One thing sets Kalama apart from the rest...

Dave Kalama is without a doubt one of the most influential stand up paddlers in the sport thanks to his impressive history as a waterman, and his unique talent with a paddle in his hand. But one thing sets Kalama apart from the rest, and that is his ability to communicate.

Earlier this year he had the opportunity to give a TED talk in Maui, and told the audience about a moment during surfing that changed his life.

“At the time I don’t know what’s going on. I do a quick inventory of my arms and legs after this happens, and I’m like, well I’ll figure the rest out later, my bodies still working, we’ve got some ground to cover.”

New Years Day on the year 2000, while Liard (Hamilton) was away, Kalama had his big break at Peahi (Jaws). With Liard away, he was top dog and ready to set the world on fire, so he dropped in to a monster, hit a bump, and began a life changing moment. The story of this moment takes just under 15 minutes to tell, and the chilling recount is of course told beautifully, in Kalama’s characteristic Hawaiian style.

Watch below as Dave Kalama talks about life, wipeouts and living in the moment.