Author Archives: Keala Kennelly

About: Keala Kennelly

Professional Surfer

Keala is a Kauai-born surfer who turned pro at seventeen, and in time qualified for the ASP World Tour. On Tour, Keala charged in heavy waves like Cloudbreak and Teahupoo, where she also earned recognition for being the first woman ever to tow-in in 2005. Then, Keala took a break from surfing to pursue acting. She was in the Hollywood hit movie Blue Crush and was a season regular on the HBO show John From Cincinnati. In the last few years Keala has had much success as the first viable female free surfer. Recently, Keala became the first woman to surf Nelscott Reef and won the Big Wave Classic, the first event of its kind to include women. She continues to push women's surfing to new levels.

Chicks vs. Maverick’s

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

The question came up at this year’s Maverick’s Invitational opening ceremonies: Why not include women?

A Love Letter to Puerto Escondido

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

Two big swells, three broken boards, a few barrels, some tow-ins, 36 tacos, 28 cervezas and one heavy drop later, it’s time to say goodbye and thank you to Mexico for another awesome summer.

Honoring My Friend, Andy Irons

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

After Andy died I had a dream about him. He said he didn’t mean for things to turn out the way they did – that he still wanted to be here with us.

Goodwill in Nicaragua with SYRV

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Many of the Nicaraguan people rely on well water, which is almost always contaminated. In many poor countries, there’s no choice.

Reflections from Winter on the North Shore

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

They were calling it the best Pipeline in ten years. It got us through that difficult time mourning for Andy Irons. We later called it “The Andy Swell.”

Women’s Big Wave Surfing Triumphs

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

Oregon…Hmm…All I could think of was freezing water and Great White Sharks, but this was an amazing opportunity for women’s surfing.

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