STORIES A Decade at the Top with Kai Lenny

For the past 10 years, Kai Lenny has been the embodiment of the TAG Heuer spirit. Throughout his career, the Maui native has established himself as one of the most complete and spectacular watermen of his generation. Big wave surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), foiling, kitesurfing, and windsurfing—Kai Lenny has managed to dominate a mind-boggling number of disciplines.

In 2015, five years after clinching his first SUP world title, Kai Lenny had just joined the TAG Heuer family. That same year, he proved he deserved his place in the Surfers’ Hall of Fame by capturing another world title in the Stand Up World Series.

This year marked Kai Lenny’s rise as a serious contender in big wave surfing. He won the GoPro Challenge at Peʻahi (a legendary surf break on his home island of Maui), taming some of the most awe-inspiring waves on Earth. Never one to settle, he also continued to dominate in foil and SUP events.

In 2017, Kai claimed victory at the Puerto Escondido Challenge in Mexico. This win confirmed his status as a big wave powerhouse, celebrated for both his raw skill and unmistakable style.

Kai pushed the boundaries of SUP Foiling, winning the prestigious Molokaʻi‑2‑Oʻahu race. He also set a new record for crossing from Maui to Molokaʻi on a hydrofoil—yet another testament to his drive to innovate in water sports. During this period, he was a regular nominee at the WSL Big Wave Awards.

In 2020, the World Surf League named Kai Lenny “Big Wave Performer of the Year.” He also received the award for the biggest wave ridden, a massive 70-foot (21.33-meter) monster at Nazaré, Portugal. This ride placed him among the all-time greats in big wave surfing.

Kai continued his dominance by earning the “Performer of the Year” title at the Red Bull Big Wave Awards. Whether at Jaws or Nazaré, his performances consistently made headlines and went viral for their intensity and commitment. While he didn’t compete in every Big Wave Tour stop, he remained a force both on the water and in the media.

So, how does one stay at the top for so long? “First, it’s with clear intentions, a goal too big to sometimes comprehend. Next, it’s developing the plan, breaking it down into achievable details, visualizing, and believing it’s possible to achieve the impossible,” explains Kai.

“Beyond all the superficial accolades, winning is about becoming the best you can possibly be. Elevating yourself to the highest level against all odds. There is no better feeling than the internal satisfaction of a job well done. It has been in my DNA since the day I was born. It’s what I witnessed from my mentors and heroes growing up. In this life there’s no other way to live.” As Kai Lenny continues to chase the horizon, the next years promise even greater feats; driven by passion, precision, and the relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.