12| Alex Gray
Birthday: June 18, 1986
Hometown: Palos Verdes, California

The pride of Palos Verdes, Alex Gray hasn't spent much time in the South Bay in the last year. Out of high school this regular-footer was dead set on attending college, but realizing that opportunity only knocks once, he opted for a couple years on the road first. And now, between chasing waves and 'QS points, it's safe to say Gray's taking in plenty of those all-important life lessons. Not content to be just another personality, Gray is dead set on earning his respect. After paying some serious dues, he's worked his way up from a dark, dank basement in the North Shore's infamous Volcom house, to a very respectable couch spot. He's grown up in big waves, and continues to light up anything head high or under. He was the highest rated American junior on the WQS in 2006, plays a prominent roll in Taylor Steele's new Sipping Jet Streams, has a SURFER cover and profile in his portfolio. Gray not only has the talent to make a name for himself as a successful professional, but the charisma to be a breath of fresh air. “Alex is something special,” tells photographer Aaron Checkwood. “He's so multifaceted. Strength has come into his surfing now, and of course he has that unique flair. But he's also ridiculously intelligent. He's going to be one of those guys who's name you'll still be reading about in 20 years.”