To say Jen Smith is deeply connected to the ocean would be a profound understatement. By her own playful admission, she’s “90% mermaid,” a creature as comfortable gliding through the turquoise waters of Tourmaline Canyon as she is skateboarding upon land. This intrinsic bond with the sea is not just a personal affinity; it’s the very essence of her being, a force that has propelled her to the pinnacle of the longboarding world and continues to shape her multifaceted life as a professional surfer, two-time Women’s World Longboard Champion, a passionate chef, and the driving force behind the beloved SoulGrind skateboard shop.
The reverence Jen commands within the surfing community is palpable. When she orchestrates her annual Jen Smith Aloha Invitational, it’s as if the ocean itself responds to her call. Epic swells, seemingly summoned by her deep connection to the Pacific, roll into Tourmaline Canyon, providing the perfect canvas for the world’s finest longboarders to showcase their artistry. This almost symbiotic relationship with the ocean speaks volumes about the respect and understanding Jen has cultivated over a lifetime spent riding waves.
While her competitive achievements are undeniable, Jen’s journey is far more than a collection of victories. It’s a testament to the pursuit of passion, the embrace of diverse talents, and the unwavering commitment to living a life deeply intertwined with the things she loves. Her transition into a catering chef and surf instructor is not a departure from her surfing career, but rather an elegant integration of her passions, allowing her the time and flexibility to continue surfing and traveling while nurturing her profound love for food and cooking.
Jen’s competitive spirit ignited early. She entered her first contest at the age of ten, a pivotal moment that, despite a last-place finish in the final, sparked an enduring love for the thrill of competition. That inaugural event, an all-girls women’s surf contest – a rarity at the time – highlighted the nascent but growing presence of women in the sport and planted a seed of ambition in young Jen’s mind.
Growing up, Jen’s heroes were close to home and within the vibrant San Diego surf and skate scene. Her father, who ran a skateboard store next door to the legendary Skip Frye’s shaping room starting in 1993, was a constant source of inspiration. Jen recalls her father’s unwavering admiration for Frye, often remarking with genuine awe, “There goes Skip, he’s so rad.” Naturally, this local icon became a figure of admiration for Jen as well. Living in San Diego provided her with the invaluable opportunity to surf alongside incredible talents. Her father’s involvement in trade shows for his skate business further broadened her horizons, bringing home signed posters from pioneering female professional surfers like Lisa Andersen and Prue Jeffries, tangible proof that her dream of becoming a world champion, or simply a pro surfer like these inspiring women, was within the realm of possibility.
Jen’s foray into the graceful world of longboarding came in fifth grade (around age ten) when a perceptive teacher pointed out a magazine article featuring the iconic local longboarder Joel Tudor. Until that moment, the professional surfers Jen had encountered were predominantly shortboarders. Female longboard role models were scarce. It wasn’t until she was fifteen that her father introduced her to Kassi Meador at a surf contest in Malibu, a pivotal connection that would shape her longboarding trajectory. Over the next few years, Kassi generously allowed Jen to tag along on surf trips, providing invaluable guidance and mentorship, effectively breaking her into the burgeoning longboard scene.
The allure of longboarding for Jen was multifaceted. Primarily, it offered the simple joy of catching more waves, a significant advantage over the often-fickle nature of shortboarding, especially on smaller days. She fondly remembers watching her father effortlessly noseriding or hanging ten on his longboard, a vision of pure surfing bliss that sparked her own desire to master those classic maneuvers. Moreover, the iconic imagery of classic old surf films like “Walk on the Wet Side” and “Endless Summer” deeply resonated with her, portraying a culture of pure stoke and camaraderie that she longed to embrace. Learning to noseride became a personal quest, a way to connect with the timeless elegance of surfing’s golden era.
Mastering the art of noseriding, however, was not an overnight achievement for Jen. Growing up surfing beach breaks, where the fleeting nature of the waves offered limited time on the face, and surrounded by peers predominantly riding shortboards, she spent a significant portion of her early surfing years honing her tail surfing skills. It wasn’t until she was around fourteen that she finally achieved her first “legitimate” noseride, the satisfying feeling of hanging five and gracefully cross-stepping off the nose. This gradual mastery reflects her dedication and perseverance in pursuing her longboarding aspirations.
Describing her surfing style, Jen emphasizes a smooth, flowing approach, an intuitive connection with the wave that avoids forced maneuvers. With years of experience etched into her muscle memory, surfing feels inherently natural. Noseriding remains a deeply cherished aspect of her style, a graceful dance on the nose of her board. She also incorporates a unique “backwards take-off,” a testament to her deep understanding of surfboard dynamics, where she stands up facing the tail, allowing the fins to naturally pivot her around as the wave engages.
Beyond her personal surfing pursuits, Jen has created a unique platform to share her love for longboarding and foster community spirit: The Jen Smith Aloha Invitational. Recognizing the need for a surf contest that truly reflected her own values and the inclusive spirit of the longboard community, she conceptualized an event unlike any other. In 2022, the inaugural Jen Smith Aloha Invitational brought together 24 of the world’s greatest longboarders, a diverse mix of talented women and men, all invited by Jen herself to “slide it out” and determine a champion in a truly unique and aloha-infused competition. The impressive list of invitees, featuring both established legends and rising stars, speaks volumes about the respect Jen commands within the global longboarding fraternity.
Jen’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the waves. She is the proud owner of SoulGrind skateboard shop, a cornerstone of the San Diego skateboarding scene located at 4645 Cass Street. Renowned as one of the best skate shops in San Diego, SoulGrind is more than just a retail space; it’s a vibrant community hub. Jen frequently hosts a variety of events, from their popular Tuesday skate meetups to exhilarating Slalom Jams and adrenaline-fueled Holiday Hill Bombs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and stoke within the local skateboarding community.
Adding another layer to her dynamic persona, Jen is a true bon vivant when it comes to food. Her culinary passion has led to exciting collaborations with Wayfarer Bread, resulting in special, delectable releases that showcase her talent in the kitchen. This unexpected but perfectly fitting pursuit highlights her zest for life and her ability to excel in diverse creative endeavors.
At home, complementing her culinary adventures, Jen nurtures a thriving garden, a testament to her connection to the natural world in all its forms. This groundedness provides a balance to her high-energy surfing and skateboarding pursuits, reflecting a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
In October 2024, Jen Smith’s profound contributions to the surfing world were rightfully celebrated with her induction into the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held at the familiar and welcoming San Diego Boat and Ski Club on the banks of Rose Creek, was met with enthusiastic cheers and heartfelt screams from her fellow surfers and a beaming smile from her proud father. This honor recognized not only her remarkable achievements as a two-time Women’s World Longboard Champion but also her unwavering dedication to the spirit of aloha, her commitment to fostering community, and her enduring influence on the San Diego surf and skate culture. Jen Smith is more than just a surfer; she is a true embodiment of the “Surf Skate Aloha” spirit, a radiant force whose passion and dedication continue to inspire all who know her.