Monster Army Private Nathan Hester is the new Athlete of the Week. Nathan is from Kailua, HI and loves to surf and skate. We caught up with Nathan and this is what he had to say:

Who influences you and why?

My dad influences me the most out of everyone I know. My dad is not a surfer or a skateboarder, but he's the most diligent person I know and I respect him for that. I could call him Mr. Aloha because he is very loving and supportive to me and others. Though he is not hawaiian, he portrays many hawaiian values like Ho?ihi and Ha?aha?a (Respect and Humbleness). He's my biggest role model and I try to be like him.

What/ Who inspired you to surf?

I saw surfing for the first time on tv. I was watching people tow in at jaws and I thought it was the coolest thing. I knew I had to try it, so I went out and taught myself on a 7?6 gun. It took me 5 tries before I could stand up, but once I did I was hooked for life.

What are your proudest moments/ accomplishments in 2013/2014?

My proudest moment this year in 2014 was getting second place at Ma?ili point for the HSA Hasa Event.

What part of your surfing are you looking to improve upon most this season?

I am looking to improve on putting power into my turns and making it all flow together smoothly.

Have you had to overcome any challenges that made surfing an obstacle at times? (i.e. Injuries, support)

I had a mental block in my head for a very long time when it came to contests. I was not very aggressive and didn?t surf my best. I overcame it in the last contest I had from just telling myself that there is nothing to loose.

What is your daily routine and how do you prepare yourself for a day of surfing?

My daily routine is to get up at 5:10am and surf at Kewalos (when the sun rises around 6:00). After a quick dawn patrol I go to Kamehameha school. Then I try and surf after school also.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next few years?

I see my self surfing in national surf competitions and competing in more prestigious contests.

When I'm not surfing you can find me ______________________?

When I?m not surfing you can find me skateboarding at Keolu.

Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for all the support they have given me to succeed and also I would like to thank Monster for the motivation to be my best.

Follow Nathan:

Twitter: @Thedakinehester