By Mike Latronic – At just 21 years old, Makana Franzmann has solidified himself as one of the most promising young surfers emerging from Hawai’i’s North Shore. Growing up at Rocky Point—one of the most high-performance waves on the planet—Franzmann has been immersed in world-class surfing since childhood. This prime location, combined with a natural talent for board sports, has given him an edge in the ever-evolving landscape of modern surfing.
Franzmann’s journey began early, influenced by his family’s deep connection to the ocean. His father introduced him to waves before he could even walk, setting the foundation for a lifelong passion. Alongside his older brother Dylan, Makana quickly became a standout in Hawai’i’s amateur surf scene, making a name for himself through the NSSA (National Scholastic Surfing Association) competitions. His breakthrough moment came at age 11 when he won the NSSA Nationals, igniting a competitive fire that continues to burn strong.
While contests have played a key role in his development, Franzmann is equally passionate about free surfing. His progressive style—marked by technical aerial maneuvers and explosive power surfing—stems from his deep-rooted background in skateboarding. Having spent years perfecting his air game at Rocky Point, he has developed a reputation for innovation and a fearless approach to pushing boundaries.
Most recently, Franzmann came agonizingly close to qualifying for the Challenger Series, narrowly missing the cut in a high-stakes semifinal against Finn McGill in Tahiti. Despite the setback, he remains determined, using the experience as fuel for future success.
Beyond surfing, Franzmann is also pursuing a business degree, recognizing the importance of building a sustainable future alongside his surfing aspirations. With a combination of talent, drive, and intelligence, he represents a new generation of surfers who blend competitive ambition with real-world sensibilities.
Interview with Makana Franzmann
FSM: What is it about surfing that is so lovable? What’s the attraction for you?
MF: It just feels like you’re free out there in the water. You don’t need to worry about much, and it’s the best way to express yourself—just pure freedom.
FSM: If you tried to explain that feeling to someone who doesn’t surf, how would you describe it?
MF: It’s the feeling of going fast, doing whatever you want. There’s no one telling you what to do. You can just surf however you feel like surfing. In a contest, you have to surf the best wave as well as you can, but even then, no one controls your style.
FSM: Outside of a contest, what are the possibilities when you paddle into a wave?
MF: The possibilities are endless, depending on what the wave is giving you. But at the same time, you can pretty much do whatever you want.
FSM: Do you remember your first wave?
MF: I don’t remember my first wave exactly, but I do remember my first time surfing in Waikiki on a big soft top. I knew I loved it, even if I don’t remember the exact feeling. Growing up, we spent a lot of time at Haleʻiwa, catching whitewater waves with a bunch of kids my age. It was just a super fun thing to do.
FSM: Your parents seem very supportive of your surfing. How has that helped?
MF: Yeah, for sure. My dad put us on bodyboards before we could even walk, just to get us used to the feeling of riding waves. He also built a little halfpipe before we could even walk, so I was skating by the time I was four. He got us into board sports early and kept us stoked.
FSM: Did your mom surf?
MF: Yeah, she liked to stand-up paddle and longboard. She’d come out with us at Chun’s.
FSM: Your older brother Dylan surfs well too.
MF: Yeah, we definitely push each other. He’s two years older, and growing up skating and surfing together, he inspired me a lot.
FSM: Tell me about your amateur career. You and Dylan did a ton of contests together.
MF: Dylan started doing NSSA contests when he was about nine, and I wanted to do them too. We traveled to different islands for contests, and I kept getting better. When I was 11, I won NSSA Nationals, which felt like the best thing in the world at that age. That win definitely got me hooked on competition.
FSM: You’ve had a lot of competitive success since then. Some groms burn out, but you’re still going strong. What keeps you motivated?
MF: That first win definitely fired me up, but for me, it’s more about free surfing. I love doing crazy airs and pushing the sport in new directions. Still, getting a good contest result is an amazing feeling too.
FSM: You have a very modern approach to surfing. Your make-rate for aerials is impressive.
MF: The air game comes from skating. I actually skated almost more than I surfed when I was younger. I was really into it, traveling for contests and even getting a couple wins. Skating is super technical, with all kinds of tricks, whereas in surfing, guys don’t do as many variations. That made me want to push my aerial game. Growing up at Rockies, with that perfect air wind every day, and watching the pros send it—it all inspired me.
FSM: Walk me through a typical air.
MF: It depends on the wave. When you take off, you can almost tell it’s a good air section. You want to race as fast as you can and just go for it. Right now, I have a few different grabs I’m working on. Sometimes, though, the wave just flicks you a certain way, and you end up doing something completely different than you planned. But when you land a perfect air—whether it’s a clean 360º with a good grab or something new—it just feels amazing.
FSM: You finished seventh in the Hawai’i-Tahiti region. That’s incredibly close to qualifying for the next level. What was that experience like?
MF: Yeah, this was my best year on the QS. I had a fourth place, then a third in Tahiti, and a quarterfinal to back it up. Normally, that should be enough to qualify, but I was just on the bubble. It all came down to my semifinal against Finn McGill in Tahiti—winner makes the Challenger Series. It was the craziest heat of my life. We both got sevens, and he had a six. I needed a six at the end, and I dropped into this crazy barrel, but barely fell and snapped my board with two minutes left. I knew it was over. But I’m still stoked on my year and can’t wait for next season.
FSM: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
MF: Yeah, I’m actually in college right now, which is something a lot of pro surfers don’t do. At 18, I realized how tough it is to make a career in surfing, so I decided to study business. My parents both own businesses and live comfortably on the North Shore, and that inspires me. A lot of people think pro surfing is the only way to surf every day, but having a solid career could actually give you more freedom to do what you love.