Ekolu Kalama

Bio
Pics
Videos
News

Ekolu Kalama – My legal name is Jerome Kalama III. “Ekolu” means #3 in Hawaiian. My close friends and family call me “Kolu”.

D.O.B.:

March 13, 1976 – I’m a Pisces and that explains my love for the ocean. I’m also a Dragon (in the element of Fire) in the Chinese zodiac so please forgive me for my temper. Sometimes I need my space. I’m an inventer and a leader. I am unafraid of challenges, self-determined, and will get worn down from doing too much. I need to learn to slow down. If you read up on Pisces and Fire Dragons you got me to the “T”.

Place of Birth:

Honolulu, HI – I should have died at birth. My mom had complications on Molokai and had to get flown to Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu. I didn’t die and my mom thinks that I was saved for a higher calling. I know now what that calling is and I’m trying my best to live out my calling.

Marital Status:

Married to Honora Kalama

Kids:

Jalen La’ikukekoalani – means “Heaven’s warrior standing in righteousness” Kalama (8yrs.) and Jerome Kalama IV (10yrs.) – We call him “Eha” which means #4 in Hawaiian. Eha is my “mini-me”.

When did you start competing?:

I started stand-up paddle racing 4 years ago and this is my first year competing in stand-up paddle surfing. I’ve been in the ocean my whole life so these stats don’t really make a difference. My grandmother was a competitive surfer and outrigger canoe racer so I’ve been doing this a long, long time.

Why did you start your sport?:

I got introduced to it by my cousin Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton and I was instantly hooked. It combines my two favorite sports, canoe paddling and surfing into one. It was a natural fit for me and its my destiny.

Where have you competed?:

England, Germany, France, Tahiti, California, Florida, Mexico, and Hawaii.

Most memorable story:

Stand-up paddling Peahi (Jaws) with Laird Hamilton.

Current sponsors:

Ark Boards, Power Balance, Steinlager, Dakine, and Dunkelvolk

Other hobbies:

Fishing, Free Diving, Music, Reading, Family-time

Superstitions:

I can do all things through God whom strenghtens me (Philippians 4:13)

Most influenced in your riding:

Laird

Most admired in your sport:

Laird

Why?:

Laird is the modern day re-inventer of the sport of stand-up paddling and he gave me my very first board and paddle. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Awards won:

Jever World Cup Winner in the 2000 meter and 10,000 meter races, 4 time Molokai to Oahu winner – 3x relay winner with Dave Kalama and last year’s solo winner and current record holder (5:02). Current World Champion in racing and current #3 on the Stand-up Paddling World Tour (wave riding). I became the first ever, truly professional stand-up paddler in 2008.

Who I’d like to meet:

Michael Jordan

Music/Movies:

Once

Favorite Break:

Teahupoo, Tahiti

Favorite food:

Peruvian