By Mike Latronic – Ridge Lenny, younger brother of surfing prodigy and world champion Kai Lenny, has spent much of his career in the shadows of his sibling’s towering achievements. For years, Kai’s name has been synonymous with hi-octane big-wave surfing, aerial antics, and competitive success— and for good reason: his accolades are legendary. Yet, as Ridge quietly honed his craft, it became increasingly clear that the younger Lenny brother was developing his own identity within the surf world. Ridge is no longer merely the “brother of Kai.” Emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the world of big-wave surfing, he’s carving his own legacy alongside Maui’s fiercest watermen.
Growing up on the North Shore of Maui, Ridge’s early exposure to the ocean and surf culture was formative. Surrounded by legendary surfers like Laird Hamilton, Rush Randle, Buzzy Kerbox and Dave Kalama, the Lenny brothers witnessed the evolution of big wave surfing firsthand. Ridge’s journey, however, didn’t follow a straight path. While Kai made waves early in his career with his fearless approach to big waves, Ridge took a more measured route, eventually falling in love with the sport during his college years. What started as a simple childhood obsession became a profound calling.
Ridge’s transition from a casual surfer to a big wave contender was a slow process. Despite his remarkable skills and his deep-rooted connection to surfing’s history, Ridge’s efforts in the surf world have been a more steadfast ascent compared to his brother’s meteoric rise.
Ultimately, through perseverance and hard work, Ridge Lenny is carving his own path in the world of big-wave surfing. It wasn’t until after he completed his college studies and made a decision to dive into big wave surfing headfirst that Ridge truly began to realize his potential. His first encounters with the legendary waves of Jaws, the very waves that had inspired him as a child, were intense; yet once Ridge gained confidence and began to embrace the raw power of these waves, his connection to the ocean deepened.
As he continues to evolve and push the limits of what is possible on massive waves, Ridge’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, the pursuit of a dream that started in his backyard of Maui.
FSM:
Can you recall your first wave? Take us through it.
RL:
I grew up surfing a spot called Sugar Cove on the north shore of Maui. It’s actually not the best wave—it’s a mushy reef with a little beach break—but as a kid, it felt like paradise. I’ll never forget the first time I stood up on my tiny Costco boogie board when I was about 6 years old. I fell in love with that sensation of speed and freedom. Every day of my childhood, I’d pretend I was riding 60-foot waves like I saw on TV at Jaws. My parents were always super relaxed about me going to the beach alone, and I’d ride my bodyboard for hours every day. I didn’t transition to a surfboard for a few years, but I always knew I’d be hooked for life.
FSM:
What attracted you to try surfing?
RL:
Surfing was just part of our lifestyle growing up. My brother Kai and I were always in the water. Our weekends were spent at the beach, and we’d obsess over the videos of the pioneers surfing Jaws. Watching those guys ride the biggest waves on Earth, we just wanted to be like them. The speed, the power—it was incredibly addicting. The ocean became our playground, and the thrill of challenging yourself against such immense forces is something I couldn’t walk away from.
FSM:
Who were some of your early influences? Did your older brother influence you specifically?
RL:
My early influences were definitely the Strapped Crew—Maui legends like Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, and Pete Cabrinha. These guys not only pioneered big wave riding at Jaws but were also open to other watersports like windsurfing and foiling. Watching them gave Kai and me a blueprint of what we aspired to. As for Kai, I was certainly influenced by him, but early on, I was also a little intimidated by his progress. It wasn’t until later that I fully embraced big-wave surfing and decided to follow his lead.
FSM:
What was it like to watch Kai lead the charge at Jaws? Did it drive you to push harder?
RL:
When Kai was really pushing boundaries at Jaws, I was just 12 years old. I was terrified, honestly. My dad would take me out on the JetSki to watch, and I swore I’d never surf there. But after college, I ended up re-evaluating everything, and the pull of big waves was undeniable. I took the plunge, and after a few sessions, I was hooked.
FSM:
Do you practice multiple disciplines like your brother?
RL:
I’ve dabbled in other watersports, but I always gravitated towards traditional shortboard surfing. When I was studying in San Diego, I really focused on small wave techniques. Now that I’m back in Maui, I surf when there are waves, and when it’s flat, I wing-foil. My goal is to refine my small wave surfing so I can translate that technical ability into big-wave performance.
FSM:
Do you think surfers become more connected to nature than most other sportspeople? Do you think about this, or just surf for the sport?
RL:
Surfing has become an essential escape for me. It’s a place where I can be in the moment, let go, and really appreciate nature. But there’s also the challenge of constantly improving. The small victories in surfing become incredibly addictive, and that keeps me coming back. Without surfing, I think I’d still be involved in some sort of extreme sport. I crave being outdoors and the rush of adrenaline that comes with pushing my limits.
FSM:
Is there a brotherhood to surfing? What do all surfers share?
RL:
There’s definitely a brotherhood—especially in the big-wave community. Surfers from all around the world come together, share experiences, and support each other in ways that transcend language and culture. It’s comforting to know that no matter where you are, there’s a shared bond.
FSM:
Any last words or shout-outs?
RL:
I just want to give a huge shoutout to my parents. They sacrificed a lot for us to have an amazing childhood and gave us the tools to follow our dreams. I’m forever grateful for that.