Alex Martins
I was born in Recife, Brazil, started surfing when I was 12 and quickly got into surf competition. I kept going until I was touring on the professional circuit and traveling around the world. However, living as a professional surfer in my hometown was difficult. In 1993 I moved to California for a change and got into surfing uncrowded, cold, heavy waves.
In 2000 I began practicing Ashtanga yoga and it became a regular part of my life. I completed the 200-hour teacher training with Clayton Horton and have studied with Sri Pattabhi Jois, Tim Miller, Richard Freeman, Ana Forrest and David Swenson. I practice Ashtanga yoga in the mysore-style with Catherine Shaddix five days a week and surf most days.
I have dedicated myself to surfing and Ashtanga yoga and I feel the combination has gotten me in the best shape of my life. This made me feel more confident and prepared to challenge big waves. In 2003 I was named an alternate for the 2003/04 Mavericks Surf Contest. That year I was also nominated in the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards for a paddle-in wave I caught at Mavericks. In 2006 I was invited to surf the Mavericks Contest which was an honor and the ultimate achievement of my surfing and yoga dedication.
