Kai Lenny in Paris
Kai Lenny in Paris
The ultra-talented Kai Lenny, American surfer, windsurfer, kitesurfer, and six-time world stand-up paddle champion on the largest waves in the world, is in Paris with TAG Heuer. At the age of just 22, Kai has already been surfing the enormous and formidable Jaws wave for several years. He is the only person to have surfed in four different disciplines on the same day (tow-in surfing, SUP, windsurfing and kitesurfing). #DontCrackUnderPressure. Cracking under pressure? Not even an option when he is in the water.
In the surfing world prior to Kai Lenny, stand-up paddling was for beginners hoping to become famous and not for real surfers; and water sport world champions were not youngsters aged 20: more than ten years were needed to master the XXL waves. And then Kai came along. Barely 22 years old and already six times world stand-up paddle champion, Kai Lenny surfs monstrous waves, demonstrating a brand of talent that is out of this world. Cracking under pressure? Not even an option.
Kai means "ocean" in Hawaiian, and that is precisely where he comes from. He was born on the island of Maui in 1992 and grew up near to the giant Jaws and Hookipa waves. By the age of 4, he could already stand on his board, and could windsurf aged 6, do stand-up paddling at 7 and kitesurf by the age of 9. His mentor was the best Hawaiian surfer, who taught him to respect the power of the ocean and to soak up its strength.
What makes him different? It's not his daring, but his willingness to tackle any challenge. Just like when he challenged the winner of the America's Cup, Oracle USA, a $15 million yacht, to a race on his $1,500 board between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. And he almost won! However he did manage to win six world championships and worldwide recognition for this new discipline. "My philosophy is to live every day as if it were my last, to have fun, to never give up and to be the best that I can be".
He stopped off in Paris to pay a visit to the TAG Heuer boutique at 104 avenue des Champs-Elysées. After being welcomed by the entire TAG Heuer team, he chose an Aquaracer 300 Metres water-resistant chronograph equipped with a rubber strap to give it a sporty edge. He asked many questions and showed particular interest in the special technical features of each model. It was a great moment of mutual exchange.
Kai Lenny is a trailblazer, unafraid of breaking with convention and making his own way on the waves. Like TAG Heuer, he demonstrates strength of character on a daily basis and doesn't crack under pressure.