Kai Lenny is the Pentathlete of Water Sports

Today is Kai Lenny’s birthday, and in wishing him a happy one, SURFER thought it might be worthwhile to put a perspective on what he has accomplished in his 32 years on our blue planet.

Arguably the most dominant all-around waterman since Laird Hamilton presumed that title more than 35 years ago, kai Lenny is a singular phenomenon. Like Laird it is hard to find anyone who could match all of his qualities. But Lenny is more than an athlete at the top of his game. He is also an astute historian of the surf culture, a student of design development in equipment. He shaped his first board recently. “It turned out better than I thought it would,” he says downplaying his knowledge of the shaping craft.

When interviewing him for the upcoming film "The Shape of Things – The Dick Brewer Story," Lenny had a complete command of shaping history. Not only about Brewer and the chronological heritage of great shaping gurus, but of the development of their theories and practices as they apply to today’s high performance wave-riding.

He’s also a highly focused health and safety hawk. Lenny has had concussions throughout his life, including micro-concussions from falls and slaps on the water. He recognizes they can be devastating if not diagnosed and treated. To combat the dangers of these sports he loves he has been focused on developing  a custom carbon-fiber helmet with a friend, taking inspiration from Formula One helmets. He says that he's trying to be more aware of the benefits of wearing a helmet and that he hopes to set an example for other surfers. 

But the most unquestionably impressive achievements have been waterborne. Lenny has leapt to the highest echelons in over a half-dozen various ocean disciplines: big wave surfing, stand-up paddle racing, tow-in surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling, prone paddling, and celebrity watersports enthusiast. Not just as one of the best – as the very best and more than once.

Consider: Lenny won the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge in Portugal in 2020. He made the Final Round of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, considered the ultimate in prestigious performance. A two-time Molokai to Oahu Foil Boarding World Champion, Lenny is a VICE KSP Kiting World Champion, an eight-time SUP Surfing World Champion, and a prone-paddling champ as well. He has even developed an outstanding level at competitive surfing.

“Kai has transitioned from fundamentally different sports,” notes Kelly Slater talking as one GOAT to another. “He has really worked had to create a foundation for his surfing from all his other sports.”

Humble, gregarious, respectful, loved by his peers, at 32 years old Kai Lenny seems ensconced as the current king of the water sports. SURFER toasts him not just for his achievements but for his commitment and dedication to the ocean lifestyle.