December 26, 1990 // Kilauea, Hawaii
Synopsis: As the eldest of the Smith Clan, Alex is also the most stylish. Strikingly calm and collected, much of Alex’s focus is a result of his mentor, the legendary Ben Aipa. Whether it’s in a heat—Alex made two consecutive finals last year at Nationals—or freesurfing, Alex has proven himself a head-turner with all of the earmarks of a budding world-class surfer.
Variables: After ’09, Alex will put the NSSA behind him and step onto the ’QS, a road littered with broken dreams and crushed hopes. The talent and drive are all there, but the path to stardom has often proven itself a tough road to navigate.
Forecast: With a solid head on his shoulders, family backing, and Ben Aipa as a coach/mentor, Alex has no excuse for not cutting it in the Big Leagues. His first few years on the ’QS will be tough, but we’re keeping the faith as long as he does.