He began surfing at 4 years old, windsurfing at 6, stand-up paddling at 7 years. Then onto kiting, tow-in surfing at 9 years.
Born on Hawaii, he lives on the island of Maui, regularly surfing spots like Jaws and Ho’okipa. SUP world champion in 2010 on the SuWt (Stand Up World Tour) and again in 2011 and in 2012; He is also known for surfing JAWS on a surfboard, SUP, windsurfer and kite in the same day!
So it is safe to say he is more than just your average rider and at the age of 21 years already a legend. KiteSista had the great opportunity to talk with the amazing and talented Kai Lenny.
KSm: Hi Kai, although our introduction talks about your talents on a board, we know would like to know a little bit more about you. Tell us a but about your background, childhood and life up to this point?
KL: I was lucky enough to be born on Maui into a family that loves water sports as much as me. I started surfing when I was four years old, windsurfing when I was six, SUP when I was seven, Kitesurfing when I was nine as well as Tow-in surfing and foilboarding. I have been so blessed to grow up with the best sponsors in the business backing me up as well as arguably the greatest parents in full support of my dream of becoming a pro athlete.
KSm: You do not seem to have much of a problem enjoying any of the disciplines you turn your hand to in the water, but we understand that the SUP is your favourite. What is it about this that you like more than the others?
KL: I have no favorite sport, for me all the sports I do are so different and unique how could I ever decide which one is better when they all are so much fun! When I go to the beach and check out whats going on I will decide what sport I am going to do based on the conditions. For me riding waves is my favorite thing in the world, so if I can get that same sensation through different sports I am excited to do it.
KSm: We know that you love to be strapless and surfing when attached to a kite, but do you take the same pleasure in freestyle and do you think that your variety of skills from the other disciplines gives you a different perspective on style?
KL: I really like doing all aspects of kiteboarding, you will mostly see me riding a surfboard when I kite but what makes Kiting so cool is being able to jump fifty feet in the air. I like to do some freestyle too, riding with boots on a twin tip is so much fun! I really enjoy kiting for everything it has to offer.
KSm: You have ridden for Naish for many years now, so tell us, what is it like working with Robby Naish and what projects are you currently working on (if it is not top secret)?
KL: Robby was (and still is) a hero for me when I was growing so for me to be a sponored athlete was a dream come true! The last trip/project I did with Robby was going to Alaska with him and Kevin Langeree. We had so much fun Kiting and SUPing over, on, around icebergs. It was definitely an amazing experience. Hopefully this year we can go to a warmer place and score some more fun memories!
KSm: You travel all over the world for competitions and filming videos for your sponsors, with all these obligations do you find time for a personal life both on and off the water?
KL: For most people in the world they have two worlds, work and personal. For myself my job and my personal life is one and the same. My entire life is encompassed by going out on the water and doing multiple sports. My job does not feel like a job, its just what I would be doing anyway if it wasn’t my job.
KSm: Getting serious for a moment, …is there anyone special in your life?
KL: The most special people in my life right now are my family and my close friends. I am not in a relationship with anyone right now.
KSm: We realise how just how much you love to be on the water, but what do you do with your time when you have your feet on dry land?
KL: I love to spend most of my time on the water but when I am on dry land I like to skateboard! I have an 8 foot half pipe in my back yard that is so awesome and fun. I also enjoy watching Formula 1 and the Americas cup that is going on right now!
KSm: As a current and certainly future role model of a variety of waterman, with clearly a lot of outside attention focussed on you, do you feel this responsibility and how does it affect your life?
KL: I do feel a lot of responsibilty to do well but that is all from with in myself. I see no limits to what is possible and at the end of the day if I could inspire others to follow there dreams then that is a win for me. I have learned it is all about balance and if I could balance everything right then everything seems to run super smoothly.
KSm: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
KL: In ten years I want to have many more world titles, and accomplishing things I could not imagine now. A lot can happen in 10 years I havent even been pro for that long yet so it is extremely exciting to see what the future holds for me.
KSm: Thanks a million for taking your time to talk to us, as is tradition we will let you finish the interview with any words of wisdom you choose…
KL: Never give up on your dreams, there is nothing that is impossible. You are the creator of your world and most importantly always keep it fun, thats the secret.
Naish Kiteboarding TV S02E14: GRINDING ICE – ALASKA PT I from Naish Kiteboarding on Vimeo.
