You may already know Alex, an internationally known local surfer of over 20 years. He has surfed some of the best waves in the world, and is loved for his contagious humor and charisma. Alex has been featured on many surf magazine covers, including Surfer Magazine four times, Transworld Surf, Surf Europe, Surfing Magazine, and Tracks Australia Surf. He has also won the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Tour event, was invited to the exclusive Eddie Aikau surfing event, and was a two time GoPro of the Year surf winner from Fiji and Africa. Alex has an Instagram following of over 89,000, and has inspired people in our community and beyond. Although Alex’s surfing accomplishments are lengthy and impressive, he also successfully spreads awareness in our community about overcoming hardship and meeting one’s full potential.

While Alex appears happy and positive, he has overcome unimaginable hardship. When he was only 17-years old, he lost his older brother, Chris, to a drug overdose. Chris was Alex’s best friend, hero, and role model, and his loss was extremely shocking and tragic. During this difficult time, Alex felt extremely lucky to receive the endless support and love of his parents, family, and friends. He was able to gain some comfort through therapy, but he admits that his best therapy was found riding his surfboard. Alex surfed frequently with his old brother growing up, and now every time he hits the waves he knows his brother is right there with him. As Alex puts it, “Chris is forever the best example of the power an older brother can have on his young brother’s dreams.” Alex now serves as a mentor to other surfers and children who have similarly experienced life tragedies.

SHARING STORIES. HELPING OTHERS.

Public Speaking
Alex found his passion for public speaking when he was only 18-years old. Just six months after losing his brother, he courageously volunteered to stand in front of a local high school to discuss his loss. Although he was nervous to speak in front of 1,000 high school students, he let his feelings and love for his brother guide him. Since that speech, he has spoken to over 25,000 people of all ages across the community and beyond. He believes it is important to teach everyone about overcoming hardship and following their passion. He knows we all have different stories, but also knows we are stronger when we help one another. Alex has been a featured speaker at Peninsula High School (where he graduated in 2004) and every other high school in the South Bay. He plans to continue his public speeches after Covid-19. We are extremely lucky as a community to have Alex share his inspirational story with our youth. He hopes that with every speech he is changing lives!

Every time he hits the waves, he knows his older brother is right there with him.

Surf Therapy
While dealing with the loss of his older brother, Alex felt embarrassed to express his grief and emotion. No one had ever told him it was okay not to be okay, and he believed that expressing emotion was a sign of weakness. However, as he worked through his pain, he eventually realized that embracing his grief was actually a sign of strength. Alex now dedicates his life to ensuring that no one ever feels alone or ashamed in their personal struggles. He began AGray Surf Therapy, a sibling grief group that uses surfing as a therapy tool. Alex conducts his surf therapy once a month. These meetings give people the opportunity to hear Alex’s story, share their own, or simply be out in nature. His surf therapy sessions create a safe place where everyone can speak freely and from the heart, knowing there will be no judgment and an atmosphere of total support. Alex knows that the location of local beaches gives the therapy sessions an extra touch. If they do not want to go out and surf, Alex encourages kids to sit by the water or walk across the sand. He knows that simply being next to the ocean is powerful and enlightening. He explains, “the ocean is a healer. It’s free and always available, but most importantly it offers an escape and a happy place”. Mosty, Alex knows how much this program would have helped him, and wants to offer it to others. Prior to Covid-19, Alex successfully held 19 surf therapy sessions. At every single one, his goal was the same: to help at least one person to feel better.

On The Horizon

Surf Academy
Alex is excited for a new venture that he recently developed called the Alex Gray Surf Academy. He created his Academy in light of Covid-19, which he knows will prevent children from returning to school and normal activities. This program allows for middle school and high school students to improve their surfing skills, and hopefully fall in love with surfing. He focuses the academy on technique, training, competition strategy, film evaluation, surf etiquette, safety, and ocean awareness. However, his program does not end in the water. Alex rounds out his program by including scheduled zoom calls. During these calls, he allows the surfers to discuss any personal issues they are experiencing. The zoom calls cover anything from goal setting, healthy lifestyle choices, and overcoming mental health obstacles. He encourages anyone considering his program to reach out with questions. Our community is extremely lucky to have Alex, who has used his own hardship to help others. He looks forward to connecting with more surfers, and tells us, “I want to help young athletes on and off the board.” If you would like more information about the Alex Gray Surf Academy or Agray Surf Therapy, please visit: Alexgraysurf.com. You can also continue to follow Alex’s inspiring life and surfing videos on Instagram @A_gray.