Future Stars of America2 (Touchdown Edition)

Chapter 1: Hawaii's Local Treasure

Dawn Patrol

Just as the sun began to rise over the sparkling Pacific Ocean, a cool spray of clear salt water splashed against Clay Marzo's face. There was a peaceful calm in the air as he and his older brother, Cheyene, paddled out for their first ride of the day. The ocean was deserted, other than a couple of local surfers who smiled and nodded to Clay. Everyone knows the sixteen-year-old superstar. After all, he's been surfing these waters for most of his life.

Clay, Cheyene, and the other locals were out on "dawn patrol," an expression that refers to surfers who are in the water at the break of dawn. Clay and his brother know of an out-of-the-way spot called the "Pool," and they return to it from time to time. It's a perfect setting for surfing at sunrise.

Clay lives in a town called Lahaina, which is located on the island of Maui--the second largest island in the beautiful state of Hawaii. "My family moved to Hawaii from San Diego when I was a baby," Clay explains. "I can never thank my parents enough for bringing me to this amazing spot!" He isn't kidding. Lahaina boasts lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, and friendly people who are likely to call out "Aloha" when you walk by them.

Clay had awoken at 5:00 a.m. in the quiet darkness. At the moment, most residents of the island were fast asleep. It was tough getting out of bed so early, but the lure of early morning glass called out to him. Luckily, he didn't have to be home at a set time, even though it was a school day. His charter school, which is a little bit like home schooling, allows him to do schoolwork from home. So, after surfing for a couple of hours, he goes home, showers and changes before sitting down at his desk for a full day of school. He does his best to concentrate, but sometimes it can be difficult--especially when you live so close to the ocean that the salt air gently drifts through the open windows of your house. There's no doubt that Clay's mind, body, and soul belong to the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water surrounding his beloved island.

After slinging on a pair of board shorts, Clay and Cheyene gulped down some cereal and juice. Checking to make sure they had everything they needed, they scrambled out the door before the first ray of light kissed the water of the Lahaina Harbor. Clay knows how lucky he is to have the opportunity to be raised in Hawaii. He says, "Sometimes I have to sit back and say, 'Whoa, I live in the best place on earth!' When I travel to other countries to surf, it's awesome, but there's nothing quite like the feeling of being home in Lahaina."

And for residents of this tropical paradise, among their many local treasures is the lanky six-foot surfing champion with wavy dirty-blonde hair...their very own Clay Marzo.