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Kai Lenny        

World's Best All-Around Waterman; 8-Time Stand Up Paddle World Champion; Surfing Hall of Fame Inductee; Author of "Big Wave Surfer"

Professional big wave surfer, author, and TV personality Kai Lenny is a leading figure in multiple water sports including big wave surfing, stand-up paddling (SUP) surfing and racing, tow-in surfing, kite surfing, and hydrofoiling—the latter a field in which he is recognized as a pioneer on the open ocean. Having begun surfing at age 5, Lenny became a sponsored professional athlete by age 9. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility and skill across various disciplines. He has completed the challenging 50km 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 has claimed the SUP World Title eight times.

Lenny is the author of "Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides of Our Lives," a detailed photographic exploration of big wave surfing. He extends his influence through media, starring in the feature film "PE’AHI," and appearing 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 kite SUPing and windsurfing from Maui’s North Shore to Waikiki in one day. Lenny has also used his platform to promote environmental awareness, such as when he foil surfed and kited 50 miles from the Big Island to Maui to spotlight the issue of plastic pollution.

In his talks, Lenny shares experiences and insights, focusing on overcoming fear and pushing limits to accomplish extraordinary goals. His journey as an athlete and advocate offers a unique perspective on both personal and environmental challenges, inspiring audiences to explore their own potential while considering broader impacts on the world around them.

Speech Topics


Health & Wellness

Professional big wave surfer and multi-hyphenate athlete Kai Lenny shares his lessons in health and wellness in this motivating and actionable talk.

Pushing the Limits, in Work and in Life

Professional big wave surfer, author, and TV personality Kai Lenny is an expert at pushing the limits – winning numerous titles and pioneering new sports on the open ocean. In this dynamic talk, Kai shares how he approaches new challenges and sets himself up for success – in work and in life – by taking big risks.

Overcoming Fear and Staying Calm in the Face of Big Waves

World’s Best All-Around Waterman Kai Lenny shares his inspiring journey as an athlete and an adventurer, as well as his incomparable perspective on overcoming fear and staying calm in high-intensity situations in this informative and engaging talk. A courageous and explosive athlete, Kai’s career and insights will resonate with all audiences, especially colleges and universities.

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