share. When my dad looked up and saw me coming around the corner smiling his eyes got big like saucers. 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. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. As winter approaches, the ladies of big wave surfing . Fear Factor. Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest from 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 try to be very calculated about the risks I take and try to be very realistic with myself about where my limits are. Jack is first name and Mandanka is last name. Winners of the first-ever Red Bull Magnitude have been announced and it's Keala Kennelly taking out the women's big wave event. Later that year, Kennelly had a tow-in at Puerto Escondido that is considered to be arguably the best barrel by a female to date. KK: I remember a time when I must have been about seven or eight years old. 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. Later that same year (2016) she was nominated for an ESPY Award.[16]. I just wanted to prove them wrong and I wanted to prove to myself that I could. Keala Kennelly Keala Kennelly Search for: Surfing DJing Acting Bio Contact Copyright Keala Kennelly Theme By SiteOrigin 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. Because I am a woman in the world of professional surfing. LOG IN | Not a Premium Member? My name is Keala Kennelly and this is my website. KK: This could be the worst wipeout of my life but it didnt feel that way when it was happening. My god father is Laird Hamilton, and Kala Alexander is like an uncle to me. [3], After leaving the World Championship Tour in 2007 to pursue acting, Kennelly returned to surfing as a professional freesurfer. 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. Hurricane Iniki, September 1992. Stream DjKK music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud Limited Time Offer: Get 50% off the first year of our best annual plan for artists with unlimited uploads, releases, and insights. Do you feel as though you were being watched out for during the tribute heat for Andy that day? There's already such a stereotype for female athletes. Andy and Bruce Irons were like my brothers growing up, so I had a lot to prove in order to impress those guys. Believe it or not, Kennelly was raised in a geodesic dome designed by her hippie mother. Keala came home from school one day and there was a Dear John letter for her on the bed. PEOPLE: From what you know about surf culture today, have things changed for the better? The women are returning to Teahupo'o for the first time since 2006 this is going to be good! Over and over he told me I couldnt go that day because it was too big for me. 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. Instagram. The second installment in the series is Keala Kennelly's head on collision with Teahupoo's razor sharp reef. That may have thrown me off and made me have to draw a higher line than I would have liked. That and for being a white, blond chick growing up on Kauai. One of the biggest tournaments in the big-wave surfing community, the Eddie Aikau Big-Wave Invitational, took place on 22nd January 2023. "But it's not really the award you want to win when you set out at the beginning of the season.". Early on, her mom split. 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." [15] Thank you for signing up. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Kennelly began her acting career with a role in the 2002 film, Blue Crush, and later landed a recurring role on the 2007 HBO series, John from Cincinnati. Its no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. I dont ever want to be in over my head. All alone. Shes won contests at Teahupoo. Kennelly turned professional at the age of 17 and soon began surfing in the World Qualifying Series (WQS). As the weeks went by, Kennelly says she developed pain in her labrum (hip) caused by the board yanking the leash attached to her leg during the wipeout. Photo: "I thought I was coming out but the lip just clipped me in the head." Also Read: . 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. CS: I think this scar may officially be your greatest Badge of Courage. Despite feeling a lack of confidence because of not being able to surf up to my level post injuries and surgery, I sucked it up and gave it my all #fullsend., Very Few Are Mentioning Kelly: New Age Surfers Spark Intense Debate About Next Has it crossed your mind, at any time during this experience, that taking these risks is not worth it? KK: Glad it didnt play out like that. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. 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 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. [12] She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California as 2013's Woman of the Year. KK: I think it came from growing up in Kauai as a girl surrounded by nothing but strong male influences. 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. I try to be very calculated about the risks I take and try to be very realistic with myself about where my limits are. As unlucky as I was to collide with the reef face first, all things considered I am pretty lucky. As for Andy he is always with me. The case status is Pending - Other Pending. Growing up in Kauai, Hawaii, she didn't have the opportunity to compete in surf competitions against other girls so, she. I'm just a really honest person, I'm a really genuine, authentic person. Has it crossed your mind, at any time during this experience, that taking these risks is not worth it? Keala Kennelly retired from the ASP Women's World Tour in 2007, citing a lack of critical waves to keep her interested. And doing so has helped shape the path of her life. 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. 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. Key Life Moments and Career Achievements Keala Kennelly was born on August 13, 1978, in Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii. KK: When Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect. 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 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,. 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. I took off and it had a bit of bump that kept me from pulling into the barrel straight away. Eventually I got caught inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of my dad. ", "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! All rights reserved. The 2023 Eddie Aikau Big-wave invitational marked the end of Kennelly's surfing career. With absolutely no help from you. This one seemed like a very typical wipeout, and I was completely shocked when I saw the amount of damage that was done. I left the tour because, emotionally and mentally, I just couldn't handle it but I also got this really amazing opportunity to go do acting on an HBO TV series (2007's John from Cincinnati) for a year. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a cacophony of noise. KK: Glad it didnt play out like that. It's no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. Trying to be something. DJ Keala Kennedy performs at the GBK Pre-ESPY Event at Luxe On Rodeo Drive on July 11, 2017 in Beverly Hills. 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 . Kennelly: I had just all this internalized homophobia and self-hatred for being gay. Two lives lost in Makiki fire, a Vietnam War Veteran and an entertainer who raised a family together. It's treacherous and exhilarating all at once, and sort of "feels like trying to outrun a dragon," surfer Keala Kennelly says. 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? Thats why she knows what its like to win against impossible odds. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a. Andy helped shape who I am as a person and as a surfer. I weigh the risk and reward now. Almost drowned a few times. [9] In 2023, she was one of the first women to compete in The Eddie. During the 2005 May Dayz swell I can remember Keala Kennelly hanging on one of the boats with the Billabong crew. Why is it important to get back up and keep charging? Kennelly, the first openly gay surfer to win a world surfing title, speaks with PEOPLE about that time in her life and if she believes things have changed in the years since. Because thats what shes been doing out there. Over and over he told me I couldnt go that day because it was too big for me. This case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Courts, Stanley Mosk Courthouse located in Los Angeles, California. Her first fight was with a boy. Did you feel that Andy was present with you that trip? There were all these cautionary tales of, "You can't be a lesbian, it's career suicide.". JAMM AQUINO /. I feel like I honor Andy more to let that name belong to his only son. Andy and Bruce Irons were like my brothers growing up, so I had a lot to prove in order to impress those guys. lifeguard swooped into the tournament during his break, A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John John Florence. 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. 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. And yet I see and feel and love exactly the same things you assholes do. KK: Its personal. The confidence I have in myself does subside sometimes and I doubt myself. She shares a variety of her . KK: When Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect. My son Kekoa got to meet Andy's son Axel at Pinetrees yesterday. CS: Is this your worst surf-related injury? The way I get my confidence back when I feel like that is by doing something amazing again. Surfing, like almost every other sport, lacks visible, openly gay, competitors and Kennellys words are a powerful reminder of challenges LGBTQ athletes still face. "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.". 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. I feel like I honor Andy more to let that name belong to his only son. fun and adventure. ACHIEVEMENTS: 2016 Keala Kennelly made history once again by becoming the first female ever invited to the prestigious Eddie Aikua Big Wave Event. How do you stoke this feeling if/when it subsides? Sending her off on a happy note, fans cheered for her and wished her well. If womens shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. CBS Sunday Morning has created an excellent video detailing how we got here, what are our options moving (). My dad was going surfing on an outer reef in Kauai and I wanted to go with him really bad. So, that was just, it gave me a reason to leave the tour. Doing these things is what makes me feel truly alive. Keala Kennelly, the Hawaii-born professional surfer who suffered a severe injury to her head and face in 2011, won the Women's Best Overall Performance at the Billabong XXL Awards on Friday. Dating & Relationship status She is currently single. Keala Kennelly is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. Period. Heres What You Need, Six Exercises to Improve Your Surfing Today. He was gonna have to start over, so Keala's mom, free spirit that she called herself, up and split. EXCERPT 2 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. 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. CS: I recently met a gentleman who had a daughter that he named after you because of your courage and strength. RELATED VIDEO: Ultimate Surfer's Jesse Palmer Says Despite Being an Athlete Learning to Surf Was a Challenge. 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.. Don't say we didn't warn you. person at heart with a curious mind, Aaradhana is someone who is always up for Photo: "It threw me straight into the reef before I even realized what happened." Ive had scary two wave hold-downs that make you think its all over. I am a professional surfer, DJ, and Actor. You have blown the glass ceiling to bits. Some of her famous releases are the albums PCD (2005) and Doll Domination (2008). Also check out other Music Events in Honolulu, Entertainment Events in Honolulu, Parties in Honolulu. She is not dating anyone. 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. PEOPLE: How does that make you feel to see that? 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 there, while on top of a 50-foot. Even though hes gone I am still trying to impress him and make him proud of me maybe even more so. Its no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. . I think I was bleeding before my brain even processed I wasnt coming out of the barrel. KK: I remember a time when I must have been about seven or eight years old. In her acceptance speech, Kennelly spoke movingly about her long road to a world title as an openly gay athlete. She is an actress, known for John from Cincinnati (2007), Blue Crush (2002) and Beyond the Break (2006). 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. CS: Do you think that you will alter your approach to surfing consequential waves because youre now a parent? Or is this something very personal for you that also happens to impact womens surfing? Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. Out of the 40 surfers set to compete, six are women. 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