The 'House of Style' at the end of his rope.

How many times have you heard someone say that? "This man needs no introduction." Of course, the next words out of their mouth are inevitably that person's name. Here at WakeWorld we're serious when we say, "This man needs no introduction." So we're not going to bore you by repeating a name you've had relentlessly pounded into the wakeboarding portion of your brain for that past four years. We're not going to regurgitate the name that appears on boards, boats, the World Championship belt and who knows what else.

Even the Hyperlite marketing department has finally realized that they have only been utilizing two thirds of the most valuable name in wakeboarding. Perhaps it is this revelation that has prompted a new line of boards bearing his middle name (or perhaps it is a tribute to his father, Belmont Lloyd Murray). If you don't know who we're talking about you're either new to wakeboarding (in which case you'll probably hear his name within the hour) or you're just not paying attention (and for this we have no sympathy).

"The Man" was born April 28, 1976 putting him at 23 years of age as of this writing. He was raised in Southern California until 1988 when his family moved to Lake St. Louis, Missouri. He started water skiing when he was about 8, and has done just about everything there is to do behind a boat including show skiing. After he graduated from high school he moved to Florida and started teaching at the Benzel Ski School. He started college at Florida Southern College so he could ski on their team but left when he decided to pursue wakeboarding full-time. He is now into his fourth year as a professional wakeboarder. In his previous three he has risen to the upper echelon of the sport and won just about everything but an X Games title (according to the judges, anyway). So let's pick it up there, shall we?

WW: What about that X Games title? Is that one you want to get under your belt?
SM: I'd like to win it, but I'm not stressin'.

"...I attribute my smile to Christ."

WW: You've got a reputation for being level headed, friendly and non-controversial in the face of a lot of pressure. You're almost like Switzerland in the way you manage to stay out of controversy and maintain the respect of everybody in the industry as well as the fans. How do you keep yourself the person you are?
SM: I ride a wakeboard because I grew up on the water with my brothers and friends having a good time, and that is still why. I am a Christian and have been brought up that way all my life, so I attribute my smile to Christ.

WW: I know that you considered getting out of the professional wakeboarder gig at points in the past due to the rigorous schedule and pressure. As you approach the 1999 season is that all behind you? Are you excited and having fun?
SM: Oh yeah!

WW: Did winning the World Championship add to the pressure you feel coming into this new season or does it relieve it some?
SM: Expectations can kill you, so I have to ride for myself.

Wakeboarding's World Champion.

WW: What surprises can we look for from you this year? What new moves are you working on?
SM: I snowboarded all winter so I would like to add a lot of different spins and off axis stuff.

WW: Brannan Johnson and some other riders do a lot of off-water training with gymnastics and diving to improve their balance and presence. What do you do to keep a clear head while your body is flipping, spinning, grabbing and passing a handle all at the same time?
SM: Snowboard and tramp stuff. I mounted a pair of old school wake sandals to a skate deck.

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