DAVE KALAMA: Pioneering Jaws, Foiling & the Endless Pursuit of Innovation

In this episode, we sit down with legendary waterman Dave Kalama—a true pioneer in the world of big wave surfing and one of the most influential figures in modern ocean sports. Dave takes us back to his roots growing up in California, trading turns on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain before making the life-changing move to Maui to pursue windsurfing in the 1980s. From there, we dive into his instrumental role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at Jaws (Peʻahi) alongside the Strapped crew, as he helped shape an entirely new era of big wave riding. Dave also shares his candid thoughts on the rise of foiling, how it’s redefining ocean sports, and where he sees the sport heading next. It was an honor to spend some time with one of the all-time greats!
Thumbnail photo shot by Patrick McFEELEY