Kai Lenny: a look at the 21st century 'Aquaman' and his Pipeline concussion 

Kai Lenny, known as the modern-day 'Aquaman', is a professional surfer who has mastered a fearless approach to his various water sports disciplines. He is recognized as one of the best big wave surfers in the world alongside his exceptional skills in stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding and hydrofoils.

Lenny does not only have a strong passion for aquatic sports, but for aquatic life itself. According to Red Bull, Lenny paddled a record-breaking 321 km (199 miles) on his hydrofoil through the four major Hawaiian channels to raise awareness of ocean pollution.

Furthermore, many regard him as an athletic guru, who is deeply connected to his emotions and has incredible self-control. His ability to remain calm in extreme life-threatening situations separates him from the rest.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

"In surf sports, it's about being more relaxed. The harder you push, the slower you go. If you just relax and lighten your feet and approach, you're going to be doing stuff you wouldn't be doing otherwise," shared the surfer during an interview. Let's take a look at his remarkable athletic achievements.

Born on October 8, 1992, on the island of Maui (Hawaii), Lenny grew up with his feet immersed in the ocean sand.

Naturally, he picked up a variety of aquatic sports, immersing himself fully in Hawaiian culture. Lenny picked up surfing at a very early age and gained recognition for his exceptional skills. He quickly made a name for himself in local surfing competitions, but he was after something bigger and better...

The Hawaiin surfer felt a special connection with big wave surfing and set out to dominate the world's aquatic giants. He conquered some of the world's most dangerous waves: Jaws (Peahi), Mavericks (California), Teahupo'o (Tahiti), and Nazare (Portugal).

Lenny is praised for his unmatched ability to navigate complicated swells with surgical precision, while riding massive waves with grace and discipline. He makes it look so easy, right?

His multiple wins at the prestigious Big Wave World Tour and the Peahi Challenge are just some of the many accolades under his belt.

So, how does Lenny do it? "If there's one takeaway - and there's no real secret here - I'd say that you're better off being consistent with breath-holding training, rather than constantly pushing your limit. Consistency is key," shared the Hawaiian surfer during a Red Bull interview.

Although surfing can be seen as a graceful and peaceful sport, big-wave surfing takes on a whole new dimension of risk and adrenaline. During Da Hui's Backdoor Shootout session at Pipeline on January 4th, 2024, Kai Lenny endured a deadly wipeout, which saw him withdraw from the competition.

According to Surfer Magazine, the Hawaiian surfer fell straight on top of the razor-sharp reef at Backdoor. The fierce impact on the reef cracked his helmet and left Lenny severely concussed. He was rushed to the hospital for further examination.

Furthermore, Surfer Magazine highlights how Lenny is just one of a handful of surfers who have suffered Pipeline's wrath. Joao Chianca was also knocked unconscious and hospitalized after his brutal Backdoor wipeout. Similar story for Eimeo Czermak, who was severely injured during the 2023 Pipe Masters event. These surfers are alive to tell the story, all thanks to their safe equipment.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Following his head injury at Pipeline, Lenny has been taking it slow during the rehabilitation process. He has resumed surfing but is still seeking treatment for his head injury. "Since my head injury at Pipeline, I've been doing everything I can to get back on the horse and become better than I was. Without a doubt, this head injury was the worst injury I've ever had," shared Lenny with Surfer Magazine.