Strong grew up in Hawaii and found a love for the cement waves of the skate park at a young age. By the age of 13, Strong had earned his first skateboarding sponsorship, and by the time he was 17, he was on his way to a career as a professional skateboarder. Just 10 days before his 18th birthday, Strong was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a drunk driver in a head-on collision which led to the partial amputation of his left leg. As Strong got his mobility back after the accident, he wanted to do anything and everything — including snowboarding.