Genuine Inquiry: Is Kai Lenny A Psychopath?

It’s no secret that to surf big waves you have to have a couple screws loose.

Whether you look to generations past, doing it without any of the water safety guidelines and pioneering spots that had never been surfed, or today’s crop of technically adept individuals working to paddle/tow waves that 20 years ago no one thought we could ride, this profession is not for the faint of heart.

Enter Kai Lenny.

Kai’s new series aptly titled ‘Life of Kai’ is a 5 part episodic experience in which we take a deep dive into Kai Lenny’s winter regimen, focusing on two waves in particular: Jaws and Nazare. Kai rides innumerable boards at both, but I.M.O his ‘best’ surfing is done paddling at Jaws or towing either of the above waves, in which 15-foot airdrops or mid-face, full rotation chop hops have become the norm. 

Remember the Oxbow days? Laird must be so proud. 

Kai’s undying drive to win in the world’s toughest and most dangerous conditions aside, there’s a moment in Episode 4 that made me truly question his sanity. We all know Kai and partner Lucas Chumbo won the 2020 Nazare Tow Challenge, but what many may have forgotten is the horrifying wipeout and near death experience suffered by Alex Botelho in the same event. 

Not for a moment am I suggesting that Kai has anything but sympathetic support for the situation Alex found himself in. My focus lies on the fact that Kai just witnessed a friend of his almost die and can’t help but find comfort in the fact that he himself skirted death while doing the thing he loves most. If shedding the emotions of witnessing a near-death experience while relishing your accomplishment of that very activity isn’t tenacity in the utmost form, then please someone show me what is. 

Outside of being a bajillion time SUP World Champion and our generation’s most well-rounded waterman (it’s not close), Kai is somehow only 26 years old. God only knows what’s to come, but rest assured it will entertain.

Rather than describe these episodes individually and spoil the fun, we’re giving you the full menu with small descriptions for you to choose from, although we highly recommend watching the series through.

See below for all 5 episodes of ‘The Life of Kai’ courtesy of Red Bull T.V.

Kai almost ruins his entire winter (and film production on this series) when training at small Jaws. For our full break down of Ep. 1 click here.

Episode 2 brings us to the Jaw’s challenge, where Mr. Lenny loses in heartbreaking fashion to Billy Kemper as he just can’t scratch under a last second ledge that could have gotten him the lead. Kai will win this event real, real soon.

Kai and Lucas ‘warm up’ at Nazare. Others have been dragged into bigger waves, sure, but when were talking performance surfing these two are untouchable out there.

Kai and Lucas surf in the Gigantés de Nazare tow event before departing back to Maui to catch a Jaws swell, all before coming BACK to Nazare for the WSL event in Episode 5. How well do you think Kai knows the people working the airline kiosks for Hawaiian Air in Lisbon?

Kai and Lucas win (duhh) and catch some waves straight out of your worst nightmare in process. Are you not entertained!!!??!!