Kai Lenny

Kai Lenny is a professional big wave surfer, author, and television personality recognized for his contributions to water sports, including big wave surfing, stand-up paddling (SUP) surfing and racing, tow-in surfing, kite surfing, and hydrofoiling. Lenny is noted as a pioneer in hydrofoiling on the open ocean. Beginning his surfing journey at age 5, he became a sponsored professional athlete by age 10 and joined Red Bull as an athlete at age 13. Throughout his career, Lenny has demonstrated versatility across multiple disciplines in the surfing and water sports industry.

Lenny has completed the 50-kilometer Molokai to Oahu paddle multiple times, participated in the Professional Windsurfing Association World Wave Tour, secured runner-up positions at the Kite Surf Pro World Championships, and claimed the SUP World Title eight times. He is recognized as the most successful athlete in stand-up paddling.

Lenny is the author of "Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides of Our Lives," a photographic exploration of big wave surfing. He has appeared in the feature film "PE’AHI," as well as on Red Bull TV’s "Life of Kai" and HBO’s "100 Foot Wave." His achievements include windsurfing across Lake Michigan, racing the America's Cup Boat Oracle on a kite surfboard, and completing a kite SUP and windsurf journey from Maui’s North Shore to Waikiki in one day. Lenny has also used his platform to promote environmental awareness, including foil surfing and kiting 50 miles from the Big Island to Maui to highlight plastic pollution in the ocean.

Lenny was the youngest person inducted into both the Surfers’ Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame. He has won the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge in Portugal and received multiple World Surf League Big Wave Awards, including Ride of the Year and XXL Biggest Wave honors. He has also been recognized as the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association Waterman of the Year. Lenny founded the Positively Kai Foundation to promote ocean safety and youth development through water sports clinics.

In his presentations, Lenny shares experiences and insights on overcoming fear and pushing limits to achieve significant goals. His journey as an athlete and advocate provides perspective on personal growth and environmental responsibility, encouraging audiences to consider their own potential and the broader impact on the world.