“Surfing big waves keeps me grounded,” Kohl says. As one of the leading players in the revival of paddle-in surfing in giant conditions, he spends much of his time tracking swells and testing new board designs. When it’s flat, he’s pretty grounded as well, installing solar energy systems and tending his off-the-grid farm on the North Shore of O’ahu.
Career Highlights
- Third place in the 2013 Nelscott Reef Big Wave World Tour paddle event, Lincoln City, Oregon
- First place in the 1998 Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Invitational, Pichilemu, Chile
- Runner up in the 2011 Big Wave World Tour
- Fourth place in the 2011 Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Invitational, Pichilemu, Chile
- Nominee for Surfline’s Performance of the Year, 2010/11
- First place in the 2010 Nelscott Reef Big Wave World Tour paddle event, Lincoln City, Oregon
- 2008-2017 Eddie Aikau Invitee — Surfed in the 2008/2009 and 2015/2016 events