An Aussie Coal-Coaster With Shades Of Mick Fanning

As a grom, I used to do the odd contest here and there.

I never made it past the first round in any of them. On the opposite end of the results ladder, was a small circle of kids who consistently made the finals. Kalani Ball was one of those kids.

Incredibly fast, technical, and smooth, Kalani’s surfing has something Mick-esque about it. Wonderful to watch freesurfing, and heart-breaking to watch when you’re in the same heat.

In 2019, Kalani finished #64 on the QS. This season, he’s made four from five finals day finishes on the regional QS.

Living at Stanwell Tops at the base of the Illawarra escarpment, Kalani has honed his skills on a mix of beachies, reefs, and slabs. A new school approach, mixed with a meat and potatoes rail game and speed to burn.

Like many young WSL tour grinders, Kalani juggles the realities of work commitments, along with training and the dream of someday qualifying with the world’s elite.

Familiarise yourself with Kalani’s surfing here.