“Hold my beer!” was the urgent command of the tall, thin Australian surfer. I have loosely followed Mikey Wright’s career, mostly because it has emerged largely in the shadow of older brother, Owen, and older sister, Tyler. Both Owen and Tyler are consistent, successful, and dangerous competitors on the WSL’s largest stage. Mikey, however, has always been known and appreciated for his quiet demeanor, signature mullet hairstyle, and huge power hacks that show up every so often in the competitive realm of surfing. Mikey has always seemed perfectly comfortable in the shadows of surf hype–shade that instantly disappeared as he dove into the belly of the beast to save a drowning swimmer.

What is the purpose of your life? Think twice before you answer that, because I spent 18 years of my life thinking I knew that answer. You see, when a child turns the age of three most parents start the process of enrolling their kid into this little thing called Pre-School. Well, my dad isn’t like most parents; he thought, “what better time to start a motocross career?” So that’s what we did.