OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
Billy Kemper
About Billy Kemper - OUTRIGGER Surfers in Residence
Every generation seems to have one surfing star who makes the crossover to Hollywood recognition. And we're excited that this generation's household surfing star on the rise seems to be a member of the extended Outrigger surf fam: Billy Kemper.
This superstar surfer cut his teeth on the glossy waves of the Pacific growing up on the island of Maui. At age 31, Kemper is already a four-time Pe'ahi Challenge Champion, Sunset Open winner and a household name in the surfing world. And he is about to have what will likely be the busiest, most high-profile year of his career—just as he comes back from a devastating physical injury.
In February 2020, Kemper endured a near-fatal wipeout in the waters off of Morocco that left him with a broken pelvis, collapsed lung, destroyed knee and cracked ribs after knocking him unconscious. Now, he's back in the water, feeling ready to fight harder than ever. The surfer's epic comeback journey is documented in a new six-part docuseries called "Billy," currently streaming on the World Surf League website.
The series follows Kemper as he fights to get back to his family, get back on the board, and confront the personal motivations that have defined his career. This very intimate portrait of one of the world's top surfers goes behind the glamour to show the story of a husband, father and elite athlete determined to come back better than ever from a life-changing accident that caused the whole world to hold its breath.
Kemper is also set to hit the surfer-cool "stage" of our Surfers in Residence and return as a guest (slash friend) alongside his wife Tahiti (sister of fellow Surfer in Residence Tiara). Keep up with Billy's whirlwind year with the exclusive Outrigger interview where we'll chat with Billy about his comeback journey, what it's like to be followed around for a docuseries, and what he has planned ahead. In the meantime, check out our other chats with our fave surfers (the latest with the legend Kelly Slater!) to stay in the loop.
Also, join us at the Waikiki Beachcomber on June 11th for a special poolside bash to celebrate Kemper's recovery. Guests will have the chance to preview never-seen-before clips from his docuseries alongside chill live music and more.
OUTRIGGER's Surfers in Residence
Together, the cousins dominated the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour. But before they were professional surfers, the pair could be seen catching waves on the iconic shores outside OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – and they still are!
Born and raised in Waikiki, Kai started surfing at 10 years old with the world-famous Beach Boys. Today, Kai is growing his own team of Waikiki surfers that took the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour by storm.
Meet extraordinary surf photographer Brown Cannon on the latest episode of the Surfers in Residence podcast. Brown recently released NORTH, an epic book celebrating the courageous watermen and women on Oahu’s North Shore.
Meet Josh Bogle and his pup Maya the Cruiser on this episode of the Surfers in Residence podcast. Hear Josh’s inspiring journey to becoming a waterman and adaptive surfer, charging waves with his tandem partner Maya.
James Pamplin and his Staffordshire bull terrier Church join us for a special episode of the Surfers in Residence podcast. The duo represented Maui in this year’s Going to the Dogs Surfur Competition at the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival, where they placed second.
Laura Blears gained world-wide fame in the 1970s as an ambassador of surfing and an advocate for female athletes. In 1973, she became the first woman to compete in the Smirnoff World Pro-Am Surfing Championships and is often considered the first professional female surfer.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Fred is a world champion surfer who carved the way for the World Surf League and eventually became a local senator.
Born in Uruguay in the 1960s, Eduardo Bolioli grew up around the world. He learned to skateboard in Switzerland, started to surf in South America, and attended art school in New York City. How’d he end up painting surfboards in Hawaii?
Nique Miller shares how she went from cross country runner to professional surfer on this episode of Surfers in Residence. Finding inspiration from the legends of Waikiki and tapping into her impressive athletic background, she’s making waves in the competitive surf world.
Just fifty-feet from his seat, is where Randy Rarick rode his first wave at 10 years old. From the shores of Waikiki to Oahu's North Shore and around the world, Randy has surfed epic breaks most people only dream of.
Listen to big-wave surfer Mark Mathews as he shares his story of overcoming fear, recovering from injury, and using the lessons he learned to inspire others.
Travis and Alex Smith professional surf and now run a thriving business together with brother Koa.
Local lifeguard turned “Super Bowl of Surfing” champion beating the best surfers in the world.
With nearly every major surf record, Kelly Slater is a legend both on and off the waves.
This two-time longboard champ has surfed for almost as long as she's been able to walk.
Every generation seems to have one surfing star who makes the crossover to Hollywood.
When it comes to Hawaiian culture, Duane embodies some of the most beautiful tenets.
The first woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in surfing got her start on Waikiki Beach.
Icon and surf trailblazer, Shane is a legend for the sport, culture and the next generation.
Hear from two surf legends and how they both got their start in surfing on Waikiki Beach.
Having won 15 championship titles in bodysurfing, Mark isn't your average retiree.
Alessa Holloway started surfing at three years old, entered her first contest at 10, and was sponsored by the time she was 11. But surfing is more than a sport for the professional athlete; it’s a lifestyle.
Honoring the life and legacy of Ben Aipa.
