Pe'ahi, November 11, 2016.
The fact that Maui-born Billy Kemper has won two Pe'ahi Challenge events in monstrous surf back-to-back is mind-blowing, but when you consider some of his other feats, you start to understand just what sort of a multi-talented young surfer the Hawaiian is.
He has had a 2010 Ride of the Year nomination, a 2013 Wipeout of the Year nomination and the 2014 Ride of the Year nomination. He has also had a decent run or two in the Triple Crown of Surfing and has competed in the Pipe Masters.
Then he went on to win the Pe'ahi Challenge in 2015 and showed the world just how important serious training is, and how much local knowledge counts. Although he calls the North Shore of Oahu home at the moment, he was brought up on Maui and has logged many massive hours at what is arguably the world's most perfect, big-wave right-hander.
To cap off his run of excellent results, Kemper went and won the Pe'ahi Challenge in 2016 in huge, challenging surf. Proving he's a master in that very wild and dangerous back yard, he drew off the bottom and pulled into this thundering barrel during the event for a 10-point ride, and a very strong entry into for the Billabong Ride of the Year Award. The man trains like a Trojan, eats like a champion, is highly competitive and doesn't have a nervous vein in his body.
Billabong Ride of The Year Nomination - Billy Kemper
WSL
Pe'ahi, November 11, 2016.
The fact that Maui-born Billy Kemper has won two Pe'ahi Challenge events in monstrous surf back-to-back is mind-blowing, but when you consider some of his other feats, you start to understand just what sort of a multi-talented young surfer the Hawaiian is.
He has had a 2010 Ride of the Year nomination, a 2013 Wipeout of the Year nomination and the 2014 Ride of the Year nomination. He has also had a decent run or two in the Triple Crown of Surfing and has competed in the Pipe Masters.
Then he went on to win the Pe'ahi Challenge in 2015 and showed the world just how important serious training is, and how much local knowledge counts. Although he calls the North Shore of Oahu home at the moment, he was brought up on Maui and has logged many massive hours at what is arguably the world's most perfect, big-wave right-hander.
To cap off his run of excellent results, Kemper went and won the Pe'ahi Challenge in 2016 in huge, challenging surf. Proving he's a master in that very wild and dangerous back yard, he drew off the bottom and pulled into this thundering barrel during the event for a 10-point ride, and a very strong entry into for the Billabong Ride of the Year Award. The man trains like a Trojan, eats like a champion, is highly competitive and doesn't have a nervous vein in his body.
Billy Kemper
Wipeout of the Year Nominee Billy Kemper at Jaws, Maui, Hawaii on October 27, 2017. Video by WSL Video Team.
Tube of the Year Nominee Billy Kemper at Jaws, Maui, Hawaii on October 27, 2017. Photos by Richard Hallman, Tony Heff and Keoki Saguibo.
Lucas Chianca vs. Billy Kemper vs. Naxto Gonzalez vs. Kai Lenny vs. Grant Baker vs. Nathan Florence
Lucas Chianca vs. Billy Kemper vs. Nathan Florence vs. Alex Botelho vs. Jamie Mitchell vs. Peter Mel
Hugo Vau vs. Billy Kemper vs. Nathan Florence vs. Joao de Macedo vs. Lucas Chianca
Pe'ahi Challenge
History is made on one of the most powerful waves in the Northern Hemisphere.
How does Billy pull a repeat at the gnarliest big wave on earth? By training his ass off.
The Maui native talks about his second incredible win and what it means for him, and Hawaii.
Kai Lenny and more Maui locals break down their daunting big-wave spot.
Jaws delivers again for the WSL's Big Wave Tour event on Maui.