Surf Cat

Maui’s Kai Lenny puts his hands in cement during his induction into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, Calif., last month. Tom Servais photo

Maui’s Kai Lenny never thought that he would be considered one of the world’s greatest watermen.

Already getting his name in the history books at 26 years old is something a 4-year-old Lenny couldn’t have predicted.

“I always dreamt of being at this level with all these other sports, but I don’t think I ever imagined that I would go this far with them,” said Lenny, who competes in watersports ranging from surfing to kiteboarding to stand-up paddleboarding. “I always thought, if I was a young little kid again dreaming of all this stuff, and I knew where I’d be now, I think it would actually be intimidating because of all the trials and tribulations and persistence up to this point, it took a lot.”

Early last month, the Spreckelsville native became the youngest person to be inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, Calif., and to accept the SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturing Association) Waterman of the Year Award.

“I never thought I would make it to that point this early in my career, but the honor was just incredible and just motivating,” the seven-time Waterman League world champion said. “It’s just more motivation to want to earn more.”

Lenny competes in the foil division of the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships in July. M2O photo

On Aug. 22, Lenny was also honored as the newest and youngest member of the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Hall of Fame in Honolulu.

“It’s super cool to be considered at such a young age, but I’m sure there’s many people in the future who will be able to achieve something similar,” he said. “I’m basically taking it as motivation to uphold that award and kind of break more ground with the sports that I enjoy doing.

“I’m so lucky that I get to do what I do as my job, but if anything, if someone can be inspired with what I’m doing and helps them follow their path and their journey, then that’s huge,” he added.

Lenny learned to surf at the age of 4 at Ukumehame Beach Park, and since then, has collected a string of victories across all his disciplines.

“It didn’t happen overnight,” he said. “I definitely needed to put my blood, sweat and tears into everything. … I wouldn’t be able to do the things I need to do without the constant support from my family.”

Lenny accepts the Surf Industry Manufacturing Association Waterman of the Year Award last month. SIMA photo

Earlier this year, Lenny attended the World Surf League’s Big Wave Awards ceremony, collecting both the Men’s XXL Biggest Wave Award as well as the Men’s Overall Performance Award for his performance at the Jaws Challenge at Peahi in November.

He also won the 22nd annual Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships in the foil division in July, setting a new record time for the 32-mile course in 2 hours, 29 minutes, 38 seconds.

“Kai is the greatest waterman and probably the greatest waterman of all time,” said Aaron Pai, owner of Huntington Surf and Sport and the steward for the Surfers’ Hall of Fame. “Kai is doing the most amazing things on waves and showing the world new ways of riding the ocean’s energy.”

Up next, Lenny plans to compete in this season’s Big Wave Tour, with the Jaws Challenge competition window set for Oct. 1 to March 31.

“I really, really want to win,” Lenny said. “Not only that, there are many more events coming this winter, so I’m taking this period from September to early October to train and just hone in my skill-set and prepare for those events. … They can run on any given day, so it can be pretty nerve-wracking and you always have to be prepared.”

Lenny competes during the Jaws Challenge on Nov. 26 at Peahi. Martin Caprile photo

Even though Lenny has traveled the world for competitions and for other promotional gigs, Maui will always be his home, the place where it all started.

Some of his key spots are located along the northern coastline stretching to Kahului, but like many watermen, Lenny follows the surf reports and weather conditions.

“I’ve pretty much traveled everywhere on the planet, but Maui has something special about it,” he said. “It’s not only the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, but it’s also good for every watersport I get to do.”

* Dakota Grossman is at dgrossman@mauinews.com

Kai Lenny poses next to a banner of himself during the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Aug. 22 in Honolulu. Tom Servais photo