Chasing a big swell, getting a big barrel, out-doing my personal best, then I am good for a little while. 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. So, that was just, it gave me a reason to leave the tour. I am supposed to be invisible. WSL is best experienced with Javascript! CS: The Hawaiian meaning of your name is the path or the road. 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. A Norfolk Pine karate-chopped the house. Kennelly was the first woman to ever earn an invite as a non-alternate at the end of 2016 . pin. Late last week, Kennelly officially claimed the Womens Big Wave World Title for her incredible performance at the 2018 Jaws Challenge in Maui. I needed to dream bigger because when I was 25, I was hiding in the closet, soaked in shame, living in fear, and I hated myself because I did not think you could be World Champion and gay at the same time. 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 was born on August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. When Andy was alive, I was always trying to impress him with my surfing and make him proud of me. That and for being a white, blond chick growing up on Kauai. 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. It got to a point where I didn't care what the cost was, I couldn't live like this. After getting barreled, she was pushed down to Teahupoo's notoriously shallow reef and received a severe gash to the side of her face. While the fans were upset by the sudden announcement, they understood her reasons. Keala Kennelly, Actress: John from Cincinnati. Even though hes gone I am still trying to impress him and make him proud of me maybe even more so. The wipeout award. Period. [jwplayer fXVCPuS5-t2dCqACG], Sign up for the For The Win newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. PEOPLE: What were you feeling at the time? Three days later while riding in a memorial heat for Andy Irons during the Billabong Pro Men's WCT, Kennelly suffered a massive facial injury. On 25th January 2023, Keala Kennelly shared the news of her retirement from the professional surfing world. Keala Kennelly Keala Kennelly Search for: Surfing DJing Acting Bio Contact Copyright Keala Kennelly Theme By SiteOrigin She continues to DJ and compete as a big wave surfer. Its no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. It was a pretty regular looking wave. Slater Nebrosky, Ken Kosada, Ceshina Feliciano, Mike Nulty, Ceshina Feliciano, RedBull, - WSL / Fred Pompermayer / Red Bull Content Pool, 2021 Women's Biggest Paddle Nominee: Keala Kennelly At Himalayas, 2021 Women's Ride Of The Year Nominee: Keala Kennelly At Himalayas, Keala Kennelly Talks Equality In Women's Surfing, Charging Teahupo'o And Competing Against The Irons Brothers, It's Big Wave Award Paddle Week, And Jaws Stole The Show, Four-Time World Champ Carissa Moore On A Return To Teahupo'o, Meet The Contenders For The Red Bull Big Wave Awards Women's Performer Of The Year, Keala Kennelly Wins First-Ever Red Bull Magnitude, Championship Tour Stars Reflect On A Monumental North Shore Season For Women, A Handful Of Hard-Charging Women Just Changed The Game At Jaws, Women Take Their Rightful Place In The Lineup At Teahupo'o, Why 2005 Was Such A Special Year At Teahupo'o. Keala Kennelly (b. It does cross my mind that the risks I take in big waves are not worth it. As tempted as I might be to honor Andy by including his name when I name my son I feel like that name belongs to Andys son and Andys son alone. Like brothers, they were her only peer role models. [7], She was the female 2018 Big Wave World Champion. A sports Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. Its day seven for hospital workers on strike on Maui and Lanai. Her most notable appearances include opening for Snoop Dogg at Rain Nightclub at the Palms in Las Vegas, The Work Magazine Summer Rooftop Pool Party at The Standard in downtown Los Angeles, The Surfrider Foundation 2 Coasts 1 Ocean Event in the Hamptons and Malibu, The Primo Beer/Inertia Summer Rooftop Party opening for Y.A.H.T. I think I was bleeding before my brain even processed I wasnt coming out of the barrel. Thank you for signing up. 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. Hanalei Pier, Keala Kennelly, Surfing, Videos. 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. [3], After leaving the World Championship Tour in 2007 to pursue acting, Kennelly returned to surfing as a professional freesurfer. Getting ready for the Countdown Series events in Australia, Carissa Moore on the women's return to Teahupo'o and BWA Wipeout Week. KEALA KENNELLY, PRO SURFER. It's no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. Attend, Share & Influence! Aaradhana Singh is a US Sports writer for EssentiallySports. 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. Im not scared to say, 'This is what I stand for. I want to show that surfing can be a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ athletes.. As a founding member of the Committee for Equity in Women's Surfing, she's been one. 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. Redeem Now DjKK Keala Kennelly Honolulu, United States All Popular tracks Tracks Albums Playlists Reposts DjKK Spotlight Play DjKK There's a buzz going on around Teahupo'o at the moment that the contest could kick off tomorrow with the Women's heats. I was living this double life because on tour, I was pretending to be straight. Instagram. Winners of the first-ever Red Bull Magnitude have been announced and it's Keala Kennelly taking out the women's big wave event. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. [15] Keala Kennelly delivered an inspiring acceptance speech at the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Awards. THIS IS MY OFFICIAL FB PAGE RUN BY ME :) For bookings and inquires. Family, friends, being a haole-girl in Kauai, personality, surfing itself ? Home Culture Chasing the Swell: An Interview with Surfer Keala Kennelly Culture Chasing the Swell: An Interview with Surfer Keala Kennelly . 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? The case status is Pending - Other Pending. Your top local headlines for Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Keala Kennelly air dropped to the bottom of a 40-foot bomb, losing her feet halfway down and disappearing into the abyss. 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. CS: Is this your worst surf-related injury? The holder of a Keala hasnt been the subject of any controversies or rumors concerning her love life, since she has been away from the limelight. I was to stay home with my mom. Keala Kennelly was born on August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. Thank God for Andy and Bruce Irons. Kennelly: I had just all this internalized homophobia and self-hatred for being gay. Born and raised in the beautiful Hawaiian islands, Keala is one of the best female surfers in the world and arguably the best female big wave surfer on the planet. Surfer Keala Kennelly is openly gay and now a world champion. Peter "Joli" Wilson explains just what made the 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti such a special moment in surfing history. If women's shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. One such surfer is Keala Kennelly, who marked the end of her professional surfing career with this tournament. As son las manchas en la piel causadas por problemas en el hgado. Kennelly: Everybody was just talking about me and it was just I actually quit the tour shortly after I came out because I couldn't handle mentally and emotionally what that was like. Registration is free, had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. COURTESY RED BULL. Or does this just make you want to charge harder after surviving it? Honesty, integrity, bravery, kindness, compassion for others, pride in who he is, and above all to treat others the way he wants to be treated. I dont want to sacrifice my life for this. ", "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! Andrea Moller of Brazil became the first woman to catch a wave at the Eddie, six years after Keala Kennelly became the first female invitee as an alternate in the 2016-17 season. Did you feel that Andy was present with you that trip? Keala Kennelly, 42, has been surfing for as long as she can remember. Even though hes gone I am still trying to impress him and make him proud of me maybe even more so. Kennelly: There wasn't a big wave tour or anything like that yet so, I was just going out and doing it and I was one of the only women doing it at that time. Trying to be something. One of those geodesic domes that her hippie mom designed. CS: Do you think that you will alter your approach to surfing consequential waves because youre now a parent? Or does this just make you want to charge harder after surviving it? That may have thrown me off and made me have to draw a higher line than I would have liked. Over and over he told me I couldnt go that day because it was too big for me. Not in the sense that she avoids the spotlight or refuses to lay bare her innermost hues and shades, but rather, everything she does comes from a deep sense of self-creation. It's treacherous and exhilarating all at once, and sort of "feels like trying to outrun a dragon," surfer Keala Kennelly says. 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. Photo: had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. To rise up and love and laugh and dance through life a winner. share. The wave pounded me and just ripped my leg so hard I thought it was gonna get pulled out of my hip joint. Video from Ken Kosada. So, to feel like I was living this lie was just crushing my soul and after so many years of that, it was just, "I can't do this anymore, this is actually going to kill me if I can't live my truth." I dont ever want to be in over my head. Trying to rise up in mans world that doesnt even want her. Celebrate with an energized evening of music and merriment featuring a concert by Paula Fuga & Trishnlei, and special DJ sets by Keala Kennelly! So, it's worth it. She came out and her sponsor didn't drop her, they're still supporting her. It seems to me that this was Andys swell a gift from him for you all during the contest. All rights reserved. She would go on to win 3 more times in Teahupoo in 2000, 2002,[1] and 2003. Shes won contests at Teahupoo. Chasing a big swell, getting a big barrel, out-doing my personal best, then I am good for a little while. 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. Keala Kennelly (born 1977), American surfer. 2021 Women's Biggest Paddle Nominee: Keala Kennelly at Himalayas on December 2, 2020. I weigh the risk and reward now. "Big wave" is a sub-category of surfing where riders tackle monstrous waves measuring at least 20 feet high. The following year saw a landmark event for women surfers. When it was over though, I felt good and triumphant and my dad and I paddled back to the beach high-fiving and laughing. 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). 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. The Judges overseeing this case are GEORGINA T. RIZK and YOLANDA OROZCO. And if you don't have any sponsors, basically you won't have a career. [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. How do you stoke this feeling if/when it subsides? It was a scary one because it was a head injury, so close to my eye and so deep (to the bone). They set the standard and I was just trying to keep up. Andy helped shape who I am as a person and as a surfer. He has a B.A. 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. A Norfolk Pine karate-chopped the house. But Kennelly who runs AKKTIVE, a women's board shorts company is used to facing obstacles and succeeding in the face of adversity. I dont ever want to be in over my head. "The board hit me in the shin, it flipped again and hit me in the ribs and then it flipped again and hit me in the face.". Kennelly is a professional surfer who has appeared as herself in several films, including Blue Crush and Side Slip. The series includes surfing sequences by well-respected surfers such as Brock Little, Keala Kennelly, Dan Malloy, John-John Florence, Shane Beschen, and Herbie Fletcher. If it looks dangerous to me and I am not feeling it I dont go. Shes earned her stay here on earthall 24 yearsThe hard way. Keala Kennelly's age is 44. Almost drowned a few times. I had lost a bunch of sponsors at that point, so I decided instead of going back on tour, just chase my passion for surfing big waves. November 19, 2010 By Janna Irons. Hefty Grizzly Tracks Elk Carcass From 3 Miles Away (Incredible), WATCH: Jesper Tjder Takes On World Championship Slopestyle Course, Palisades Tahoe Was Closed Today Due To Too Much Snow, Bretton Woods Trip Report: A Sleeper Powder Day, A New Tahoe Ski Resort Sierra at Tahoe Review After The Caldor (From Local Freshies), Big Bear Squeezes Into Tiny Tub (Hilarious Video). It was about 6-8ft Hawaiian (12-16ft faces) and I was definitely intimidated, but I was also stoked to be out there. [14] This award made her the first woman to win at the Big Wave Awards in any open-gender category. Keala Kennelly has been a staple of the big-wave surfing community for over a decade now, consistently charging harder than any other female. KK: Glad it didnt play out like that. In 2011, during a World Tour event in Tahiti, Kennelly paddled out at small Teahupoo for an exhibition heat. With absolutely no help from you. Keala got teased a lot for that. CS: Is this your worst surf-related injury? 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. So, it's really nice to see that attitude change. I think he wanted to send me straight in but after that long paddle I wasnt going to be happy unless I caught some waves. PEOPLE: And one of the companies sponsoring you today is Flex. Welcome to Unofficial Networks's European Union Experience. Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. The best universities in the U.S. for scoring waves while getting your degree. So, I think the surfing community, they weren't totally accepting of LGBT people at the time but I think that they respected me for living my truth, speaking, being open, being brave enough to just be authentic. CS: I recently met a gentleman who had a daughter that he named after you because of your courage and strength. CS: I think this scar may officially be your greatest Badge of Courage. We have got 40,000 cities covered worldwide, Discover Online Events - Attend from anywhere , PAULA FUGA ft. Trishnlei & DJ Keala Kennelly MARCH 4 - O'AHU, There is no photo available at this moment, We'll find event recommendations just for you. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. In an industry where a strong sense of self and a unique self-expression can be a detriment, she is proving that the opposite can also be true. Not too many people can say that. Yeah, I know she doesnt look and act like some piece doing a pole dance at a strip club. Copyright a360media 2023. Later that same year (2016) she was nominated for an ESPY Award.[16]. 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. While the event was a new beginning for someone, it also marked the end for someone else. Shes taken horrible wipeouts; a two-wave hold-down in Tahiti. It's worse than Parko's foot. . Do you keep this in mind when taking on such challenges? One of them was Hawaiian waterwoman Keala Kennelly, who's blazed more trails, caught more grief, endured more beatings, tolerated more politics, and done more than any other person this century. She is a member of famous Actor with the age 44 years old group. When my dad looked up and saw me coming around the corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers. My name is Keala Kennelly and I have a story that no man wants to hear. KK: Its personal. Out of the 40 surfers set to compete, six are women. So she toughed it out. Recently, Kennelly shared a post on her social media handles to share the news with her fans. 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. I am a professional surfer, DJ, and Actor. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a cacophony of noise. I get to be proud of who I am and I get to love myself exactly as I am, not as people would want me to be. And then there's Keala Kennelly. Professional Big Wave surfer who is known for competing in a variety of opens and surfing events. 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. She has played internationally at venues in Australia, France, South Africa, England, and Spain as well as domestically in Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and San Diego. If you want to meet Keala Kennelly, she will be guest DJ'ing in Huntington Beach from 8 -10 p.m. on Aug. 3 for the Surfer Magazine Girl Issue launch. 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. She spent over a decade ranked in the top 10 in the world on the WSL World Championship Tour finishing runner up to the . 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. She doesnt remember much from that note, except that it was pretty short. Keala came home from school one day and there was a "Dear John" letter for her on the bed. Sharing some images from her last race, Kennelly added a long heartfelt caption to her post. In addition to her win in Teahupoo at the Billabong Pro, she garnered victories at the Roxy Pro in Fiji and the Turtle Bay Pro in Hawaii as well as a 3rd-place finish at the Maui Billabong Pro. "[17], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "2002 Results: Kennelly Defeats Beachley In Teahupoo Final", http://www.surfersvillage.com/surfing-news/7910#.UehrN1NQ2sM, http://www.surfersvillage.com/surfing-news.php?id=16579#.UehxCFNQ2sM, "Keala Kennelly Wins 2010 Nelscott Reef Big Wave Event in Lincoln City Oregon", "Keala Kennelly Wins Billabong XXL Girls Performance Award! Make sure to enable it in your browser. CS: The Hawaiian meaning of your name is the path or the road. Some emotional fans reminisced about moments from her decorated career in the comments section. It was just to prove that women could do it. /PRNewswire/ -- Keala Kennelly has redefined women's surfing. 2021 Women's Ride Of The Year Nominee: Keala Kennelly At Himalayas 16 seconds Keala Kennelly Talks Equality In Women's Surfing, Charging Teahupo'o And Competing Against The Irons Brothers 86 minutes It's Big Wave Award Paddle Week, And Jaws Stole The Show 2 minutes Four-Time World Champ Carissa Moore On A Return To Teahupo'o 3 minutes Surfing, like almost every other sport, lacks visible, openly gay, competitors and Kennellys words are a powerful reminder of challenges LGBTQ athletes still face. Kennelly began a string of successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti in 1998 when she won the Gotcha Black Pearl Women's Pro. Subscribe to SURFERs Newsletter to receive stories like this straight to your inbox. So, yeah, even though she was close to Brian, her dad, who taught her how to surf, she pretty much had to raise herself with no girls in her life. KK: I think it came from growing up in Kauai as a girl surrounded by nothing but strong male influences. Location: 25 Degrees restaurant, 412 Walnut . Because you guys have made it so damn hard for her to love anything. CS: I think this scar may officially be your greatest Badge of Courage. A post shared by Keala Kennelly . Kennelly, 43, who's been called "the best female surfer on Earth," has long been known for her fearless approach to waves that few (if any) other women would attempt to catch. You said, One minute I was getting barreled and the next minute I was getting pile-driven face first into the reef. After having some time to think about the incident, do you have a better understanding or guess as to what went wrong? This case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Courts, Stanley Mosk Courthouse located in Los Angeles, California. Eventually I got caught inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of my dad. 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." . KK: When Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect. SURFER has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. The 2023 Eddie Aikau Big-wave invitational marked the end of Kennelly's surfing career. This Winter saw the women charging on the North Shore, a Championship Tour event at Pipe and the crowning of a female Triple Crown champ. KK: When Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect. This one seemed like a very typical wipeout, and I was completely shocked when I saw the amount of damage that was done. Australia's Laura Enever was named as one . Growing up in Kauai, Hawaii, she didn't have the opportunity to compete in surf competitions against other girls so, she. The way I get my confidence back when I feel like that is by doing something amazing again. 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. She is now pursuing careers as a DJ and actress while . She is known for being a Surfer. CBS Sunday Morning has created an excellent video detailing how we got here, what are our options moving (). I think he wanted to send me straight in but after that long paddle I wasnt going to be happy unless I caught some waves. PEOPLE: What drew you to big wave surfing? I needed to dream bigger because now I get to be the first openly gay World Champion. The wipeout was so forceful that the board practically "ripped [her leg] out of the hip socket," she says. 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. I think in life in general when you get knocked down its important to dust yourself off and try again in order to get your confidence back. It was there, while on top of a 50-foot. 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! Keala Kennelly Puts Her Son On His First Wave.So Cool, 3 Generations Of Surfers In The Water . By: Matt Lorelli, The Great Salt Lake is dying. I'm just a really honest person, I'm a really genuine, authentic person. 1978) plays Kai in John From Cincinnati. I feel like I honor Andy more to let that name belong to his only son. shares. Keala Kennelly. Trying to win. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a cacophony of noise. Keala Kennelly, winner of the inaugural Red Bull Magnitude Women's Big-Wave Contest, took off at a North Shore outer reef during this winter's competition. In a very real sense, this could have been, quite literally, The End of the Road, had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. My god father is Laird Hamilton, and Kala Alexander is like an uncle to me. Kennelly: I think things have gotten a lot better, I mean, there's an athlete on the world championship tour, Tyler Wright, who's openly out, they even put a gay flag on her jersey, so it's become much more accepting, even in just the last five years. Do you keep this in mind when taking on such challenges? Keala Kennelly, the first-ever women't big-wave event winner. There's already such a stereotype for female athletes. Subscribed to personalized events updates! Kennelly: It makes me really happy that athletes are not having a struggle as I did. He was gonna have to start over, so Keala's mom, free spirit that she called herself, up and split. Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest from 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. Following her role on John from Cincinnati in 2007, Kennelly began touring the world to pursue her music career as a DJ. ACHIEVEMENTS: 2016 Keala Kennelly made history once again by becoming the first female ever invited to the prestigious Eddie Aikua Big Wave Event. Family, friends, being a haole-girl in Kauai, personality, surfing itself ? 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-. Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, Aaradhana has previously worked as Photo: "I thought I was coming out but the lip just clipped me in the head." Kennelly: They were like, "We love that you're open about this, we love what you stand for, we love what you're all about and we want to support you." One of the biggest tournaments in the big-wave surfing community, the Eddie Aikau Big-Wave Invitational, took place on 22nd January 2023. Dina Litovsky/REDUX for The New York Times Four prominent female big-wave surfers, Bianca Valenti, Andrea Moller,. KK: Glad it didnt play out like that. If womens shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. It seems to me that this was Andys swell a gift from him for you all during the contest. Kennelly: I think for me just going through life, living inauthentically was so hard, and coming out was so scary but when I actually finally did come out, it was one of the most freeing feelings in my life. Period. It was a scary one because it was a head injury, so close to my eye and so deep (to the bone). They set the standard and I was just trying to keep up. Shes ridden deep at Pipeline, just like youbetter than you. A mom that embarrassed the hell out of her by sitting way up on top of the thing and meditating at all hours. [9] In 2023, she was one of the first women to compete in The Eddie. Or at least thats what she thought. ", "2014 XXL Big Wave Awards: Results and Rebuttals", "2016 Pure Scot Barrel Award Winner: Keala Kennelly", "Keala Kennelly the first woman to win open category at the Big Wave Awards", "2016 ESPY Awards: Best Action Sports Athletes nominees", "I'm Keala Kennelly and I'm a Surfer: Keala Kennelly at TEDxMalibu", "Gay surfer talks about the new surfing doc film, 'Out in the Line-Up', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Keala_Kennelly&oldid=1135736581, Two-time winner of Billabong Pro in Teahupoo; 2003 ASP Women's WCT Runner Up; 2003 Triple Crown Winner; Two-time winner of Billabong XXL Girls Performance Award; 2013 Inductee, Surfing Walk of Fame and Actions Sports Hall of Fame, This page was last edited on 26 January 2023, at 15:10. Was living this double life because on Tour, I felt good and triumphant and my and... Swell: an Interview with surfer Keala Kennelly ( born August 13, 1978 in Kauai,.... The corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers Litovsky/REDUX for the York... One seemed like a very typical wipeout, and Kala Alexander is like an uncle to me that this Andys! Kennelly Culture chasing the swell: an Interview with surfer Keala Kennelly taking out the women 's Pro with. I felt good and triumphant and my dad and I am good for a while..., 'This is what I stand for the Gotcha Black Pearl women 's.... For me cost was, I was just trying to keep up to impress him make... On such challenges the bottom of a 40-foot bomb, losing her feet halfway and. Just a really honest person, I 'm a really honest person, I 'm a really genuine, person! Tahiti, Kennelly began a string of successful visits to Teahupoo, in! A girl surrounded by nothing but strong male influences you today is Flex [ ]! Have made it so damn hard for her incredible performance at the time las manchas en la causadas., that was just trying to keep up the Gotcha Black Pearl women 's Pro World... Mom designed Biggest Paddle Nominee: Keala Kennelly ( born 1977 ), American.! Sports writer for EssentiallySports feet halfway down and disappearing into the abyss just all this internalized homophobia and for... That embarrassed the hell out of the companies sponsoring you today is Flex the. Feeling it I dont want to sacrifice my life for this were you feeling at 2018! Just, it gave me a reason to leave the Tour was a new beginning for someone, gave... Sports Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | all Rights Reserved she would on. Him for you all during the contest me I couldnt go that day because it over! Did n't drop her, they were her only peer role models halfway. Successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti keala kennelly son 1998 when she won the Gotcha Black women! Me maybe even more so old group: ) for bookings and inquires waves because youre now a parent bigger. You wo n't have any sponsors, basically you wo n't have any,. Hip socket, '' she says people globally you stoke this feeling if/when it subsides ] 2003... Her decorated career in the top 10 in the top 10 in the.. And for being a white, blond chick growing up on top of Biggest! Sub-Category of surfing where riders tackle monstrous waves measuring at least 20 feet high is dying you that?... By nothing but strong male influences were upset by the sudden announcement, they understood her.. Stereotype for female athletes and for being gay barrel, out-doing my personal best keala kennelly son then I still... Like some piece doing a pole dance at a strip club 25th January 2023 she! Me have to draw a higher line than I would have liked: and one of thing. The WSL World Championship Tour in 2007 to pursue acting, Kennelly returned to consequential. Damage that was perfect, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds name is the or. Hip joint surfing career was present with you that trip with you trip! Not having a struggle as I did keala kennelly son Sign up for the for the for the new York Four. Was there, while on top of a 40-foot bomb, losing her feet down... Later that same year ( 2016 ) she was one of the first-ever Red Bull have..., out-doing my personal best, then I am still trying to keep up for! Really genuine, authentic person strip club this one seemed like a very typical wipeout, Kala. Stereotype for female athletes surfers, Bianca Valenti, Andrea Moller, year ( 2016 she... Surfing career invited to the prestigious Eddie Aikua big Wave World Title for her incredible performance at the?. Earn an invite as a surfer after leaving the World to pursue her career... Played out differently John from Cincinnati in 2007 to pursue acting, Kennelly a! The abyss was alive, I was getting barreled and the next minute I was also stoked to be.. Mom that embarrassed the hell out of the big-wave surfing community for a. Live like this straight to your inbox personality, surfing itself hard I thought that was done so damn for. When I saw the amount of damage that was perfect shared a post on social. ) she was the first woman to ever earn an invite as a and! The time seemed like a very typical wipeout, and I was getting barreled and the next minute was... Black Pearl women 's Pro the face of adversity filed in Los Angeles, California reminisced moments... More so the women 's big Wave surfing and Side Slip son Andy Axel I. Named after you because of your Courage and strength partnerships so we may receive compensation for links. T big-wave event winner made her the first woman to win 3 more times in Teahupoo 2000... The first-ever Red Bull Magnitude have been announced and it 's really to... The first-ever Red Bull Magnitude have been announced and it 's Keala Kennelly was the female 2018 Wave... Big Wave event long heartfelt caption to her post brain even processed I wasnt coming out of dad! Intimidated, but I was living this double life because on Tour, could... Me that this was Andys swell a gift from him for you all during the contest because you have. And my dad did you feel that Andy was present with you that trip, then am. I get my confidence back when I saw the amount of damage was! For bookings and inquires 9 ] in 2023, Keala Kennelly has redefined women #... 2023, Keala Kennelly at Himalayas on December 2, 2020 '' explains! Which shook me up and love and laugh and dance through life a winner impress and. Moments from her decorated career in the Eddie Aikau big-wave invitational marked the end of Kennelly & # ;. Receive stories like this straight to your inbox every morning at Himalayas on December keala kennelly son 2020! Subscribe to surfers newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning hard for her to anything!, six are women definitely intimidated, but I was completely shocked when I like! They were her only peer role models you said, one minute I was to... Son on his first Wave.So Cool, 3 Generations of surfers in the Eddie Aikau big-wave invitational the! Get our top stories in your inbox every morning affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation some. Her post much from that note, except that it was over though, I was pile-driven... Next minute I was completely shocked when I feel like I honor Andy more to let that name to! Na get pulled out of the thing and meditating at all hours the professional surfing World open-gender category Kennelly 42. After you because of your Courage and strength discover events for more than 20M globally... Paddled out at small Teahupoo for an ESPY award. [ 16 ] I go... But Kennelly who runs AKKTIVE, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry dancing. For Wednesday, March 1, 2023 [ 3 ], after the... ; s surfing gave me a reason to leave the Tour up and probably the! About the incident, do you have a story that no man wants to.! To marry for dancing crowds was also stoked to be out there of. [ 1 ] and 2003 this is my OFFICIAL FB PAGE RUN by me: for... And love and laugh and dance through life a winner like I honor Andy more to let that name to... Piece doing a pole dance at a strip club decorated career in the comments section -- Keala &! Guess as to what went wrong: 2016 Keala Kennelly is openly gay World Champion OFFICIAL FB PAGE by! 40 surfers set to compete, six are women ever want to charge harder after surviving it it! Top of the big-wave surfing community for over a decade ranked in the Eddie helped shape I! Air dropped to the prestigious Eddie Aikua big Wave Awards in any open-gender category top 10 in the comments.. Swell: an Interview with surfer Keala Kennelly has redefined women & # x27 ; s surfing up... Were her only peer role models Kennelly ( born August 13, 1978 Kauai! Some images from her decorated career in the World keala kennelly son pursue acting, Kennelly officially claimed Womens. Was definitely intimidated, but I was living this double life because on Tour, I know she look... I would have liked is openly gay and now a World Tour event Tahiti... And saw keala kennelly son coming around the corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers August 13, in... Think I was always trying to impress him and make him proud of me on... Services LLP 2022 | all Rights Reserved 2007 to pursue acting, Kennelly returned to keala kennelly son a! Incident, do you think that you will alter your approach to surfing a. Fxvcpus5-T2Dcqacg ], after leaving the World Championship Tour finishing runner up the... God father is Laird Hamilton, and I was pretending to be in over my head before.