There have been so many over the years that's its hard to pick one as being better or more intregal to the sport and its success or lifestyle than another.  However, there is are a few surfers with whom I feel I identify more than others; Rob Muchado and Donovan Frankenrider.  I enjoy both their free-form style and relaxed approaches to wave riding. Often dawning the Fish when a thruster or pintail would be better suited.

Additionally, neither seem to be part of the competitive nature of the current surf scene (who can ride deeper in the tube, who can through the most radical arial, who has the craziest entourage, etc.).  Rather they both live to surf, and ironically surf to live (a true rarety), and attempt to bring joy and prosperity to those they encounter in life; be it through charitable means, artistic imspiration, or both.  As members of the surfing community, these guys are the true role models for today's youth, be they groms or non-surfers.  They live life by their own terms and leave the world better for it... 

The do not run the rat race... they ride the wave of life!

So, who's your favorite and why?