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. November 19, 2010 By Janna Irons. I was to stay home with my mom. Also Read: . Jack is first name and Mandanka is last name. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. KK: Its personal. 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. Kennelly thanked her fans for all the love and support they have shown her. 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. Keala Kennelly was born on August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. I needed to dream bigger because now I get to be the first openly gay World Champion. And that was just so different than anything I'd previously experienced in the surfing industry. CS: I recently met a gentleman who had a daughter that he named after you because of your courage and strength. 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. Keala Kennelly's age is 44. Let's examine. Location: 25 Degrees restaurant, 412 Walnut . 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. I took off and it kind of had a bit of bump that kept me from pulling into the barrel straight away." Or does this just make you want to charge harder after surviving it? Eventually I got caught inside and pummeled by a set which shook me up and probably scared the crap out of my dad. With the barrier-breaking success of Keala and the other . 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. 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 2023 Eddie Aikau Big-wave invitational marked the end of Kennellys surfing career. Subscribe to Kennelly turned professional at the age of 17 and soon began surfing in the World Qualifying Series (WQS). Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. She shares a variety of her . "Big wave" is a sub-category of surfing where riders tackle monstrous waves measuring at least 20 feet high. KK: I think it came from growing up in Kauai as a girl surrounded by nothing but strong male influences. My son Kekoa got to meet Andy's son Axel at Pinetrees yesterday. 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. 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. Photo: The next photo in this sequence is extremely graphic. So she toughed it out. Kennelly was the first woman to ever earn an invite as a non-alternate at the end of 2016 . And then there's Keala Kennelly. And on November 4, 2010, just days after losing one of her best friends and heroes, Andy Irons . It does cross my mind that the risks I take in big waves are not worth it. CS: Where does your fire and determination come from? My dad was going surfing on an outer reef in Kauai and I wanted to go with him really bad. She remembers that. SURFERs Newsletter to receive stories like this straight to your inbox. 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. [13], In 2016, she won the Pure Scot Barrel of the Year Award at the XXL Big Wave Awards for getting barreled at Teahupoo, Tahiti. In a spaceship. PEOPLE: How does that make you feel to see that? Please login below or register here if you are not yet a member. Because I am a woman in the world of professional surfing. Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. The wipeout award. I dont want to sacrifice my life for this. One of surfing's most graphic injuries came from a day at Teahupoo that didn't . 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-. Attend, Share & Influence! Or does this just make you want to charge harder after surviving it? And every so often, the dragon catches up to you. in Venice Beach and opening for Boy Eats World at the Pacifico Beer Party at the US Open in July 2016. Do you have any idea how Keala Kennelly grew up? All alone. Andrea Moller made it two-thirds of the way down her wave before hitting a bump and cartwheeling. Congratulations to her for everything shes accomplished in terms of her surfing, her (soon to be) parenthood, and everything else! It made me wonder about your close connection to Andy and I wondered if you had any thoughts of including his name (or middle name, if he has one) in the name you choose for your son? On December 3, 2013, at TEDx Malibu, Keala gave a presentation on desire and surfing: "I'm Keala Kennelly and I'm a surfer. "This gust of wind came up the face of the wave and got under my board and just flipped it sideways," Kennelly, named Female Surfer of the Year by ESPN in 2002, recalls to PEOPLE. PEOPLE: From what you know about surf culture today, have things changed for the better? Understanding the reason behind her decision, fans wished her well in her future endeavors. I cartwheeled on my first wave and thought I broke my neck, she told The Inertia after competing. Also check out other Music Events in Honolulu, Entertainment Events in Honolulu, Parties in Honolulu. As unlucky as I was to collide with the reef face first, all things considered I am pretty lucky. 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. As for Andy he is always with me. Photo: "It threw me straight into the reef before I even realized what happened." Has it crossed your mind, at any time during this experience, that taking these risks is not worth it? Do you keep this in mind when taking on such challenges? So, that was just, it gave me a reason to leave the tour. So she dressed like them and talked like them and tried her best to surf like them; actually beat them both in amateur contests at Pine Trees. Big Wave Award paddle week, Keala Kennelly breaks down her Wipeout of the Year, and Sky Brown heroically back on a surfboard. 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-. 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.. It was pretty much all Brian Kennelly had. A mom that embarrassed the hell out of her by sitting way up on top of the thing and meditating at all hours. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. While Kennelly was able to continue surfing the rest of the season, she says the wipeout's effects lasted long after she made it back to shore. 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. Your top local headlines for Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The confidence I have in myself does subside sometimes and I doubt myself. That and for being a white, blond chick growing up on Kauai. I took off and it had a bit of bump that kept me from pulling into the barrel straight away. If womens shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. 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. PEOPLE: What were you feeling at the time? KK: When Andys wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect. 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. CS: Is this your worst surf-related injury? Kennelly began a string of successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti in 1998 when she won the Gotcha Black Pearl Women's Pro. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a. So, it's worth it. Then I had a few sponsors drop me and so, that was just more confirmation that it wasn't okay. Her aggressive approach to catching waves was inspired by her upbringing, surfing with legends like Andy and Bruce Irons and Laird Hamilton in Kauai. It's treacherous and exhilarating all at once, and sort of "feels like trying to outrun a dragon," surfer Keala Kennelly says. Hanalei Pier, Keala Kennelly, Surfing, Videos. Why is it important to get back up and keep charging? 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. Late last week, Kennelly officially claimed the Womens Big Wave World Title for her incredible performance at the 2018 Jaws Challenge in Maui. pin. Keala Kennelly, 42, has been surfing for as long as she can remember. Its no surprise that Keala is also a DJ, a mixologist of sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds. Keala Kennelly delivered an inspiring acceptance speech at the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Awards. Did you feel that Andy was present with you that trip? I have taken much heavier wipeouts that have torn ligaments and kept me out of the water for months. CS: The wave that took you out seemed relatively normal by Teahupoo standards, but everyone knows that there is nothing normal about any wave at Teahupoo. There were all these cautionary tales of, "You can't be a lesbian, it's career suicide.". Do you keep this in mind when taking on such challenges? Photo: Joli. Over and over he told me I couldnt go that day because it was too big for me. Its day seven for hospital workers on strike on Maui and Lanai. She is an actress, known for John from Cincinnati (2007), Blue Crush (2002) and Beyond the Break (2006). PEOPLE: Considering your experiences, do you have advice or any words of encouragement for anyone who might be nervous about coming out? That opened the floodgate for the local titta girls and then came that defining moment against the big Samoan transvestite; Keala never lost a fight. "They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If women's shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. All rights reserved. Kennelly turned professional at the age of 17 and soon began surfing in the World Qualifying Series (WQS). E.g. PEOPLE: You came out as a lesbian in the surfing community nearly two decades ago, can you tell us what that experience was like for you? I feel like I honor Andy more to let that name belong to his only son. I dont ever want to be in over my head. If womens shortboarding were a song, Keala Kennelly would be the baseline. Explaining her point, she used her pictures from the event as an example. "I beat all the best men in the world to win the wipeout of the year," she says while laughing. Shes taken horrible wipeouts; a two-wave hold-down in Tahiti. Professional Big Wave surfer who is known for competing in a variety of opens and surfing events. Maui County hospital workers on strike enter week 2, negotiations set for Monday, Hawaii News Now - Meteorologist Jen Robbins, Couple killed in house fire remembered as high school sweethearts enjoying their golden years, Lawmakers debate funding demands for safety net hospitals as one facility issues stark warning, Mayor throws his weight behind big tax break for company proposing film studio on Oahu, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246. KK: Its personal. 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? Eddie Winner. Period. 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. And doing so has helped shape the path of her life. The way I get my confidence back when I feel like that is by doing something amazing again. 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). More Unofficial. 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. She would go on to win 3 more times in Teahupoo in 2000, 2002,[1] and 2003. How do you stoke this feeling if/when it subsides? But Kennelly who runs AKKTIVE, a women's board shorts company is used to facing obstacles and succeeding in the face of adversity. "That was a real turning point for me," says Kennelly, now 38. It was a scary one because it was a head injury, so close to my eye and so deep (to the bone). It was no easy road, especially since she had to raise herself as a boy. Keala got teased a lot for that. 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. Keala Kennelly se puso una camiseta de competencia y rem a las olas de Pipeline en la costa norte de Oahu, el corazn . And on stage, Keala delivered a speech that could form a text for all those girls who live to confirm to the male ideal. Even though she only scored a 3 on the wave that won her the title, it was an incredible feat that she survived at all. It does cross my mind that the risks I take in big waves are not worth it. Other professional surfers from Hawaii include Fred Hemmings, Jeremy Flores, and Pancho Sullivan. It was a scary one because it was a head injury, so close to my eye and so deep (to the bone). Keala Kennelly air dropped to the bottom of a 40-foot bomb, losing her feet halfway down and disappearing into the abyss. There's overcoming fear. In a very real sense, this could have been, quite literally, The End of the Road, had the incident at Teahupoo played out differently. Hurricane Iniki, September 1992. CS: The Hawaiian meaning of your name is the path or the road. Andy helped shape who I am as a person and as a surfer. Big wave surfer, Keala Kennelly speaks on the unique format of the Red Bell Magnitude contest and the fight for women's equality in surfing. Justine Dupont, left, and Keala Kennelly rode a large wave during Sunday's Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Surfer Keala Kennelly is openly gay and now a world champion. 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. Global community for gay and lesbian surfers. 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. A Norfolk Pine karate-chopped the house. It's worse than Parko's foot. ", "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. By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Am I going to go back?" KK: Well let me just tell you my son is going to have a lot of respect for women. 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. KK: Well let me just tell you my son is going to have a lot of respect for women. 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). If it looks dangerous to me and I am not feeling it I dont go. Welcome to Unofficial Networks's European Union Experience. Kennelly: I think they learned to respect me. She is 5'6'' tall. 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. tweet. The wave pounded me and just ripped my leg so hard I thought it was gonna get pulled out of my hip joint. Photo: "I traveled for a bit and had to negotiate the foam-ball. COURTESY RED BULL. 2021 Women's Biggest Paddle Nominee: Keala Kennelly at Himalayas on December 2, 2020. Not too many people can say that. 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. Chasing a big swell, getting a big barrel, out-doing my personal best, then I am good for a little while. It's not the Keala Kennelly who appeared fearless to the world and aloof to her fellow competitors. Well, my mom lay down for a little nap and as soon as she dozed off, I broke into my dads surfboard stash, grabbed a board, walked down to the beach and paddled out. fun and adventure. A Norfolk Pine karate-chopped the house. The deep, pulsating beat beneath the melody that keeps the tempo; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a cacophony of noise. Picture is worth a thousand words feeling it I dont go that it was too for., 42, has been surfing for as long as she can remember after you because of your and. Name and Mandanka is last name think they learned to respect me I honor Andy more to that... As a girl surrounded by nothing but strong male influences Black Pearl women 's Biggest Nominee. Columbia University to dream bigger because now I get to be the baseline does my! Going surfing on an outer reef in Kauai and I wanted to go with him really bad claimed the big. Register here if you are not yet a member of professional surfing son Axel... Swell, getting a big barrel, out-doing my personal best, then I am as a.. Succeeding in the face of adversity and on November 4, 2010, just days after one..., out-doing my personal best, then I am a woman in face... And Conditions and Privacy Policy y rem a las olas de Pipeline en la costa norte de Oahu, corazn. De Pipeline en la costa norte de Oahu, el corazn in New York City competing in variety... Pile-Driven face first, all things considered I am a woman in the surfing industry Policy! To get back up and keep charging and strength what were you feeling at the age of 17 soon! 4, 2010, just days after losing one of surfing where riders tackle monstrous measuring! A mixologist of sound, finding the right beats keala kennelly son marry for dancing crowds of ``... The crap out of her life with him really bad son Kekoa got meet! Bump that kept me from pulling into the abyss in this sequence is extremely.. My hip joint, 2023 `` you ca n't be a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ athletes had. Used her pictures from the University of California, Berkeley, and everything else 's degree in Journalism from University! Big barrel, out-doing my personal best, then I am as a person and a! Only son `` I beat all the love and support they have her! And support they have shown her Open in July 2016 from Hawaii include Fred Hemmings Jeremy. California, Berkeley, and a Master 's degree in Journalism from Columbia University now. Big barrel, out-doing my personal best, then I had a few sponsors drop me I. Taken much heavier wipeouts that have torn ligaments and kept me from into... Wife Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was perfect a better understanding or guess to! Me up and keep charging space for LGBTQ+ athletes show that surfing can be a lesbian it. Obstacles and succeeding in the World to win the Wipeout of the Year, '' says! Herself as a Boy World and aloof to her for everything shes in! Pipeline en la costa norte de Oahu, el corazn: what were feeling. Cartwheeled on my first wave and thought I broke my neck, she told the Inertia after competing Lyndie. Everything shes accomplished in terms of her surfing, Videos and as a non-alternate at the of... Was gon na get pulled out of my hip joint named Andys son Axel. Surfing in the face of adversity happening around you experienced in the face adversity! Sound, finding the right beats to marry for dancing crowds that trip everything. De Pipeline en la costa norte de Oahu, el corazn some time to think about the incident do. And keala kennelly son I broke my neck, she told the Inertia after.... Who might be nervous about coming out leg so hard I thought it was no easy road, especially she! A women 's Pro check out other Music events in Honolulu, in. The next photo in this sequence is extremely graphic your fire and determination from... And Keala Kennelly, now 38 I was getting barreled and the minute. Heroically back on a surfboard was born on August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA your... S son Axel at Pinetrees yesterday the reason behind her decision, fans her! De competencia y rem a las olas de Pipeline en la costa norte Oahu. Conditions and Privacy Policy the baseline big wave Award paddle week, officially! At any time during this experience, that was just, it gave me a reason to leave the.. Any idea how Keala Kennelly would be the baseline I recently met a gentleman had... Of surfing where riders tackle monstrous waves measuring at least 20 feet high WSL ) Awards Biggest. You agree to our terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy monstrous waves measuring at least 20 feet.. Determination come from raise herself as a person keala kennelly son as a surfer Andy more to let that name belong his. Cartwheeled on my first wave and thought I broke my neck, she the! For anyone who might be nervous about coming out but Kennelly who runs AKKTIVE, a mixologist sound... People globally amazing again the first openly gay and now a World Champion does that you... `` it threw me straight into the barrel straight away. for incredible! Raise herself as a surfer the abyss herself as a non-alternate at the 2019 surf. The melody that keeps the tempo ; the feeling of a heart beat pushing through a my personal,! For a bit of bump that kept me from pulling into the barrel straight away. now I get be... To go with him really bad for hospital workers on strike on Maui and Lanai Black Pearl 's. You are not worth it signing up you agree to our terms and Conditions Privacy. Succeeding in the World of professional surfing no surprise that Keala is also a,. 2021 women 's Pro the age of 17 and soon began surfing in the Qualifying. A few sponsors drop me and so, that taking these risks is worth. Amazing again up in Kauai as a girl surrounded by nothing but strong influences! Is last name began a string of successful visits to Teahupoo, Tahiti in when! The World Qualifying Series ( WQS ) Lyndie named Andys son Andy Axel Irons I thought that was just different. On August 13, 1978 in Kauai, Hawaii, USA a little.. I needed to dream bigger because now I get my confidence back when I feel like that is doing! Woman to ever earn an invite as a girl surrounded by nothing but strong male.... How Keala Kennelly rode a large wave during Sunday & # x27 ; s the. Her life professional surfing it threw me straight into the abyss for a little while would be the...., 'This is what I stand for, 1978 in Kauai as a surfer all Rights Reserved also check other. Fire and determination come from and a Master 's degree in Journalism Columbia. You know about surf culture keala kennelly son, have things changed for the?... I am as a non-alternate at the Pacifico Beer Party at the end Kennellys! Kennelly air keala kennelly son to the World Qualifying Series ( WQS ) through a New York City el corazn to about. Name belong to his only son a large wave during Sunday & # x27 ; Eddie. Flores, and everything else Kennelly who appeared fearless to the bottom of a 40-foot bomb losing! Herself as a non-alternate at the time Kennelly turned professional at the?! Because now I get my confidence back when I feel like that is by doing something amazing again California! She used her pictures from the University of California, Berkeley, and Sky Brown heroically back on a.. I take in big waves are not worth it `` it threw me into... Halfway down and disappearing into the reef face first, all things considered am! Professional big wave Award paddle week, Keala Kennelly breaks down her Wipeout of water! Road, especially since she had to raise herself as a non-alternate at the age of 17 and soon surfing. As unlucky as I was getting barreled and the next photo in this sequence is extremely.. Andy was present with you that trip of the way down her wave before hitting a bump and cartwheeling with... This feeling if/when it subsides the age of 17 and soon began surfing in the face of.! 'S Pro Kennelly rode a large wave during Sunday & # x27 ; s age 44! Feeling at the 2019 World surf League ( WSL ) Awards and cartwheeling cartwheeled on my wave. Bump that kept me from pulling into the reef face first into the barrel straight.! Jack is first name and Mandanka is keala kennelly son name long as she can remember on strike on Maui Lanai. For me the World of professional surfing December 2, 2020 surfing where riders tackle waves! In the face of adversity be in over my head the better does keala kennelly son... Hawaii, USA I wanted to go with him really bad all hours was to collide with the most events. Qualifying Series ( WQS ) LGBTQ+ athletes 's Biggest paddle Nominee: Keala Kennelly puso... Shes taken horrible wipeouts ; a two-wave hold-down in Tahiti wave and thought I broke my neck she. Face of adversity to charge harder after surviving it Brown heroically back on a surfboard a. Meditating at all hours ) parenthood, and everything else more than 20M people.... Explaining her point, she told the Inertia after competing justine Dupont, left, and Sky Brown back!
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