[5][6] In 1999, after years of not competing, Smith placed Third in the Master's Division of the Van's Triple Crown of Skateboarding in Huntington Beach, California behind Steve Caballero and Jeff Grosso.

Mike Smith is one of a kind and is probably one of the most gorgeous human beings to ever drop in to a vertical transition surface.

In an interview filmed for the Hall of Fame's official website, world champion skateboarder Tony Hawk[9] spoke of Smith, "It was so fascinating to watch him.

[13] Smith grew up in the South Bay region of Los Angeles in the town of Hermosa Beach, California and attended Mira Costa High School (Class of 1984).

[15][16][17] First released in 1985 by Huntington Beach-based Madrid Skateboards, the Mike Smith Duck, featuring original graphics by artist/skater John Lucero, was one of the brand's most popular models.