Surfing Legend
DANIEL KEREOPA
Tainui.
Daniel Kereopa, a renowned surfer and waterman from New Zealand, has become the de facto face of New Zealand surfing through years of hard work and dedication.
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, he was one of New Zealand's top surfers, competing globally. Daniel's journey to the top has not been without challenges, where in 2008 the global recession changed the surfing industry worldwide.
Daniel pioneered Big Wave Surfing in Aotearoa, winning the Australasia Oakley Big Wave Award in 2007 / 2008. Still holding the record for paddling into the biggest wave in Aotearoa. Big Wave surfing is always on his radar, tracking weather maps and aiming to always be ready for that one in a lifetime wave.
In 2015, Daniel cemented his place in history by defeating global ocean athletes like Kai Lenny to win the first-ever "Ultimate Waterman" title. This prestigious competition tested athletes across a gruelling marathon of events, including distance standup paddling, waka ama, stand up paddle surfing, longboarding, and shortboarding, showcasing Daniels mastery of New Zealand's diverse ocean conditions.
Today, Daniel is dedicated to helping others through his charitable Trust where he teaches kids to surf, paddle waka, connect with the ocean, and grow as individuals. His story is one of resilience, discipline, and a deep connection with the ocean.