Xavier Math. Courtesy photo
By Andrea Swayne
Xavier Math
Age: 11, Las Palmas Elementary
Xavier Math has been surfing for five years and is looking forward to trying his hand at contests next season. For now, he spends his time practicing—working on big airs and vertical hits—usually at Lowers, his favorite local break. “I practice at least three times a week during school and every day during the summer, because I love it and I want to be ready to compete next year,” Xavier said. “Also, just being out in the water having fun with my friends is the best. When I’m on a wave it’s like being in my own world where I am confident and feel good.” This smart and talented fifth-grader also likes skateboarding, snowboarding, reading, football and playing baseball with his travel team, the SC Tritons. Xavier is also a musician who plays guitar and violin. In school he is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student and his favorite subject is math. “I admit it has a little to do with my last name,” he said. “With a name like Math, I guess I’m lucky that I like it and am pretty good at it.” As for future career goals, Xavier is focused on becoming a professional athlete—either a Pipeline-based pro surfer or a baseball player for the Red Sox. “I’ve met most of my best friends through surfing. That’s one of my favorite things about being a surfer,” he said. “We all get along really well and have stuff in common. We all like being out in the water for hours and talking while waiting for waves.”
