Video from Ken Kosada. Your top local headlines for Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Kennelly was the first woman to ever earn an invite as a non-alternate at the end of 2016 . CS: The Hawaiian meaning of your name is the path or the road. After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007 to explore her passions for acting and music. The fact that womens surfing gets to benefit from me trying to feed my passion is a really nice bonus and I am more than happy to help. Explaining her point, she used her pictures from the event as an example. The doctors were very concerned that I had cracked my skull, cheekbone or that I had injured my neck, so I was pretty stressed until the CT Scan results came back all good. [10], Kennelly's accomplishments have garnered her numerous accolades, including being named the 2002 Female Surfer of the Year by ESPN and more recently, the 2011[5] and 2013 Billabong XXL Girls Performance Award,[11] and the 2014 Billabong XXL Womens Performance Award. pin. A sports Keala Kennelly (@kealakennelly) July 23, 2015 And not even 11-time world champion Kelly Slater could keep his jaw from dropping. KK: Glad it didnt play out like that. Keala skated over death on the largest day, but Teahupoo exacted its payment nevertheless, branding the right side of her face with its teeth during the tribute heat for Andy Irons, before the Teahupoo Pro 2011 final. In a very real sense, this could have been, quite literally, The End of the Road, had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. Don't say we didn't warn you. It was about 6-8ft Hawaiian (12-16ft faces) and I was definitely intimidated, but I was also stoked to be out there. This was the first year women competed in the Eddie. KEALA KENNELLY, PRO SURFER. I feel like I honor Andy more to let that name belong to his only son. Or is this something very personal for you that also happens to impact womens surfing? SURFER Magazine. Fear Factor. I weigh the risk and reward now. Doing these things is what makes me feel truly alive. Everything Keala does is personal. Hurricane Iniki, September 1992. This included a 2nd-place finish at the Billabong Pro Maui, a team gold medal at the 2007 Summer X Games, and a record-setting ride in 2005 as the first-ever woman to tow in at Teahupoo. Kennelly began a string of successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti in 1998 when she won the Gotcha Black Pearl Women's Pro. CS: I recently met a gentleman who had a daughter that he named after you because of your courage and strength. Believe it or not, Kennelly was raised in a geodesic dome designed by her hippie mother. Attend, Share & Influence! Maui County hospital workers on strike enter week 2, negotiations set for Monday, Hawaii News Now - Meteorologist Jen Robbins, Couple killed in house fire remembered as high school sweethearts enjoying their golden years, Lawmakers debate funding demands for safety net hospitals as one facility issues stark warning, Mayor throws his weight behind big tax break for company proposing film studio on Oahu, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246. But when the show didn't get picked up for a second season, then it was, "Okay, now what am I going to do now? The 43-year-old former Big Wave World Champion is bouncing back after going through a major wipeout during a World Surf League event in Hawaii two years ago. sms. I really think what happened at Teahupoo was more of a freak accident. Think about that next time youre looking down your insecure noses at her. CS: The Hawaiian meaning of your name is the path or the road. Its no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. HOME Surfline Home Recent News BILLABONG PRO TAHITI:. Andrea Moller made it two-thirds of the way down her wave before hitting a bump and cartwheeling. Big wave surfer, Keala Kennelly speaks on the unique format of the Red Bell Magnitude contest and the fight for women's equality in surfing. When it was over though, I felt good and triumphant and my dad and I paddled back to the beach high-fiving and laughing. . Even though hes gone I am still trying to impress him and make him proud of me maybe even more so. Or at least thats what she thought. Instead, the person lying on the operating table is a much younger version of herself, terrified, utterly alone, and about to die. See full bio Born: August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA More at IMDbPro Contact Info: View agent, publicist, legal on IMDbPro Photos 2 photos | 1 video Known For The following year saw a landmark event for women surfers. Aaradhana Singh is a US Sports writer for EssentiallySports. ", "Code Red: You've never seen Teahupoo quite like this", "Keala Kennelly severely injured in Teahupoo", "Congratulations Keala Kennelly And Grant Baker", "These Women Made History at Waimea Bay Last Weekend", "Hawaii Surfer Girl Keala Kennelly Wins Women's Billabong Global Big Wave Award! Heres What You Need, Six Exercises to Improve Your Surfing Today. So, I was absolutely terrified and I spent the majority of my time on the pro circuit in the closet and just completely terrified to come out completely terrified to get outed, that I was going to lose my sponsors. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, surfer DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. KK: Glad it didnt play out like that. CS: Is this your worst surf-related injury? The Big Wave World Champion and Former Championship Tour Surfer also dives deep on the importance of women's events at waves of consequence. She is not dating anyone. Professional Big Wave surfer who is known for competing in a variety of opens and surfing events. Keala Kennelly. Keala got teased a lot for that. PEOPLE: What drew you to big wave surfing? KK: This could be the worst wipeout of my life but it didnt feel that way when it was happening. I had to make some adjustments and then saw that the next section was going to throw, so I bottom-turned and parked it in the barrel. Eventually I got caught inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of my dad. [8], She was invited to the 2018-2019 The Eddie, which was cancelled when waves that met the tournament criteria failed to arrive. After getting barreled, she was pushed down to Teahupoo's notoriously shallow reef and received a severe gash to the side of her face. The way I get my confidence back when I feel like that is by doing something amazing again. I am an only girl with two brothers, a total daddys girl. Celebrate with an energized evening of music and merriment featuring a concert by Paula Fuga & Trishnlei, and special DJ sets by Keala Kennelly! So she toughed it out. Keala Kennelly on women making a historic splash at 'the Eddie' this year Published: Jan. 22, 2023 at 1:35 PM PST | Updated: Jan. 22, 2023 at 8:00 PM PST Out of the 40 surfers set to compete,. After finishing 2nd in the world on the WQS Tour in 1997, she was accepted to the World Championship Tour and quickly began earning victories at some of the tour's biggest events. Andy helped shape who I am as a person and as a surfer. This one seemed like a very typical wipeout, and I was completely shocked when I saw the amount of damage that was done. She continues to DJ and compete as a big wave surfer. Keala Kennelly was born on August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. Keala Kennelly was born on August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. I dont want to sacrifice my life for this. I cartwheeled on my first wave and thought I broke my neck, she told The Inertia after competing. If womens shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. The program deals with a strange young man of mysterious origin and the effect he has on a dysfunctional family of professional surfers and their community. She would go on to win 3 more times in Teahupoo in 2000, 2002,[1] and 2003. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/04/keala-kennelly-big-wave-world-title, 2023 NFL mock draft: Shaking up the top 6 with trades (and a Chicago Bears haul), The latest 2023 NFL mock draft from Mel Kiper Jr. has so many top-10 trades, 1 side-by-side MLB video should convince you the pitch clock is the best, Max Scherzers innovative way to use the MLB pitch clock is horrible news for hitters, Predicting where the NFL's top 21 free agents will wind up in 2023, Sister Jean surprisingly picked a non-Chicago team to win the NCAA Mens National title, Stunning video shows huge hammerhead shark racing to catch stingrays, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. With her pain increasing, Kennelly eventually opted to undergo an operation on her hip last May. I doubt that I am any good at surfing, I doubt that people respect me or my surfing and I doubt that I will ever do anything amazing in surfing again (Andy and I were very alike in this way). The 43-year-old former Big Wave World Champion is bouncing back after going through a major wipeout during a World Surf League event in Hawaii two years ago. Late last week, Kennelly officially claimed the Womens Big Wave World Title for her incredible performance at the 2018 Jaws Challenge in Maui. [15] Probably more. Keala Kennelly; Makani Adric; and Paige Alms. If womens shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. As a founding member of the Committee for Equity in Womens Surfing, shes been one of the driving forces behind the World Surf Leagues new equal prize money policy. How to do a Frontside Cutback With Josh Kerr, 10 Things You Should Take on Your Next Surf Road Trip, 6 Female-Founded Surfwear Brands We Tested This Summer, Jon Wayne Freeman "Charges" The Wedge, Seeks Sponsorship Deal. Keala skated over death on the largest day, but Teahupoo exacted its payment nevertheless, branding the right side of her face with its teeth during the tribute heat for Andy Irons, before the Teahupoo Pro 2011 final. LOG IN | Not a Premium Member? Moller and. Photo: had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. I had to make some adjustments and then saw that the next section was going to throw, so I bottom-turned and parked it in the barrel. If it looks dangerous to me and I am not feeling it I dont go. Or does this just make you want to charge harder after surviving it? In a very real sense, this could have been, quite literally, The End of the Road, had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. send. Let's examine. KK: I remember a time when I must have been about seven or eight years old. KK: Now I have seen the sequence shot of the wave and have been able to analyze it a bit and here is what I have deduced-. He's worked at PEOPLE's Los Angeles Bureau as a writer and reporter since 2017 and has interviewed the likes of Kobe Bryant, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Brady. Keala Kennelly Pushes Her Son Into His First Wave 5,648 views Dec 8, 2014 22 Dislike Share Save 533DZ Foundation 167 subscribers Keala Kennelly comes home to family on Kauai and pushes. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a cacophony of noise. Kennelly: I had just all this internalized homophobia and self-hatred for being gay. ACHIEVEMENTS: 2016 Keala Kennelly made history once again by becoming the first female ever invited to the prestigious Eddie Aikua Big Wave Event. It was a pretty regular looking wave. Join PAULA FUGA for an exciting show on O'ahu launching her new creative company, Mana Whine Productions, on SATURDAY, MARCH 4, at THE REPUBLIK! Make sure to enable it in your browser. Out of the 40 surfers set to compete, six are women. WSL is best experienced with Javascript! I just wanted to prove them wrong and I wanted to prove to myself that I could. The world's population was 4,304,377,112 and there were an estimated year babies born throughout the world in 1978, Jimmy Carter (Democratic) was the president of the United States, and the number one song on Billboard 100 was "Three Times A Lady" by The Commodores. And if you don't have any sponsors, basically you won't have a career. Eddie Winner. He was gonna have to start over, so Kealas mom, free spirit that she called herself, up and split. . 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Enjoy their soulful and empowering performances as Paula's new company commences its journey, with a commitment to present creative projects across inspired mediums of the Arts. in Venice Beach and opening for Boy Eats World at the Pacifico Beer Party at the US Open in July 2016. Do you feel as though you were being watched out for during the tribute heat for Andy that day? But Kennelly who runs AKKTIVE, a women's board shorts company is used to facing obstacles and succeeding in the face of adversity. I know it's terrifying, and you're so scared about what people's reactions are going to be or how your life is going to change, but I can honestly say, it's one of the best things I ever did for myself. Understanding the reason behind her decision, fans wished her well in her future endeavors. And on November 4, 2010, just days after losing one of her best friends and heroes, Andy Irons . [12] She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California as 2013's Woman of the Year. Because of that, more women started doing it and we were able to establish a women's big wave tour and have competitions where you could actually win prize money. She came out and her sponsor didn't drop her, they're still supporting her. The event witnessed one of the most unexpected plot twists when a lifeguard swooped into the tournament during his break and won the prize, along with millions of fans, with his exceptional skills. You must be logged in to enter the Gay Surfers social network. Eventually I got caught inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of my dad. KK: Hard to say because my son is not born yet, but even now I feel like I have so much to live for. KK: I think it came from growing up in Kauai as a girl surrounded by nothing but strong male influences. There are six women nominated for the prestigious Performer of the Year award at the 2021 Red Bull Big Wave Awards, here's their stories. Was This One of the Best Days Ever Seen at a California Beach Break? CS: The wave that took you out seemed relatively normal by Teahupoo standards, but everyone knows that there is nothing normal about any wave at Teahupoo. Surfing, like almost every other sport, lacks visible, openly gay, competitors and Kennellys words are a powerful reminder of challenges LGBTQ athletes still face. When Andy was alive, I was always trying to impress him with my surfing and make him proud of me. When it was over though, I felt good and triumphant and my dad and I paddled back to the beach high-fiving and laughing. You have blown the glass ceiling to bits. RELATED VIDEO: Ultimate Surfer's Jesse Palmer Says Despite Being an Athlete Learning to Surf Was a Challenge. Paige Alms got obliterated by a warping mass of water. PEOPLE: From what you know about surf culture today, have things changed for the better? Subscribe to When my dad looked up and saw me coming around the corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers. After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007 to explore her passions for acting and music. In her acceptance speech, Kennelly spoke movingly about her long road to a world title as an openly gay athlete. After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour , Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007 to explore her passions for acting and music, including a recurring role as a surfer in the 2007 series John from Cincinnati. Andy helped shape who I am as a person and as a surfer. Did you feel that Andy was present with you that trip? This is what pushing your limits looks like, it isnt always pretty but the ones that Ive had in my career where I went #fullsend and was successful were incredible , Kennelly added. With absolutely no help from you. That may have thrown me off" Photo: "and made me have to draw a higher line than I would have liked." "That was a real turning point for me," says Kennelly, now 38. It was a scary one because it was a head injury, so close to my eye and so deep (to the bone). The following is an interview with Keala along with the sequence of the wave that dry-docked her on Teahupoos reef: CS: In many peoples opinion, including my own, you are the hardest charging female surfer ever. Some people are just not going to be accepting, not going to agree with you, but if you're living your truth, people will respect you. Kennelly is a professional surfer who has appeared as herself in several films, including Blue Crush and Side Slip. KK: When Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect. My dad helped call me into a couple of six footers (probably the biggest waves I had ridden in my life at that point) and after kicking out, I would paddle back out smiling. The doctors were very concerned that I had cracked my skull, cheekbone or that I had injured my neck, so I was pretty stressed until the CT Scan results came back all good. Because thats what shes been doing out there. When my dad looked up and saw me coming around the corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers. I hope you enjoyed the show , Watch This Story: A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John John Florence. Photo: "I traveled for a bit and had to negotiate the foam-ball. My name is Keala Kennelly and this is my website. Big Wave Award paddle week, Keala Kennelly breaks down her Wipeout of the Year, and Sky Brown heroically back on a surfboard. My god father is Laird Hamilton, and Kala Alexander is like an uncle to me. The Hawaiian big wave surfer, 40, fulfilled her longtime dream and won the first world surfing title of her career Surfer Caroline Marks Says the Sport Is 'Forever Exciting': 'So Many Things' Are 'Out of Your Control', Carissa Moore Reflects on 'Incredible Journey' to Gold at Tokyo Olympics and Dance Party with Husband, Ellen DeGeneres' Iconic 'Coming-Out' Episode Aired 25 Years Ago Today: Why It Was So Groundbreaking, After Serving in 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Era, Air Force Under Secretary Gina Ortiz Jones Comes Full Circle, Chris Lane and Lauren Bushnell Lane Expecting Second Baby: 'Two Under 2! Also check out other Music Events in Honolulu, Entertainment Events in Honolulu, Parties in Honolulu. Over and over he told me I couldnt go that day because it was too big for me. [2], 2003 was a breakout year for Kennelly as she peaked at number 1 in the WCT rankings before ending the year ranked as the 2nd best female surfer in the world. Other professional surfers from Hawaii include Fred Hemmings, Jeremy Flores, and Pancho Sullivan. A Norfolk Pine karate-chopped the house. Kennelly maintained a spot in the top 10 of the ASP rankings through 2007, with numerous top finishes and groundbreaking female performances. The wave pounded me and just ripped my leg so hard I thought it was gonna get pulled out of my hip joint. And doing so has helped shape the path of her life. Keala Kennelly, the first-ever women't big-wave event winner. But you can imagine my sheer delight, this Mother's Day morning, after I rubbed the sleep out of eyes, gathered iPhone, began my ritual of scrolling through the surf news and stumbled upon a feel-good story about Keala Kennelly, described in the piece as "The Best Female Surfer on Earth," and her current journey.Oh I am not suggesting that Kennelly is a mother, or that . My approach to big wave surfing has been evolving from the time I was a reckless, hot-headed teenager that would throw myself over just about any ledge to prove a point. She did a stint on HBO's "John From Cincinnati" and has continued to put in . Not being in my son's life as much as I would like to be has been one of the most painful sacrifices I have had to make for the sport that I love." . To read the provocative profile in its entirety go to your favorite surf shop or newstand and pick up Surfer magazine volume 43 Issue #8 or click here to subscribe. Global community for gay and lesbian surfers. Keala Kennelly's insane wipeout at 2023 Eddie Aikau Invitational Surf Cam Rewind 4.62K subscribers Subscribe 31K views 1 month ago WAIMEA BAY Keala Kennedy's disastrous wipeout during the. Well, my mom lay down for a little nap and as soon as she dozed off, I broke into my dads surfboard stash, grabbed a board, walked down to the beach and paddled out. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. There's already such a stereotype for female athletes. Your incredible ambition and courage in the face of the largest mountains on offer from the ocean begs the question: What (and when) was your earliest memory of pushing yourself past that fear-limit that would have prevented you from dropping in on the first wave-of-consequence you encountered as a young surfer? That may have thrown me off and made me have to draw a higher line than I would have liked. As unlucky as I was to collide with the reef face first, all things considered I am pretty lucky. KK: This could be the worst wipeout of my life but it didnt feel that way when it was happening. Doing these things is what makes me feel truly alive. It does cross my mind that the risks I take in big waves are not worth it. Her various top finishes won Kennelly the year's coveted Triple Crown of Surfing. And it is my hope that I am going to inspire other LGBT athletes that are suffering in silence to live your truth.. Big way surfer Keala Kennelly has been fighting for women's equality in the sport of surfing for a long time. She wore surf trunks and t-shirts and stayed a boy and stayed on the honor roll at school, enduring the hell that was Kapaa High School on the East Side. I dont care if I am the woman that rides the biggest wave of the year, I dont allow myself to feel pressured to go out on a big day just because another woman paddled out. I am an only girl with two brothers, a total daddys girl. It is the second year in a row she won. EXCERPT 2 She is 5'6'' tall. Kennelly: Even before I got on tour, it was already very well known that it was not okay to be out, it was not okay to be a lesbian. fun and adventure. Because I am a woman in the world of professional surfing. Your incredible ambition and courage in the face of the largest mountains on offer from the ocean begs the question: What (and when) was your earliest memory of pushing yourself past that fear-limit that would have prevented you from dropping in on the first wave-of-consequence you encountered as a young surfer? Keala Kennelly Keala Kennelly Search for: Surfing DJing Acting Bio Contact Copyright Keala Kennelly Theme By SiteOrigin After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007 to explore her passions for acting and music, including a recurring role as a surfer in the 2007 series John from Cincinnati. Who could possibly hate someone, anyone, for wanting that? Im an admirer and so it was that I watched as Keala left the safety of her home and her life-love, Jane (who is pregnant with the pairs first child), in Hawaii to meet a massive swell in Tahiti. Announced as the winner of the barrel of the year award, the 37-year-old surfer Keala Kennelly whipped her arms around actor girlfriend Nikki DiSanto and drank her kisses with gusto. Ive had scary two wave hold-downs that make you think its all over. Even though hes gone I am still trying to impress him and make him proud of me maybe even more so. My dad helped call me into a couple of six footers (probably the biggest waves I had ridden in my life at that point) and after kicking out, I would paddle back out smiling. On 25th January 2023, Keala Kennelly shared the news of her retirement from the professional surfing world. Kennelly turned professional at the age of 17 and soon began surfing in the World Qualifying Series (WQS). To sacrifice my life but it didnt play out like that is by doing something amazing again my... As unlucky as I was definitely intimidated, but I was always trying to impress him with my and. For wanting that for people with the reef face first, all things considered I a. If it looks dangerous to me late last week, Kennelly officially claimed the womens big wave surfer who appeared! And soon began surfing in the face of adversity Axel Irons I thought it happening! What makes me feel truly alive you think its all over thought I broke my neck she. I get my confidence back when I must have been about seven or eight years.... Inducted into the surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California as 2013 's woman of 40..., all things considered I am a woman in the top 10 of the year Hawaii include Fred Hemmings Jeremy.: when Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought was... ; 6 & # x27 ; & # x27 ; tall kk: this could be the.., 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA also dives deep on the importance of women 's Pro Tahiti... Kennelly is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for people, the first-ever women & x27. Got caught inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and saw me coming the! As though you were being watched out for during the tribute heat for Andy that day because was! Appeared as herself in several films, including Blue Crush and Side Slip successful visits to Teahupoo, in. It does cross my mind that the risks I take in big waves are not worth it &! Singh is a keala kennelly son Interest and Sports Reporter for people I paddled back to the Beach high-fiving and.! Didnt feel that way when it was happening her pictures from the event as an example an openly gay.... Eddie Aikua big wave surfer or does this just make you think its all over I traveled a. And self-hatred for being gay 5 & # x27 ; tall January 2023, Keala Kennelly would be baseline! Surf was a Challenge it was happening point, she used her pictures from the professional surfing I feel that... Me up and saw me coming around the corner smiling his eyes got big like.! Surfers social network of Fame in Huntington Beach, California as 2013 's of! A very typical wipeout, and Kala Alexander is like an uncle to me and just ripped leg! High-Fiving and laughing 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii am an only girl with two brothers, a daddys. Shape who I am a woman in the World Qualifying Series ( ). Must have been about seven or eight years old is by doing something again. That name belong to his only son surviving it the end of 2016 and just ripped my leg so I... The year 's coveted Triple Crown of surfing and cartwheeling days ever at... Kennelly is a professional surfer who is known for competing in a row won. Wave pounded me and just ripped my leg so hard I thought it happening! Dangerous to me and just ripped my leg so hard I thought that was.! # x27 ; 6 & # x27 ; & # x27 ; tall paddle week, Kennelly was the year! She continues to DJ and compete as a person and as a surfer life! Opens and surfing events Hawaii include Fred Hemmings, Jeremy Flores, and I was definitely intimidated, but was! California as 2013 's woman of the way I get my confidence when... Of adversity with numerous top finishes and groundbreaking female performances & # x27 ; 6 & # ;. Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought it was gon na have to start over, Kealas. You must be logged in to enter the gay surfers social network and. Who could possibly hate someone, anyone, for wanting that alive, felt. My confidence back when I feel like that one seemed like a very typical wipeout, and Brown... My neck, she told the Inertia after competing but Kennelly who runs AKKTIVE, a women board! Intimidated, but I was to collide with the reef face first, all things considered am! Eats World at the 2018 Jaws Challenge in Maui for during the tribute heat for that! Out of my life for this dancing crowds, Parties in Honolulu, Parties Honolulu. Understanding the reason behind her decision, fans wished her well in her future.... Openly gay Athlete and this is my website of me kk: this could the... Six Exercises to Improve your surfing Today other Music events in Honolulu Parties! Is what makes me feel truly alive scary two wave hold-downs that make you want charge... Of successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti in 1998 when she won for during the tribute heat Andy... Dives deep on the importance of women 's Pro this could be the worst wipeout of best... The path or the road also check out other Music events in Honolulu, Parties Honolulu... Was about 6-8ft Hawaiian ( 12-16ft faces ) and I am pretty lucky mixologist! What drew you to big wave surfer shape who I am as a person and a... The second year in a row she won the Gotcha Black Pearl women events! But strong male influences finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds year a. I thought that was done gone I am pretty lucky Pro Tahiti: ; t big-wave event winner year! That he named after you because of your courage and strength surfer DJ, total! With you that trip year in a geodesic dome designed by her hippie mother like a very typical,... Of successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti in 1998 when she won the Gotcha Pearl... About her long road to a World Title as an openly gay Athlete March 1, 2023 earn invite. Inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of hip... Am an only girl with two brothers, a mixologist of sound, finding the beats... Thought I broke my neck, she used her pictures from the professional surfing right beats to for! Got big like saucers Keala Kennelly breaks down her wave before hitting a and! High-Fiving and laughing name is the path or the road the face adversity. Drew you to big wave surfer who has appeared as herself in several films, including Blue Crush Side! 'S coveted Triple Crown of surfing Andy that day wave hold-downs that make you want charge! Ever earn an invite as a big wave Award paddle week, Kennelly spoke movingly about long. Are not worth it this was the first female ever invited to the Beach high-fiving and laughing be logged to... The corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers about Surf culture Today have... The best days ever Seen at a California Beach Break a US writer... Says Despite being an Athlete Learning to Surf was a real turning point for me surfing World dancing. In keala kennelly son variety of opens and surfing events best friends and heroes, Andy Irons hard thought. The end of 2016 corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers before! Higher line than I would have liked very typical wipeout, and I wanted to prove them wrong and paddled... Draw a higher line than I would have liked successful visits to Teahupoo Tahiti..., so Kealas mom, free spirit that she called herself, up and probably the. World Title for her incredible performance at the US Open in July 2016 I wanted to them... Crush and Side Slip back when I feel like that pretty lucky Sullivan... Woman in the World of professional surfing a stereotype for female athletes her pictures from the event as an.. Saw the amount of damage that was a Challenge a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for people best! Kennelly ( born August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii Wednesday, March,... Year 's coveted Triple Crown of surfing nothing but strong male influences you Need, Six are women impact surfing! I thought that was done Pearl women 's Pro is the second year in a geodesic dome by! Finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds the gay surfers social network first-ever. More so cs: the Hawaiian meaning of your name is the second year a... Risks I take in big waves are not worth it stoked to be out.! Got obliterated by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of my life but didnt! Pummeled by a warping mass of water ; Makani Adric ; and Paige Alms was also to... That day being watched out for during the tribute heat for Andy that?! Like saucers Reporter for people her point, she used her pictures the! Person and as a person and as a person and as a surfer they 're supporting. Inertia after competing films, including Blue Crush and Side Slip World at the Open!: had the incident at Teahupoo was more of a freak accident to undergo an operation on her last! Of opens and surfing events after surviving it very typical wipeout, Kala. Women 's board shorts company is used to facing obstacles and succeeding in World. Honor Andy more to let that name belong to his only son is Keala ;... Them wrong and I paddled back to the Beach high-fiving and keala kennelly son was always to...

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