Kai Lenny: Interesting Facts About The Hawaiian Waterman

Kai Lenny is widely regarded as one of the world's most accomplished and complete watermen.

Surfing Today FEBRUARY 3, 2020

The Maui-born athlete often credits windsurfing for helping him excel in big wave surfing, bodysurfing, hydrofoil surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), prone paddling, wing surfing, and canoeing.

In other words, when Lenny is in the water, we can inevitably expect him to deliver stunning performances in extreme ocean conditions, rivers, bays, lakes, and surf pools.

The all-round watersports fanatic enjoys stepping outside of his comfort zone - he takes high risks and expects high rewards.

Kai Lenny is a natural-born competitor, but also a methodical, disciplined, and highly organized professional.

The Hawaiian carefully maintains and selects his equipment, loves testing new shapes, and always watches a lot of videos before paddling out at new surf spots.

Kai is has a busy agenda, but when he is not chasing swells, the waterman dedicates his time to raising awareness about plastic pollution in the ocean and the dangers of microplastics.

Lenny also supports and sponsors children's events and several charitable projects.

The regular-footer is known for being a charismatic, friendly, polite, gentle, positive, and warm person, and his signature smile lights up everyone's mood.

Let's take a look at Kai Lenny's most important bio and career details.  Read More

THE FIRST STAND-ALONE ISA WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP TO TAKE PLACE THIS SEPTEMBER IN PERU - International Surfing Association

La Jolla, California, August 22, 2013- The International Surfing Association (ISA) is excited to announce the first stand-alone ISA World Longboard Championship this September at the legendary break of Huanchaco, Trujillo, Peru. More; THE FIRST STAND-ALONE ISA WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP TO TAKE PLACE THIS SEPTEMBER IN PERU - International Surfing Association

Tom Blake was a Badass / Surfer Magazine

And other things I learned in "Tom Blake: The Uncommon Journey of a Pioneer Waterman"

Tom Blake was a man’s man, a jack of all trades and one of modern surfing’s most decorated forefathers. This book, Tom Blake: The Uncommon Journey of a Pioneer Waterman, is a comprehensive look at his life and legacy. This review is anything but. Whet your appetite on a few tales here, and then go buy a copy of the book here.

Blake was from Wisconsin. Born in 1902 in Milwaukee, which isn’t a beach town but it at least has Lake Michigan. His father Tom Sr. was a bicyclist and a dancer, his mother, Blanche, a stenographer who died when he was eleven months old. When he was nine he watched a newsreel of surfers in Waikiki, and at 18 he met Duke Kahanamoku in Detroit after the 1920 Olympics; these two events would combine to be the catalyst for Blake’s lifetime commitment to surfing.

Noseriding: the art of balance in surfing / Surfer Today

Noseriding is the ultimate maneuver in classic surfing. The art of hanging five and ten toes was born in the early 1950s, but has been conquering new grounds and enthusiasts in the modern world.

Longboarders say it's one of the most accomplished maneuvers in surfing. Noseriding is a wide concept involving a large number of maneuvers and tricks.  More; Noseriding: the art of balance in surfing

The 2013 Waterman's Challenge Pro/AM and Luau - Cocoa Beach, FL

 

Only 3 weeks until the 2013 Waterman’s Challenge and Luau Weekend in Cocoa Beach, FL. The event starts Friday, May 31 and runs through Sunday, June 2. Friday night registration begins at 5pm on the deck of Mambos, International Palms Resort. Heats start Saturday morning. Saturday night is the Luau at the International Palms. The finals are on Sunday. Follow The 2013 Waterman’s Challenge and Luau on Facebook for updates!

 

Competitors will receive not only a commemorative Waterman’s Challenge T-Shirt, but a gear bag to carry all their goodies in as well. Don’t miss this event!

 

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE TWO DIFFERENT WAYS:

 

In PDF Format: 2013 Entry Form

 

Online Entry through Eventbrite (AMATEUR Divisions) AND Eventbrite (PRO Divisions)

Waterman’s Challenge SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

CHALLENGING CONDITIONS FOR DAY 3 OF 2013 REEF ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES IN PANAMA

Day 3 offered challenging conditions for the world’s best surfers in the 2013 Reef ISA World Surfing Games. The morning’s extreme low tide combined with small waves caused for competition to go into a holding pattern. Once the tide increased, the waves improved and competition started at 11am.

New Zealand’s Ella Williams, with radical turns like this one, was one of the Open Women’s standouts of the day.

Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The third day of competition featured Open Women’s Repechage Round 1, Women’s Qualifying Round 2 and Open Men’s Repechage Round 1. The Repechage is do or die. If an athlete places 3rd or 4th in this round, they are out of the competition.

“The competition is now reaching its critical stages when athletes can’t afford to lose or they will go home,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I have been watching the world best men and women surfers compete in beautiful Santa Catalina on the live webcast all day. If you haven’t been watching, you are missing out. Make sure to stay tuned all week.”

EXCELLENT SURFING DURING DAY 1 OF THE 2013 REEF ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES IN PANAMA

The 2013 Reef ISA World Surfing Games kicked off with excellent waves in the head-high to overhead range at the world-class reef break in Santa Catalina, Panama.

Santa Catalina in all its glory. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The surf conditions were spectacular with offshore winds and clean, overhead waves that brought all the teams to the edge of the cliff overlooking the reef to watch the action.

The waves were powerful and hollow, allowing for a variety of maneuvers from barrels to airs and powerful turns.

“It was amazing watching the live webcast and the incredible waves in Santa Catalina on the first day of the 2013 Reef ISA World Surfing Games,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The people of Panama and all of the fans watching the live webcast around the world are in for an amazing show throughout the whole competition. Watch it live everyday on www.isawsg.com!”

EPIC FINAL DAY AT THE 2013 ISA WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONS IN MONTAÑITA, ECUADOR

During an epic day of amazing waves and tremendous surfing performances, the 2013 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship officially closed.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre and Ecuador Vice-Minister of Sport Augusto Moran applaud Team Hawaii, which is once again the ISA World Masters Team Champions and winner of the Eduardo Arena Perpetual Team Trophy.

Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The waves were incredible throughout the Finals. The morning heats saw glassy surf in the 6-8 feet range at the perfect right hand point-break in Montañita, Ecuador. A gentle onshore breeze picked up mid-morning, but the waves remained consistent and pumping all day

Team Hawaii successfully defended their title of World Team Champions and winners of the Eduardo Arena Perpetual Team Trophy, named after the Peruvian founder and first President of the ISA in 1964.

“Huge congratulations to all of the winners. This was an amazing competition with great waves and excellent performances from all athletes,” commented ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Thank you to everyone that helped organize this amazing event including the President of Ecuador Rafael Correa, the Minister of Sport Francisco Cevallos and the Deputy Minister Augusto Moran, and the over 20 government organizations that helped make this World Championship a reality. Ecuador is an incredible surfing destination. We plan to come back next year with another ISA world championship.”

SOLID OVERHEAD WAVES CONTINUED FOR DAY 2 OF THE ISA WORLD MASTERS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP IN ECUADOR

Australia’s Layne Beachley was on fire today with a near a perfect heat, scoring 19.87,

the contest’s first perfect 10-point ride. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

 

Amazing conditions continued during Day 2 of the 2013 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship with 4-6 feet waves in beautiful Montañita, Ecuador.

Day 2 featured the opening rounds of the Kahunas (over 45), Grand Kahunas (over 50), Women’s Masters (over 35), and Qualifying 2 of the Masters (over 35) and Grand Masters (over 40).

Australia’s Layne Beachley was on fire today scoring a near perfect heat with a 19.87, including the contest’s first perfect 10-point ride. Beachley’s back up score was a 9.87. The 2011 ISA Women’s Masters Champion and 7x ASP World Tour Champion easily defeated Andrea Lopes (BRA, 11.27), Heather Clark (ZAF, 9.80) and Veronique Hayon (FRA, 4.16).

“The waves were amazing today and the performance level from the world’s best Masters was just as good,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The camaraderie on the beach between all the National Teams and the local Ecuadorians is putting out a great vibe. Wave conditions are expected to continue in the head-high range tomorrow, so don’t miss a minute of the live webcast.”

New Smyrna Beach hosts NSSA regional event for promising amateurs

Since moving their premier Right Coast event an hour and a half north to New Smyrna Beach from Sebastian Inlet a couple years ago, the NSSA has reveled in the kind of consistency that only... well, the most consistent surfbreak on the East Coast can offer. And consistency is key in amateur competition, especially when you're dealing with half a thousand competitors surfing in 25 separate divisions.

"The 21st annual NSSA East Coast Championships saw nearly five hundred East Coast contestants vying for Regional titles," writes longtime NSSA Executive Director Janice Aragon. "[This was] one of the largest fields to compete at a Regional Championship event and the largest of the East Coast Championships.

Many thanks to the City of New Smyrna Beach, the NSSA directors and staff for assisting us in staging a professional quality and structured event for the East Coast Regional Championships."

New Smyrna Inlet's delectable waist to chest-high peaks provided many highlights -- detailed in the captions that follow -- that sufficiently blew the minds of even the most suspicious local sentinels checking out the action.

EXCELLENT CONDITIONS FOR THE FIRST DAY OF THE 2013 ISA WORLD MASTERS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP IN ECUADOR

The Right-Hand Point Break of Montañita Showed Its True Potential

 

The ISA World Masters Surfing Championship kicked off with excellent waves in the 4-6 feet range in the perfect right hand point-break in the beautiful town of Montañita. Thousands of fans gathered to see the world’s best over-35 year old surfers put on spectacular performances in the surfing capital of Ecuador.

An aerial view of the contest site and the perfect waves in Montañita. Photo: Raul Guerra

“We are here in beautiful Montañita for the first day of the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The waves are over-head and the world’s best masters surfers are in the water. If you have been watching the live webcast, come back again tomorrow. If you have not,

 tune in and you will see the incredible waves of Montañita and amazing surfing performances.”
Day 1 of the 2013 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship kicked-off with nine heats of Qualifying 1 of the Grand Masters (over 40) division. South Africa’s Wayne Monk put on the best performance in the division, scoring the highest total heat score of 14.57, beating Roni Ronaldo Da Rosa (BRA, 11.50), and Kenneth Avila (CRC, 10.47).

THE ISA WORLD MASTERS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP IS OFFICIALLY OPEN

.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre along with Minister of Sport Jose Franciso Cevallos and the Governor of Santa Elena John Paul Soto Garcia amongst the flags of the National Teams declared the 2013 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship officially open. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

20 National Delegations Marched Through the Streets and Beaches of Montañita in front of Thousands of Locals during the Opening Ceremony.

The 2013 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship was officially inaugurated Saturday, April 6, 2013. In attendance were the 20 countries that traveled to Ecuador from every corner of the world. Local authorities, officials and thousands of enthusiastic locals were witnesses to the start of the World Championship.

The National Delegations congregated in the heart of Montañita and walked through the streets that were filled with local supporters. The Parade of Nations route then took a turn to the beach and finished at the Concha Acustica stage that was located adjacent to the ocean. When arriving to the main stage, each flag bearer waving their national flag, poured sand from their local beach into a glass container symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

Kelly Slater will pursuit a big wave bodyboarding career

Kelly Slater will pursuit a big wave bodyboarding career: Kelly Slater will join the future Big Wave Bodyboarding Tour and prepares a new line of bodyboards featuring the flag of Florida and its great seal.

 

Source; Surfer Today

Harley Ingleby And Georgia Young Win Australian Longboard Surfing Open

KINGSCLIFF, NSW/Australia (Sunday, March 24, 2013) - A day of challenging conditions welcomed competitors to the final day of competition at the Australian Longboard Surfing Open in Kingscliff.

The men’s and women’s ASP LQS division finals had contrasting tales, with Georgia Young (AUS) and Harley Ingleby (AUS) coming away convincing winners.

Harley Ingleby © Luke Sorensen

Harley Ingleby (AUS), 2009 World Longboard Champion, got out to a strong start and never looked like relinquishing his lead throughout the final.

“It’s always so hard to beat Taylor (Jensen) in these kind of conditions,” Ingleby said. “I really just stayed focused and I’m so stoked to get the win. It’s been too long since I’ve won a contest and hopefully I can carry this momentum into the ASP World Longboard Championships in China later in the year.”

Ingleby will also take home another $1200 for taking out the Noserider division.

Taylor Jensen (USA), reigning two-time ASP World Longboard Champion was forced to play catch up throughout the final and in the end it cost him the chance to defend his event title.

“It was almost 15 minutes until I got a wave higher than a 1 or 2 and that makes it hard,” Jensen said. “That’s just how it goes sometimes and congrats to Harley (Ingleby), he surfed well all event.”

Taylor’s next big project is learning to become a dad with him and his partner Nava expecting a baby
in the next 4-5 weeks. We wish them all the best on this new adventure!

In the Cancer Institute ASP LQS women’s division Georgia Young (AUS) snatched victory from Crystal Dzigas (HAW) in the dying minutes of their final to take out her first Australian Longboard Open.

Georgia Young © Luke Sorenson

“I was getting so nervous as the heat went on but I finally found the wave I needed in pretty hard
conditions and I’m just so happy to win that one,” said Young.

Dzigas on the other hand was disappointed in letting victory get so close before being overtaken in the final minutes.

“I knew I was right in it with a chance, but then to lose it like that in the end is pretty hard. I blew it, but that’s surfing for you!” Dzigas said.

Ingleby Lays Down Challenge In Dominant Semifinal at Australian Longboard Surfing Open

KINGSCLIFF, NSW/Australia (Saturday, March 23, 2013) - 2009 ASP World Longboard Champion Harley Ingleby (Emerald Beach, NSW) has sent an ominous warning to his rivals in a dominant display in his ASP LQS Semifinal bout in the Australian Longboard Surfing Open at Kingscliff.

2009 ASP World Longboard Champion Harley Ingleby (Emerald Beach, NSW) advanced into the final of the Australian Longboard Surfing Open today. Photo Credit Luke Sorensen

While the conditions were very challenging today with 2 foot (1 meter) of east swell and moderate onshore winds the sand-bank was still doing its thing, with running right handers offering high scoring potential to those who could find the right waves.

That is exactly what Ingleby did, scoring the highest heat total (16.34 out of a possible 20) and the highest wave score (8.67 out of a possible 10) of the day to easily take the heat win over Justin Redman (AUS), Ray Lawrence (AUS) and Jackson Close (AUS) finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

“I think it helped that I was just out there on my big 10 footer for the noserider heat and then getting back onto my normal board, it just felt so responsive,” said Ingleby.

And in a worrying sign for his rivals Ingleby feels like the best is yet to come. “I definitely feel like I am yet to peak in this event and I’m really looking forward to the final!”

Reigning ASP World Longboard Champion Jensen Continues Dominance At The Australian Longboard Surfing Open

KINGSCLIFF, NSW/Australia (Wednesday, March 20, 2013) - With challenging 2 foot waves and shifting winds on offer, surfers really had to rely on smart wave selection and some creative surfing for day one at the Australian Longboard Surfing Open at Kingscliff, NSW today.

Taylor Jensen (USA), Reigning two-time ASP World Longboard Champion is still in red hot form.

Pic ASP/Luke Sorensen

Taylor Jensen (USA) Reigning two-time ASP World Longboard Champion, excelled in the tricky conditions cruising through his Round 1 heat and absolutely destroying his opponents in their Quarterfinal scoring an amazing near-perfect heat total of 19.57 (out of a possible 20), the highest of the day.

“It’s funny but the waves that look good aren’t really that good, the smaller ones kind of double up and run further so I just looked for those runners and I found two of them and it worked out,” said Jensen.

Australian Longboard Surfing Open Set To Commence In Fun Waves

KINGSCLIFF, NSW/Australia (Tuesday, March 19, 2013) - Over 140 surfers from around the globe are set to go head-to-head in one of Australia’s premiere long-boarding contests; The ASP LQS Australian Longboard Surfing Open, which kicks off tomorrow and runs till Sunday (March 20-24th).

Dane Pioli Winner of the 2012 Noseriding Division. Photo Credit Andrew Carruthers

 

The Australian Longboard Surfing Open will showcase the world’s best surfers including current ASP World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA), 2009 ASP World Longboard Champion Harley Ingleby (AUS), multiple Australian Champion Jackson Close as well as female longboarding superstars from Japan, Taiwan, Brazil and Hawaii.

Former 3-time event champion, former Australian Title Holder and defending nose riding champion, Dane Pioli is pumped up to get back to the event that he has had so much success with in the past.
“I’m so excited for this year’s event!” Pioli said. “I’m looking forward to catching up with everybody and also pumped to try and get a fourth title. Bring it on!”

2013 Calema Midwinters Festival warms up to the wind and cold

Kelly Park, Merritt Island, FL (March 3, 2013) - The 2013 Calema Midwinters Festival was not short on exciting windsurfing action despite the cold and windy weather.   The event in its 27th year continued its tradition bringing together World Cup Pros, Olympic Class Competitors, Beginner sailors and all other levels in between.  Featured as part of the event were the KONA National Championships as well as the TECHNO 293 North American.

Photo; Dave Crago

96 competitors in all from around the globe competed in this event, as winds came up on the final day of competition with gusts up to 40 mph and temperature dropping in the afternoon causing everyone to bundle up on and off the water.  Regardless, spirits remained high as the competition continued throughout the day.

"Sailors from Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, USA, Israel, Spain and Sweden all having a great time - international relations are GREAT when windsurfing is involved!" said Tinho Dornellas owner of Calema Windsurfing and Watersports 

Photo; Dave Crago

Top finishers making it to the podium in each class are listed below.  For complete results, go to; http://calema.com/calema-midwinters-2013/calema-midwinters-results/

Formula

1             A1                         Abram, Nahuel
2             ISR1                      Pinheiro, Mathias
3             BEL29                   Waerzeggers, Christophe

Kona     

1             1490                     Sayre, Nevin
2             2032                     Larsson, Joachim
3             2185                     Gottlieb, Steve

Longboard

1             818                       Voith, Chris
2             534                       Olivier, Dan
3             US21E                  Borash, Myles

RSX

1             USA529                Lopez, Raul
2             CAN51                  Fugere, Jean-Sebastien
3             USA528                Rudich, Jonathan

Techno

1             USA242                Cramer, Steven Lloyd
2             PER50                  Bazo, Maria Belen
3             USA108                Nores, Geronimo

Sport Formula

1             D26                       Ashcraft, Debbie
2             IN13                      Ferrer, Albert
3             KA                         Ashley, Kyle

Sport Longboard
1             1                            Downey, Linda
2             1935                      Lyreborn, Johan

See more photos of the event at; http://www.davecragophotography.com/p474895264

Calema Windsurfing & Watersports; http://calema.com/

Cancer Institute NSW On Board As World’s Best Prepare For Australian Longboard Open

COOLANGATTA QLD/Australia (Tuesday 5 March 2013) – Some of the world’s best female Longboarders are preparing to descend on Kingscliff from March 20-24 to contest Australian Longboard Surfing Open and gain valuable qualifying points in the 2013 ASP Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS).

ASP No. 1 seed Georgia Young competing at the 2012 Swatch Girls Pro China. Pic ASP/Robertson

Australia’s number one ranked ASP competitor, Georgia Young (WA), will be out to improve upon her disappointing equal 13th position in 2012 and is looking forward to surfing Kingscliff again.

“I’ve surfed Kingscliff quite a lot over the last few years, and it’s a great wave,” said Young. “It can be a little tricky when it’s big, but if you pick off the right wave it’s a perfect right hander that offers a few different sections. It’s a great competition. It’s fantastic to have a LQS divisions for both men and women, as well as the amateur and retro divisions. It pulls together a really good crew of surfers and makes for a fun event.”

HOLDING TRUE TO COURSE: The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau

WAIMEA BAY, Oahu, Hawaii – (February 20, 2013) – Twenty-eight years along in the life of The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave invitational, an ASP Specialty Event, we are reminded that what helps to make The Eddie great are often the times it doesn’t run. For all these years Contest Director George Downing has maintained a strict 20-foot minimum wave requirement that has ensured the event only takes place on the most memorable of days at Waimea Bay.

Patience is a virtue. Hopefully the Eddie will run in 2013!

 



The Eddie was last held in December of 2009, won by Greg Long. It nearly ran again on January 20, 2011. The tower was built and the stage was set. But while a sea of spectators filled in through the night, a consistent 20-foot-plus swell did not. As difficult as it was to call a “No Go” that morning, it was clearly the right call, keeping the prestige and integrity of the event intact.