Jay began spending time at the beach, often skipping classes to watch local surfers and study their techniques. His father, who frequently traveled overseas and was an experienced swimmer himself, taught Jay the fundamentals of swimming. These early lessons laid a strong foundation for what would become a remarkable surfing career.

Mentorship and Surfing Technique

Jay demonstrated a natural affinity for surfing from a young age, mastering both shortboards and longboards with ease—an ability that showcased his versatile technique. He soon began surfing alongside more seasoned surfers, impressing them with his skill and composure on the waves.

One of Jay's most influential mentors was his neighbor, Frosty Hesson, a respected and accomplished surfer. Recognizing Jay’s potential, Frosty began coaching him, emphasizing the discipline and technical knowledge required to surf challenging waves. As part of his training, Frosty asked Jay to document key lessons and reflections in a notebook—a practice Jay followed with dedication.

Chasing Mavericks

Jay's ultimate dream was to surf the Mavericks, a legendary surf break in Northern California known for producing some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world. Under Frosty’s mentorship, Jay began training rigorously at the age of 15 to prepare for the immense physical and mental demands Mavericks required.

At the age of 16, Jay was photographed riding a colossal wave at Mavericks. The image—capturing his grace and courage—was featured on the cover of Surfer magazine and catapulted him to international fame. This defining moment marked him as one of the most promising surfers of his generation.