Some might say that Kai Lenny doesn’t even need a bucket list with the amount of epic waves he has ridden and sports that he excels in. The beauty of windsurfing however, is that there is always room for improvement and new challenges out there to conquer. So its over to Kai for the items he would like to tick off on his bucket list.
Photos: PWA/Carter
Waves: I would love to sail big Nazare one day. I have been going there for big wave surfing the past four years and have seen a few days that would have been perfect. Hopefully this next season I will be able to do it. I have been to Cloudbreak in Fiji to windsurf before, and perhaps my single best windsurfing session I have ever had was out there was with no one out, on borrowed gear from Jason Polakow that he had left on Namotu. It was mast and a half high; I was powered on a 4.7 and could jump on the way back out. Maybe the best session I ever had windsurfing.
Windsurfing spots: Going back to Cape Verde is on the top of my list. I would love to go back to Ponte Preta because the waves for windsurfing are as smooth as it gets and I have never been some place where you can post so high off the lip. Truly feels like you are on the edge of the world with perfect waves all up and down the coast. Also, One Eye in Mauritius looks incredible, it is just so far from my home on Maui in Hawaii. Another would be going to Lakey Peak in Indonesia the surf and windsurfing there looks all time.
Moves: My doubles are pretty rough, so I would love to nail those clean as well as push forwards this year. I have a few wave riding tricks I want to nail as well, just can’t talk about them yet! My main focus is always riding waves and I haven’t been putting a ton of effort in jumping lately. I have just got to sailing with Marcilio Browne and watch him stomp those dry perfect doubles. A few sessions with him should have me inspired to tune them up!
Sporting achievements: Top of my list is winning the Aloha Classic! I hope and pray that the event will run again this year, it is so iconic, and it would be a dream come true to take that event out.I made the final and I was super bummed the wind got so light I wasn’t able to perform. Lesson learned, ride a bigger board! I felt that if I had the right waves I was more then capable of winning the event. Maybe this year Ill have another chance!
Personal/ Crazy Stuff: Seeing the Northern Lights would be out of this world! Especially doing a water sport under them. I would like to sky dive and paraglide on my own. For those days when the conditions aren’t that great it’ll give me more options for fun!
Sporting events and famous people: It would be epic to meet Joe Rogen who is an American comedian and podcast host. He is a comedian, open to talking about many different topics. I feel like a two hour conversation I could learn a lot from him. He is able to meet so many smart individuals that his wealth of knowledge is extremely vast; I really enjoy his podcast! I definitely would like to go attend more Formula 1 and Moto GP races as well as see the Olympics in person one day.
Others: I have been writing a Big Wave book with crazy stories from myself, my friends and heroes! Can’t wait to share it with the world.