There are moments in life that take your breath away—not because you’re riding a massive wave or holding your breath through a long hold-down, but because you’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey that brought you there. November 8th, 2025 was one of those moments.
I am incredibly grateful, humbled, and honored to have received the lifetime achievement award and been inducted into the Duke Kahanamoku Waterman’s Hall of Fame at Outrigger Canoe Club. It was such a gorgeous evening from the moment we arrived, filled with so much aloha and beautiful people—friends, family, watermen and waterwomen who have shaped my life and the sport I love.
The room was filled to the water’s edge with the ocean community that has been my ohana for decades. We listened to Hawaiian music, enjoyed delicious food, watched the sunset paint the sky, and most importantly, we shared our passion for the ocean and for the youth of Hawaii—ensuring this legacy is perpetuated for generations to come.
Honoring Fellow Watermen and Waterwomen
I was deeply honored to share this recognition with three other incredible inductees who have dedicated their lives to ocean sports and Hawaiian water culture.
Johnny “Mac” McCandless received recognition for his achievements in canoe paddling. His commitment to preserving the traditional Hawaiian art of wa’a (canoe) paddling represents the very essence of what Duke Kahanamoku stood for—honoring our roots while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the water.
Lauren Spalding, another paddling legend, was also inducted. Her accomplishments in the paddling world have inspired countless athletes and demonstrated that dedication to craft and community creates lasting impact.
And Patti Paniccia joined us as a fellow surfing inductee. To Patti—congratulations from the bottom of my heart. Your contributions to women’s surfing have helped pave the way for every woman who paddles out today.
The Legacy of Duke Kahanamoku
What makes this honor so meaningful is the legacy it represents. Duke Kahanamoku didn’t just bring surfing to the world—he shared aloha with the world. He taught us that the ocean is our greatest teacher, that riding waves is about joy and connection, not just competition. In everything I’ve done in surfing, I’ve been challenged by what our generation and the generations before us accomplished, always with an eye toward paving the way and empowering the youth.
This induction carries extra significance because of the mentors who shaped my path. Aunty Rell Sunn was a big influence in sharing her aloha and giving me that important message to pay it forward. Her spirit lives on in every wave I ride and every young surfer I have the privilege to encourage.
I love being an aunty to our youth in Hawaii. This is what drives me every day—knowing that surfing and the ocean can teach young people about respect, perseverance, and finding their own strength. The ocean is my biggest passion, teacher, healer, and livelihood. It has given me everything, and I feel called to give back.
Thirty Years of Nukumoi and Counting
Speaking of giving back and community—this recognition comes during a special milestone for our Nukumoi family. We’ve now been serving the surfing community for 30 years, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing team we have and the growth we’ve experienced, especially this past year.
The ocean connects us all. Whether you’re a world champion or catching your very first wave, that feeling of gliding across the water links us to something bigger than ourselves—to Duke’s legacy, to Hawaiian culture, to each other. We are truly blessed to call this place home.
Gratitude Beyond Words
To everyone who has supported me and women’s surfing along the way—mahalo nui loa. To my sponsors who believed in me when women’s professional surfing was still fighting for recognition. To the Duke Foundation for preserving and celebrating water sports culture. To the title sponsors Beams America and Aipa Surf, and host sponsor Outrigger Canoe Club, for making this incredible evening possible.
To my ohana and friends who filled that room with love and aloha—you are the reason this honor means so much. We don’t achieve anything alone in this life. Every wave I’ve ever caught, every competition I’ve entered, every young surfer I’ve mentored—it’s all been possible because of the community that surrounds me.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on this honor, I’m not looking backward at what’s been accomplished. I’m looking forward to what’s still possible. There are more waves to ride, more young surfers to inspire, more aloha to share. Duke’s legacy isn’t just about what he achieved—it’s about the movement he started, the doors he opened, and the spirit he passed on.
That spirit lives in every one of us who calls the ocean home. And I promise to carry it forward, one wave at a time.
Mahalo ke Akua for life, love, and the gift of surfing and health.
With aloha, Rochelle
