Aloha
I’m Kainoa de Angelis, an aspiring professional big wave surfer and waterman. Growing up in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, the ocean, mountains and ʻāina have always been my home and greatest teacher. I'm driven by a passion of catching perfect waves, always seeking new adventures and pushing my limits in and out of the water.
My biggest goals in surfing:
1. Paddle surf one of the biggest lefts ever ridden on Oʻahu
2. Tow & paddle bombs at Peʻahi
3. Surf Waimea Bay in the Eddie Aikau
4. Tow and paddle some of the best waves ever ridden at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti
5. Score all time Thunderbreak, Fiji
Join me on this journey as I chase my dreams, ride epic waves, enjoy breathtaking views around the world and embrace the ocean lifestyle, all while making a positive impact on our planet.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Big Wave He'enalu
Surfing waves over 40 feet tall at Waimea Bay & outer reefs on the North Shore of O'ahu has been the most thrilling and challenging accomplishment of my life, both mentally and physically. It required me to train almost everyday, visualize and completely change my identity to transcend myself as a surfer.
Eco-Entrepreneur
After starting my first photography business and working as an underwater safety diver in high school, I decided to use my time to help save the environment and became involved in digital marketing. After participating in an online mentorship, I created a business plan, mission statement, logo, social media accounts and website with 6 resource guides. Then I trademarked the name Mālama Marketing across Hawaii and I'm partnered with 4 companies to leverage my digital marketing expertise.
Mālama ʻĀina
I volunteer in traditional Hawaiian agriculture, planting native species and removing invasive ones. I regularly participate in beach clean-ups to remove plastics and other harmful debris whenever I get the chance and additionally, I use my social media platforms to educate and inspire change. Lastly, I engage and present in community discussions about climate change and sustainability, emphasizing the urgency of action.
Competition
Since I was 12, I've been racing in canoes for Hui Nalu, winning against the entire island in the OIA championships at 15. I won the 6 mile Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Fest stand up paddle race in 2022 as well as the 4 mile Da Hui stand up paddle race from sunset beach to Waimea in 2023. To train for big waves I've run the Honolulu marathon, and 2 half-marathons in Santa Cruz, as well as the Hapalua half marathon in Honolulu.
Education
University of California Santa Cruz
Environmental Studies
2021 - 2023
Embarking on a transformative journey at the UC Santa Cruz, I dedicated two years to an in-depth understanding of climate change and plastic pollution. I firmly believe that the choices we make today are pivotal in shaping a sustainable and thriving future for our Earth.
🔹 Growth Cave - Productized Marketing Agency Mentorship
🔹 National Society of Leadership & Success
🔹 $40,000 Deans Scholarship
🔹 UCSC Mauna Kea Protector
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Entrepreneurship
2023 - Present
The Entrepreneurship degree at UH intertwines identifying business opportunities both globally and locally with Hawaiian culture, fostering a business education rooted in creativity and sustainable innovation. The program emphasizes ethical practices, social responsibility, legal frameworks, financing strategies and marketing fundamentals, all while embracing the Hawaiian values of Aloha, Kuleana and Mālama.
🔹 Elite Performance - Mindset training to help me achieve excellence in all areas of my life.
🔹 EasyGrow - Strong offers, psychology and system fundamentals to make client acquisition easy.
🔹 Agency Navigator - A step by step guide to running and scaling a productized marketing agency
I'm always on a journey of learning, consistently tracking my progress and reflecting. Here are the most inspiring books I've read: Can't Hurt Me, Never Finished, Atomic Habits, Extreme Ownership and The 80/20 Principle.
Mauka to Makai
Surf, Bodysurf, Hydrofoil, Paddle, Skydive, Spearfish, Snowboard, Hike and beyond.
