Billy Kemper

A conversation with the only man to win four championships at Jaws
 
Welcome to Episode Ten of Season Three of Late Drop – The Big Wave podcast. The series was created to showcase conversations with some of the best big-wave surfers in the world — hosted by one of the best big-wave surfers in the world. New episodes will drop on Surfline every other week — Stay tuned here for more Late Drop episodes.
 
Professional big-wave surfers are humans of another ilk. And even among that elite group, there are those that set themselves apart from the rest: Laird. Dorian… Billy.

A former WSL Big Wave World Champion, Maui native Billy Kemper has won the Peahi Challenge four times. To win at Jaws just once takes a special kind of devotion and a unique competitive edge. His performance at what many consider to be the greatest giant wave in the world is so dominant, it’s almost mysterious. In this episode of Late Drop, Kemper unravels a bit of that mystery for us, among other revelations.

0:00 Recent session at glassy Jaws, Doing the WSL Challenger series in Europe

12:12 His unique approach to Jaws, Training under Laird Hamilton, Looking for the biggest barrel ever, His equipment preference and custom Futures big-wave fin

28:03 Surfing Maverick’s, Growing up on Maui, Competitive relationship with Albee

35:43 Working hard, Providing for his family, Taking competition seriously, His legacy at Jaws

46:18 Training with Kahea Hart, Committing himself to fitness and nutrition

59:30 Horrible accident in Morocco, Nearly losing his identity, Putting life into perspective

1:08:22 Plans for this winter, Looking for new barrels, Winning events

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamiemitcho.substack.com