Billy Kemper

Born and raised in Maui, Billy has always taken an interest in the great Hawaiian surfers that inspired him along the way. Billy is an amazing family man and a positive role model leading the way by example. Kemper might be best known for winning the 2019 Big Wave Championship at Peahi during a massive run of swell, but his accomplishments don't end there. He also won the Paddle-In Big Wave in 2022, catching a remarkable wave at Jaws (Pe'ahi) on November 2, 2021 to secure the title of Men's Biggest Paddle winner for 2022.
Other achievements include his paddle-in exploits in huge Jaws, where he has already logged a lifetime of massive walls. His numerous XXL entries have included 2010 “Ride of the Year,” 2013 “Wipeout of the Year,” and 2014 "Ride of the Year." In 2012, he also won the Steep & Deep Pipeline Photo Challenge.
In addition to his impressive surfing career, Kemper has also won a Webby award for his six-part documentary series in partnership with Outside and WSL, titled BILLY. The series follows Kemper on the road to recovery after a life-threatening injury on a surf trip to Morocco. The series provides an intimate and inspiring look into Kemper's life and career and showcases his unwavering determination to succeed.