What we Ride Part 5: Kieron Smith

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m 13 years old and in my spare time I like to surf, skate and play music.

How long have you been surfing?

I actually started skating when I was 5 and surfing when I was 7, my dad used to take me on the really small days and have been keen ever since. I found
my confidence grew after a couple lessons with Discovery surf school
where I learnt good basic techniques.

Me at Wembury when I was 9

Can you remember your first surfboard?

My first surfboard was a well used 5.0ft red foamy. Once I could paddle
into waves my dad got me a used 5ft JP short board, I was 8 1/2 years old
then. When I was 10 I moved on to a 4ft tomo style board , this was so fast.

My first shortboard: 5” x 17 JP

The first board my dad made me, 4’ 5” x 16” x 1.8” like a Lost rocket

Notable surf trips?

I have surfed a few places around the UK, most memorable being … .the 16 hour trip to Thurso in Scotland, well it was certainly the longest drive ever.

I love to go on holidays with my family. My favourite place to surf abroad is France as I’ve been there quite a few times and surfed, my second favourite country to surf is in Portugal, we went there in February this year, we were there 6 days and had good clean surf everyday. I’ve also surfed in the Philippines in the China sea and hope to go Siargo one day and surf Cloud 9.

The long drive to Thurso

Praia De Luz (Algarve)

Zavial (Algarve)

Current equipment?

At the moment I am riding 2 Matta short boards, one is called the SMP
with a pintail and is very fast, the other is a TTT, it has a squash tail with
a lot of tail lift which is easy to whip around. Both are 5ft x 16.5 x 1.9 and
16 to 16.5 litres , I’m 4ft 11 and 37 kg. I’ve had these for 6 months and
they've been so good, but it will soon be time to get something bigger.
My current suit is the xcel 4.5 infinity hooded comp.

Any final thoughts, inspirational quotes ect?

Make the most of what time you have, don’t waste it

Thanks Kieron, as the competition season kick off in the U.K you will be hearing and seeing alot more from him.