In this episode of Firsthand, we meet 23-year old professional surfer, Alex Gray. Alex grew up in Palos Verdes, CA, an area that exists in relative isolation despite its close proximity to the suburban sprawl of Los Angeles. Alex takes us on a tour of his hometown, a beautiful mix of ranches, rolling hills, and dramatic ocean views. Yet, its not all pristine vistas and happy times, as Alex describes how his family tragically lost his older brother just a few short years ago. Later, Alex talks about the responsibility of growing up in the South Bay, a place rich in surfing tradition.

Next, Alex grabs two of his surfing buddies (and bosses at sponsor Body Glove), Greg Browning and Scott Daley, for a quick SCUBA trip to Catalina Island, then makes a run up the coast to chase a large south swell and surf some secrets spots north of L.A. Finally, Alex invites fellow pro surfers Dean Morrison and Benji Weatherley to travel with him as he ventures south to Mainland Mexico for a surgical strike on a handful of mystical pointbreaks, but unexpectedly ends up finding a perfect beachbreak instead.