Story and photos by Mike Latronic – Sixteen-year-old Nao Clifton just put his name on the map. Clifton recently took first in the Explorer Junior division at the NSSA Nationals in Huntington Beach, with a clutch 8.5 ride on his last wave! That result capped a breakout year, one which also saw him make the elite squad for the Hawai’i Surf Team and earn a spot representing Hawai’i at the ISA World Junior Championships. Sponsored by Local Motion/Tokoro Surfboards, Sister Betsy Surf Wax, and, first and foremost, his parents, Clifton has spent the last few years metamorphosizing from a bodyboard grom into a genuine junior contender. We caught up with him to talk about the path from his first wave at Ewa Beach to the win in Huntington Beach.
How did it feel making the Hawai’i Surf Team?
I feel very grateful I made the team, but I understand I have to put in the work and win. I’m excited to surf somewhere across the world and compete against very good surfers, representing Hawai’i.
Take us back to your first wave.
I was the kid on the bodyboard always trying to stand up and turn. When I was around seven, I watched my friend get barreled at Chun’s and pull these sick turns, and I told myself that’s what I wanted to do. I begged my mom and dad for a surfboard, and my dad took me to Used Surfboards Hawai’i to get one I’ll always remember. The next day, on a glassy, perfect morning at Ewa Beach, I rode it for the first time and couldn’t believe how fun surfing was. I told myself right there — this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. What keeps me coming back is the freedom, the levels I still want to reach, and the adrenaline.
Any standout amateur highlights?
Qualifying for USA Champs and Nationals in California was a big one. It was a big contest and gave me a lot of nerves, but I did the stretches and training [that] my coach taught me and felt ready. I made it through a few tough heats before falling in the semis — disappointing, but I learned from the mistakes and came back better for it.
What are your strengths, and what are you still working on?
Turns and bigger waves are my strengths — training at Kahea Hart’s gym has really boosted my power and comfort out there. What I’m still working on is staying calm under pressure. In a heat, staying relaxed helps me make better decisions.
Tell us about your equipment.
My board is shaped by Wade and Kerry Tokoro at Local Motion — they’ve shaped every one of my favorites, big waves to small. My go-to is the Tokoro 5+; it works at pretty much every spot in Hawai’i. I run FCS fins, usually the Mick Fanning Large for the drive and power, Sister Betsy wax for the grip, and Tokoro, FCS, or Creatures of Leisure traction pads for foot placement.
How do you stay in shape for competition?
I hit Kahea Hart’s gym twice a week for weight and foundation training — it’s been a game changer. Beyond that, I’m surfing five-plus times a week, and every session keeps me sharp.
Any hobbies outside of surfing?
I love to fish, dive, and bike. They’re a good outlet when the waves are flat — a way to get up in the mountains or pull food from the ocean, and just another way to connect with nature while bringing something home for family and friends.
What about school?
Keeping straight A’s is important to me — it opens up more doors down the line. I’m strongest in math, and I’ve got a real interest in finance and business.
Any favorite surfers?
Gabriel Medina, for his mentality — the way he stays composed and finds the scores he needs in the hardest situations. And John John Florence, for the best carves in the game and the strategy he brings to a heat.
Anything else you want to say?
Big thank you to my mom, dad, my coaches, and my sponsors. I wouldn’t be here without them — they’ve taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. And thank you to Jason Shibata for putting on such a great event and giving Hawai’i’s surfers a chance to represent around the world.