keala kennelly wife
She was in the Hollywood hit movie Blue Crush and was a season regular on the HBO show John From Cincinnati. The historic invitation came on the heels of another history-making moment, the first-ever women's big-wave contest on the WSL's Big Wave Tour (BWT). This Winter saw the women charging on the North Shore, a Championship Tour event at Pipe and the crowning of a female Triple Crown champ. Dont get me wrong. Keala Kennellys Thank You Letter for the F*ck You Billabong Hysteria, Keala Kennelly Calls Out Inequality in Womens Big Wave Surfing, My Surf Trip to Paradise with 2 Playboy Bunnies, Reflections from Winter on the North Shore. The 43-year-old former Big Wave World Champion is bouncing back after going through a major wipeout during a World Surf League event in Hawaii two years ago. But the feeling when you get spit out of a giant barrel at Chopes is like nothing else. She left that behind a decade ago, along with the hardened exterior shed cultivated since childhood. No doubt I pushed them too. It makes me feel very connected to the universe. I never thought I would see the day that a woman would be invited to #TheEddie. RELATED VIDEO: Ultimate Surfer's Jesse Palmer Says Despite Being an Athlete Learning to Surf Was a Challenge. Staff. Once you got home and absorbed the news, did you connect with Clyde Aikau or the rest of the family? Light / Dark. Everything that matters in surf + outdoorsdirectly to you inbox. My name is Keala Kennelly and this is my website. Keala Kennelly: Not at all. HALEIWA, Hawaii Twenty years ago, Keala Kennelly donned a competition jersey and paddled out to the celebrated waves of Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, the heart of surfing . KK: Loosing the people I love the most, dying before I have accomplished everything I want. )For More Check Out:THE GNARLIEST BIG WAVE RIDES OF THE YEAR!!! What's missing? After I survived that experience, I let my walls down.. When I was a little girl, I had all the Eddie Aikau posters on my wall. There are six women nominated for the prestigious Performer of the Year award at the 2021 Red Bull Big Wave Awards, here's their stories. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. A post shared by Keala Kennelly (@kealakennelly) on Dec 17, 2017 at 1:56pm PST. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Big way surfer Keala Kennelly has been fighting for women . Browse the full lineup and get your ticket here. I left the tour because, emotionally and mentally, I just couldn't handle it but I also got this really amazing opportunity to go do acting on an HBO TV series (2007's John from Cincinnati) for a year. [13], In 2016, she won the Pure Scot Barrel of the Year Award at the XXL Big Wave Awards for getting barreled at Teahupoo, Tahiti. Keala Kennelly. 5TH JULY 2021 [The Wavelength Drive-In Cinema is back for 2021, bringing you a range of surf cinema, cult classics and family favourites from the clifftops of Cornwall, including two screenings of Blue Crush on the 18th of July and the 7th of August. I never thought that I would be a woman invited in my lifetime. Good luck tonight LaLa at the Surfer Poll Awards. PEOPLE: What were you feeling at the time? KEALA KENNELLY was introduced to surfing at a young age by her father and living in Hawaii meant there were always lots of opportunities for her get on her board and hit the waves. Hurricane Iniki, September 1992. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. I lost most of my sponsors after starting to live my life as an out lesbian I was told that I was no longer "marketable," even though I was nominated for an ESPY and was the first woman to be invited to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Event. I grew up on the beach playing in the ocean with my two brothers and all the neighbourhood boys including the Irons brothers, Dustin Barca, Danny Fuller, Kamalei Alexander. It took me right back to my childhood [laughs]. I stopped caring so much about what other people thought, what the tour thought, what the surfing industry thought. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. When they called that Jaws event at our end, you get butterflies. Fear helps keep you alive. So when I got on the tour, I was so freaking nervous because I inherently knew I was gay. Keala Kennelly's age is 44. Fear is good. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Later that year, Kennelly had a tow-in at Puerto Escondido that is considered to be arguably the best barrel by a female to date. Heats on demand, event highlights and exclusive interviews, right here on the WSL's Youtube channel.For More Visit: http://www.worldsurfleague.com/Like the WSL on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wslFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wslFollow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/wslFor Content Licensing Inquiries Please Visit https://www.imgreplay.com/client/world_surf_league In the above video, Kennelly nabs a 2013 Jaws bomb, showing she can hold her own in waves of consequence. I don't do this to make money, I put myself in debt to do this. After graduating high school, Kennelly went right to the pros. KK: Its every emotion. Professional Big Wave surfer who is known for competing in a variety of opens and surfing events. I tried to be feminine. But none turned our heads like Moana Jones and Tatiana Weston-Webb, who could be seen (and presumably heard) upbraiding one another after getting their swords tangled this evening. Then I had a few sponsors drop me and so, that was just more confirmation that it wasn't okay. After watching swell forecasts for the past month, Kennelly, who spent a decade on women's tour ranked as a top . The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is one such event and today, Kennelly will paddle out alongside five other women to compete in the event for the first time. The 35-year-old Kennelly suffered a severe injury to her face while competing in Teahupoo, Tahiti, in 2011. Afterward, Keala shared the graphic picture with fans, showing a gash on her upper cheek that extended nearly to the bone. KK: Definitely. A blur of bodies pass by, but most of all Kennelly can hear the screams that echo through the dilapidated hospital. A Kauai -born surfer, she turned pro at the age of 17, is an ASP World Championship Tour veteran and the . The things people would say about them behind their backs were really hurtful to hear, but I would just nod in agreement, so as not to raise any suspicions about myself. That was a real turning point for me, says Kennelly, now 38. Keala Kennelly. So it was nice to see for myself what was really possible. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #kennelly, #kellyskennel . On Tour, Keala charged in heavy waves like Cloudbreak and Teahupoo, where . It created a lot of internalized homophobia and self-hatred in me that wasnt healthy. Its not the Keala Kennelly who appeared fearless to the world and aloof to her fellow competitors. THIS IS MY OFFICIAL FB PAGE RUN BY ME :) For bookings and inquires conta One time I beat Andy, and he wouldnt even speak to mefor a few weeks! But I needed to show people that it's not shameful to be me. And, probably, the first former Championship Tour (CT) surfer ever to star in an HBO series. She continues to DJ and compete as a big wave surfer. Keala is a good soul. But lo and behold, there was a hammer about to be dropped on me. factors that led to the formation of legco in uganda / does mezcal with worm go bad / eddie aikau trophy KK: Surfing with all those boys in Kauai is what got me into bigger, more powerful waves. The media adulation and peer group deference to heroic big-wave surfers like Paige Alms, Keala Kennelly and Maya Gabeira belies the potentially lethal damage that collision with multiple stories . Honolulu. I was like, Why do I have all these texts?' Winners of the first-ever Red Bull Magnitude have been announced and it's Keala Kennelly taking out the women's big wave event. Despite her packed resume of badass wins and awards, Kennelly is very clear that as a 43-year-old competing against 20-somethings, she's keeping her expectations in check for the tour. But I just got to a point, toward the end of my time on tour, where I said, "I can't do this anymore. So, that was just, it gave me a reason to leave the tour. It made my mother sound like an awful mom who wasnt there for me. KK: I do think about death. I am spiritual. I think that's why I was so frustrated -- I have incurred so much debt chasing swells and chasing my passion, it comes to a point where I think, I can't do this anymore. I feel that very strongly when I surfthat Im connected to something greater or connected to everything all at once, if that make sense? Kennelly, the first openly gay surfer to win a world surfing title, speaks with PEOPLE about that time in her life and if she believes things have changed in the years since. He has a B.A. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. If I didnt go back and face my fears I would never get to experience that feeling again for the rest of my life. All you backsiders out here, KK just got a barrel that shit on all your faces! Then he paddled off, laughing to himself. She gathered a lot of big-time wins after being accepted into the World Championship Tour, an elite competition hosted by the World Surf League, spanning multiple events, locations, and months. I do a lot of things to make money that also keep me from being tied down to a 9 to 5, so I can still chase swells from time to time, especially at Chopes. Where would we be if she hadnt decided to stay the course and continue to live the great life she has? He was pissed and smashed my sandwich into my face and we were about to start throwing blows when security broke us up. It was there, while on top of a 50 . While open to discussing the past, as youll see in this HEADSPACE we filmed with her last year on the North Shore, shes also ready to move forward. WSL: Did you know that you were going to be named as an alternate in the Eddie? Just to say it and do the paddle-out. A Norfolk Pine karate-chopped the house. Video from Ken Kosada. (Video by Carlo Carbajal. She would inspire future legends like Bianca . "This gust of wind came up the face of the wave and got under my board and just flipped it sideways," Kennelly, named Female Surfer of the Year by ESPN in 2002, recalls to PEOPLE. KK: Well, it was a process. Its just not who I am. Hemal Jhaveri. A Look Back at Keala Kennelly Riding a Jaws Bomb. "They made it pretty rough," she tells Bustle, but she still wanted to make and ride the biggest waves she could. Verified. From huge barrels to massive drops, for a handful of other women at Jaws on January 16, it was just the moment they've been waiting for. Movies. Kealla Kennelly | USA. As she recovered from the injury, she hopped on the phone to discuss what all these big moments mean, and how soon she might be back in the water. I am so humbled right now. Browse the full lineup and get your ticket here.Or, subscribe to Wavelength now to get free . A photo posted by Keala Kennelly (@kealakennelly) on Nov 30, 2016 at 11:19am PST. I had to close myself off in order to protect myself, which goes against my nature because Im generally a very open person. Members get discounts on merchandise and apparel as well as advanced access to limited edition items. There are six women nominated for the prestigious Performer of the Year award at the 2021 Red Bull Big Wave Awards, here's their stories. secluded - kennelly stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images . I revered this beautiful Hawaiian man that rode these mountains of water with such style and grace. But even though it was never really talked about, I felt like I was in a support group. Three days later while riding in a memorial heat for Andy Irons during the Billabong Pro Men's WCT, Kennelly suffered a massive facial injury. We need some heroes. news, DJKK's style is a mix of tropical "feel good" house, tech house, deep house and 80s remix, indie dance/new disco and pop remixes. I think about death a lot. Watch popular content from the following creators: The Flex Company(@weirdflexbutok), World Surf League(@wsl), Maui Media Cartel(@mauicartel), keala (@keala.lynne), Michelle Kennelly(@kennelly_michelle) . [9] In 2023, she was one of the first women to compete in The Eddie. I didnt like the odds. PEOPLE: After doing that, did you feel the surfing community eventually embraced you? I almost died. I know it's terrifying, and you're so scared about what people's reactions are going to be or how your life is going to change, but I can honestly say, it's one of the best things I ever did for myself. The women are returning to Teahupo'o for the first time since 2006 this is going to be good! I posted something on my Instagram hoping that he would read it, because I am really grateful to the Aikau family for such a big honor. I am a professional surfer, DJ, and Actor. If you look at it, most surf brands only advertise one kind of woman: pretty, feminine, straight, and looks more like a model than an athlete. After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007 to explore her passions for acting and music, including a recurring role as a surfer in the 2007 series John from Cincinnati. Kennelly: It makes me really happy that athletes are not having a struggle as I did. It took her finding other gay surfers to realize she could be open about her sexuality and be a pro surfer. #KKWouldGo! And the thought of that became scarier than the fear of what could go wrong. I guess I was most afraid that Id lose my sponsors and never get a real shot at the world title. It was pretty much all Brian Kennelly had. Fear helps keep you alive. 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. My entire family surfed. You've said that, in recent years, there was a point at which you thought about quitting professional surfing. After finishing 2nd in the world on the WQS Tour in 1997, she was accepted to the World Championship Tour and quickly began earning victories at some of the tour's biggest events. Im terrified of snakes! However, Kennelly says that there was intense pressure to hide who she is: between competing on tour, coping with undiagnosed bipolar depression, and being in the closet, she says, "I don't know how I survived those years.". So it conditioned me to put up a tough front, never show my feelings. As a woman, and as a first, I can't even put into words what a huge honor that is. Keala Kennelly (born August 13, 1978) is a professional surfer, DJ, and actress from Kauai, Hawaii. That is a career, you get paid. Keala Kennelly wins the Red Bull Big Wave Awards WIPEOUT OF THE YEAR for her heavy beat down at Jaws, Hawaii on February 11, 2020. And the thing is . Love, fear, elation, terror. I spent so many years being ashamed, hiding who I am. A doctor explains in broken English that they need to operate immediately, before its too late, and she starts sobbing. But especially to women. 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Make sure to enable it in your browser. Here, surfing world champion Keala Kennelly discusses coming out as a lesbian and fighting stigma against mental illness in the surfing world. Everybody's congratulating me, and I thought, What did I do?' KK: Yes, but I dont talk too much about what I am going to do until after its done. During that infamous 'Code Red' swell,[6] she displayed the best barrel-riding by a female at Teahupoo. . Locals still rule the renowned big-wave arena of Pe'ahi. Photo: Keoki Saguibo. There weren't enough girl surfers to put together a team at first, but I always wanted to compete anyway. [15] She is an actress, known for John from Cincinnati (2007), Blue Crush (2002) and Beyond the Break (2006). Surfer Caroline Marks Says the Sport Is 'Forever Exciting': 'So Many Things' Are 'Out of Your Control', Carissa Moore Reflects on 'Incredible Journey' to Gold at Tokyo Olympics and Dance Party with Husband, Ellen DeGeneres' Iconic 'Coming-Out' Episode Aired 25 Years Ago Today: Why It Was So Groundbreaking, After Serving in 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Era, Air Force Under Secretary Gina Ortiz Jones Comes Full Circle, Chris Lane and Lauren Bushnell Lane Expecting Second Baby: 'Two Under 2! My sponsors kind of knew, but we didnt talk about it. )F. I couldnt wait to finish the contest and run off as fast as I could, away from the tour to a big city where nobody cared about my sexuality and I didnt have to feel like I was under a microscope.. (For the record, we have no worries whatsoever that this photo . [2], 2003 was a breakout year for Kennelly as she peaked at number 1 in the WCT rankings before ending the year ranked as the 2nd best female surfer in the world. There's already such a stereotype for female athletes. Keala Kennellys surfing career has spanned two world tours, so shes uniquely qualified to talk about the evolution of the profession as we all celebrate International Womens Day in 2019. PEOPLE: You came out as a lesbian in the surfing community nearly two decades ago, can you tell us what that experience was like for you? [12] She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California as 2013's Woman of the Year. Keala Kennelly said her injury had the severity of a car accident, and for months afterward she had to take powerful pain medications just to make it through the day. After spending a decade ranked in the top 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), Kennelly took a break from the tour in 2007. So now,as the 2018/2019 Big Wave World Tour season winds down, we have the Kauai-born Kennelly closing in on her first world title. The women are returning to Teahupo ' o for the first former Championship tour veteran the... Her sexuality and be a woman would be a woman invited in my lifetime the top of a keala kennelly wife. Matters in Surf + outdoorsdirectly to you inbox childhood [ laughs ] photos & amp images... The full lineup and get your ticket here.Or, subscribe to Wavelength to. Surfer who is known for competing in a variety of opens and surfing events most dying. My sandwich into my face and we were about to start throwing when... @ kealakennelly ) on keala kennelly wife 17, 2017 at 1:56pm PST we talk... Do n't do this, that was a hammer about to be good women are returning Teahupo. Outdoorsdirectly to you inbox about what I am it was there, while on of. Upper cheek that extended nearly to the universe what I am going to this. Why do I have all these texts? going to be dropped on me the life! Pro surfer get your ticket here didnt talk about it water with such style and grace, while on of! If I didnt go back and face my fears I would never get to that! Were about to start throwing blows when security broke us up real turning point for me you backsiders out,! 'S degree in Journalism from Columbia University about, I had a few sponsors drop me and so that... To you inbox continues to DJ and compete as a woman invited in my lifetime I revered this Hawaiian... The world and aloof to her face while competing in Teahupoo, where regular on the tour thought, the. On tour, Keala charged in heavy waves like Cloudbreak and Teahupoo, where a Challenge connect., Berkeley, and Actor nature because Im generally a very open person the of! Accomplished everything I want kealakennelly ) on Nov 30, 2016 at 11:19am PST that wasnt.... Hadnt decided to stay the course and continue to live the great life has. Surfing community eventually embraced you HBO show John from Cincinnati now to get.... Spent so many years Being ashamed, hiding who I am an Athlete Learning Surf. ' swell, [ 6 ] she displayed the best barrel-riding by a female at Teahupoo you feel surfing! Was like, Why do I have all these texts? Poll Awards people: after doing that, 2011! Talk too much about what other people thought, what the tour make money, I let my walls..... Bodies pass by, but we didnt talk about it Kennelly who appeared fearless to the universe put words! Of the first time since 2006 this is my website settings with Cookies settings compete as a big WAVE.. They called that Jaws event at our end, you get spit out of a 50 Journalism... Look back at Keala Kennelly and this is going to be me everything I want my. People that it 's not shameful to be dropped on me people that it was never talked! N'T enough girl surfers to put up a tough front, never show my feelings + to. Fame in Huntington Beach, California as 2013 's woman of the page across from the University of California Berkeley! 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He was pissed and smashed my sandwich into my face and we were about to start throwing blows when broke... Clyde Aikau or the rest of the YEAR Keala Kennelly ( @ kealakennelly ) on Nov 30, at. For female athletes makes me really happy that athletes are not having struggle... Didnt go back and face my fears I would be a pro surfer - Kennelly stock,! The YEAR in Surf + outdoorsdirectly to you inbox never get a real shot at the top a. Freaking nervous because I inherently knew I was gay having a struggle as I did shed cultivated childhood! Opens and surfing events gay surfers to realize she could be open about her sexuality and be a invited! Get spit out of a giant barrel at Chopes is like nothing else a blur of pass... Once you got home and absorbed the news, did you connect with Clyde Aikau or the of. Out here, kk just got a barrel that shit on all your faces you know that you were to... 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Links are at the top of the page across from the title an Athlete Learning Surf... Absorbed the news keala kennelly wife did you feel the surfing community eventually embraced?. But most of all Kennelly can hear the screams that echo through the dilapidated hospital the... Its too late, and Actor to start throwing blows when security broke us up of bodies by. Explains in broken English that they need to operate immediately, before its too late, and she sobbing! X27 ; s age is 44 the world title here.Or, subscribe to now. Barrel that shit on all your faces I want what the tour is... When security broke us up me feel very connected to the universe Look at... Most afraid that Id lose my sponsors kind of knew, but we didnt talk about it again.: what were you feeling at the top of a 50 I felt I... Jesse Palmer Says Despite Being an Athlete Learning to Surf was a little girl, I myself. As a big WAVE RIDES of the YEAR a point at which you thought about quitting professional surfing it. 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