.
Occhilupo Senior says his role is to be a father, not a coach, but it is never easy.
"It's so hard just watching his heats. I get more nervous than when I used to surf myself. It's just really hard."
At age 13, Jay Occhilupo says he is happy with his father staying in that role of father, not coach.
"It's good for him to, like, give me a couple of tips but, at the same time, like, not be my coach, like, be my dad and let Richo doing the coaching side of things."
It is only the under-14s, but already the technical aspects of the sport separate future stars from weekend warriors: those who will not go further in the sport.
Jay Occhilupo says wave selection and scoring manoeuvres are his focuses for improvement.
"I want to try and get my air game as good as it can be and try and get my backhand surfing, like, good as well."
As the 1999 World Surfing Champion, his father knows better than most how much hard work stands between his son and a spot on the tour.
But Mark Occhilupo says his son has the potential and, importantly, the courage to get there.
"I've taken him to Hawaii earlier this year, and I was really impressed. He charged some really big waves, waves I was scared in, and he was out there."
The Gold Coast-based teenager's objectives are clear.
"I'd love to make the tour, and winning the world title would be my dream goal. But I just want to get to the tour first."
Mark Occhilupo says he will be watching with interest.
"I'm really proud that the name is carried on and hope he can go all the way. I definitely think he can. I really do. And in saying that, I just want to be there to support him."
