Tomas Hermes is a prototypical Brazilian battler: determined, hardworking and earnest. At 30, he’s also a testament to what endless positivity and belief can achieve when you never give up on a dream. But he's far from a single-minded contest machine. Hermes, perhaps more than any other longtime Qualifying Series battler, is soaking up the journey. He and his wife Ana are prolific videographers, and their shared passion provides a welcome outlet from the constant heat preparation. While his peers are often holed up in hotel rooms waiting for their next heat, Hermes is more likely out with his wife taking in the sites, meeting locals and capturing b-roll. While others lament the down time, he’s making the most of it, finding joy in the struggle. And Hermes love for a good aesthetic is visible in his dynamic brand of surfing. His smooth style is backed by a very diverse repertoire, which makes him a threat anywhere. Hermes has been hitting the Qualifying Series hard since 2011, and knocked on the qualifying door hard in 2014 and 2016, with 17th and 18th rankings respectively. He earned four CT starts as an injury replacement in 2015, but didn’t have much to show for it. In 2017, however, he finally broke through on the QS, nabbing a high-profile runner-up finish at the US Open of Surfing and a fifth at the Hawaiian Pro to end the season at No. 5. Today, with a beautiful list of new venues on their hit list, Hermes and his wife will be staying busy. With no QS wins to his name, Hermes arrives as a low-profile threat, but when he makes some noise – which will happen this year – fans are sure to fall in love with his vibrant energy.