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You are here: Home / Ocean Sports / Surfing / Big Wave Surfers

Big Wave Surfers

Outrigger members were pioneers when it came to riding big waves. Duke Kahanamoku was one of the early Hawaiians to ride the 18-plus foot waves in Waikiki and Makaha. His famous ride from Castles to the beach in front of the old Club in Waikiki is remembered as legend.

In the 1960s a group of daring young men charged the biggest waves Hawaii had to offer, and then went on to surf the best in Australia and South America. These legends included Fred Hemmings Jr., Joey Cabell, Paul Strauch, Ricky Grigg, Bob Lundy, Felipe Pomar and Keone Downing.

Today’s big wave riders are Kai Lenny and Noa Ginella.

Here are some photos that made them legendary.


Fred Hemmings Jr.

Fred Hemmings - Makaha Bowl
Fred Hemmings Jr. – Makaha Bowl
Another Day at the Office
Fred Hemmings Jr.
Makaha Glass
Fred Hemmings Jr. – Makaha Glass
Riding the Giant
Fred Hemmings Jr.
1968 World Championship
Fred Hemmings Jr. – 1968 World Championship
Fred Hemmings -- Makaha
Fred Hemmings Jr. — Makaha
Fred Hemmings Jr. - Pipeline 1966
Fred Hemmings Jr. – Pipeline 1966

Ricky Grigg

Ricky Grigg - Banzai Pipeline
Ricky Grigg – Banzai Pipeline
Ricky Grigg -- Waimea Bay
Ricky Grigg — Waimea Bay
Ricky Grigg -- Sunset Beach 1967
Ricky Grigg — Sunset Beach 1967

Keone Downing

Keone Downing winning the Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay 1988
Keone Downing winning the Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay 1990

Kai Lenny

Kai Lenny -- Jaws © RichardHallman
Kai Lenny — Photo ©Richard Hallman
Kai Lenny ©Richard Hallman
Kai Lenny — Photo ©Richard Hallman
Kai Lenny © Richard Hallman
Kai Lenny — Photo ©Richard Hallman
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