Billy Kemper is a professional big-wave surfer from Maui, Hawaii, known for his fearless approach to some of the world’s most challenging waves which also earned him an estimated net worth of $4 million.
A four-time Peʻahi Challenge winner and WSL Big Wave World Champion, he has established himself as one of the sport’s top athletes. Beyond surfing, he is a devoted husband to Tahiti Hernandez-Kemper and a proud father.
Below we will explore his journey and achievements to understand how Billy Kemper became one of the world’s top big-wave surfers.
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Who is Billy Kemper?
Billy Kemper is a professional big-wave surfer from Maui, Hawaii. He is known for his fearless attitude and outstanding achievements in surfing.
He has won several major competitions, including the Peʻahi Challenge at Jaws four times and the Big Wave World Championship in 2017.
In February 2020, he suffered a life-threatening injury while surfing in Morocco. He broke his pelvis, had internal injuries, and tore multiple knee ligaments. His recovery was long and painful.
However, through hard work and determination, he returned to competitive surfing. His journey was documented in a six-part series titled Billy. Beyond his career, he promotes fitness, mental strength, and discipline.
He runs a YouTube channel, The Kemper Ohana, where he gives insight into his family life. His dedication and resilience have made him one of the most respected big wave surfers in the world.
Early Life of Billy Kemper
Billy Kemper was born on April 14, 1990, in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. Growing up on the island, he was surrounded by the ocean and deeply influenced by Hawaii’s strong surfing culture.
From a young age, he spent most of his time in the water, developing a passion for surfing. Unlike many young surfers who started with smaller waves, Billy was drawn to big wave surfing early on.
He idolized legendary Hawaiian surfers and learned by watching them tackle some of the most dangerous waves in the world. He trained at Honolua Bay and Jaws (Peʻahi), two of Hawaii’s most famous surf spots.
These powerful waves became his training ground and later his signature break. His childhood was not without struggles. He faced personal challenges, including the loss of close friends and family members, which deeply impacted him.
However, these hardships made him more determined to push his limits in surfing. The strong support of Hawaii’s tight-knit surfing community helped him stay focused on his goals.
By his teenage years, Billy had already built a reputation for his fearless approach to big waves. His early training in Maui’s powerful surf laid the foundation for his success as a professional big wave surfer.
Billy Kemper Age
Billy Kemper is 35 years old as of 2025 and he was born on April 14, 1990, in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. Despite being in his mid-30s, he continues to compete at the highest level, proving that dedication, experience, and physical endurance are key in the sport.
Billy Kemper Nationality
Billy Kemper nationality is American, as he was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, USA. Growing up in Hawaii, he was immersed in the island’s rich surfing culture, greatly influencing his passion for big-wave surfing.
He has proudly represented his country in global surfing competitions as an American athlete. His success highlights the strong surfing heritage of Hawaii and its contribution to the sport worldwide.
Billy Kemper Family and Parents
Billy Kemper was born and raised by his mother, Lisa Diaz, who played a major role in his life and surfing career. She was his biggest supporter, encouraging him to chase his dreams in big wave surfing.
Lisa owned the swimsuit company Maui Girl in the 1980s and 1990s and worked hard as a single parent to provide for her family. Sadly, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 throat cancer and passed away in 2017.
His Late Brother
Billy had an older brother, Eric Diaz, who was a talented amateur surfer and 12 years older than him. Eric’s passion for big wave surfing deeply inspired Billy at a young age. Unfortunately, Eric passed away when Billy was only eight years old.
This tragic loss had a deep impact on him, pushing him to stay focused and determined in both surfing and personal growth. He also has a close friend named Sal, whom he calls his brother from another mother.
Their strong bond highlights the importance of chosen family in his life.There is little public information available about Billy’s father, and he has spoken about the challenges of growing up without a strong father figure.
However, the support from his mother, his close friends, and the Hawaiian surfing community helped him stay on his path.
Despite facing loss and hardships, Billy remained dedicated to his passion, using his struggles as motivation to succeed in the world of big wave surfing.
Billy Kemper Height
Billy Kemper is 5 feet 10 inches tall which is equivalent to 178 centimeters or 1.78 meters. He has an athletic and well-built physique, which is essential for handling the physical demands of big-wave surfing.
He has a strong, muscular frame that helps him maintain balance and power while riding massive waves. His dedication to fitness and training is evident in his toned body, which enhances his endurance and agility in extreme surf conditions.
Billy often sports a relaxed yet athletic look, wearing surf gear, board shorts, and casual beachwear. His appearance reflects his identity as a professional surfer, someone deeply connected to the ocean and the Hawaiian surfing culture.
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Billy Kemper Career Journey
Billy Kemper is a professional big-wave surfer from Maui, Hawaii, known for his fearless approach to some of the world’s most dangerous waves.
He has established himself as one of the top big-wave surfers, particularly excelling at Jaws (Peʻahi), one of the most challenging surf breaks in Hawaii. His career is defined by his courage, perseverance, and dedication to pushing the limits of big-wave surfing.
Early Career
Growing up in Maui, Billy Kemper was drawn to big waves from a young age. Unlike many professional surfers who follow the traditional World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, he focused on riding massive waves.
His natural talent and relentless dedication quickly set him apart in the competitive world of big-wave surfing. With the support of his mother and inspiration from legendary Hawaiian surfers, he trained on some of the most challenging surf breaks, including Honolua Bay and Jaws.
Rise to Fame and Achievements
Billy Kemper’s career took off when he began competing in major big-wave events. He gained widespread recognition by winning the Peʻahi Challenge at Jaws multiple times, proving his dominance at one of the most dangerous waves in the world.
In 2017, he secured the Big Wave World Championship, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s elite surfers.
He continued to perform at the highest level, adding more victories to his name, including the 2020 Jaws Big Wave Championship, just before facing one of the biggest challenges of his life.
Near-Fatal Injury and Comeback
In February 2020, while surfing in Morocco, Kemper suffered a devastating wipeout that left him with a broken pelvis, torn knee ligaments, and a collapsed lung. The injury was life-threatening, requiring multiple surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation.
His recovery journey, marked by extreme physical and mental challenges, was documented in the WSL-produced series Billy. Despite the severity of his injuries, he made a remarkable comeback, proving his resilience.
By 2021, he was back in the water, competing again and continuing to chase massive waves. His return to big-wave surfing inspired many within the surfing community and beyond.
Current Career and Influence
Billy Kemper remains an influential figure in the surfing world. He continues to compete in big-wave events worldwide, particularly in Hawaii and Mexico, where he challenges some of the most powerful waves on the planet.
Beyond competing, he is passionate about fitness, injury prevention, and mental strength, sharing his experiences through social media and interviews. His dedication to training and recovery has made him a strong advocate for maintaining peak physical condition in extreme sports.
He has also partnered with major brands like RVCA, Red Bull, and Nike, further solidifying his presence in the surf industry. His story has been featured in several documentaries and surf films.
Billy Kemper’s career is a testament to his fearless approach to big-wave surfing, his ability to overcome adversity, and his ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport.
He continues to inspire both surfers and non-surfers alike with his unwavering dedication and passion for riding the world’s most powerful waves.
Billy Kemper Documentary
Billy Kemper journey is captured in the six-part documentary series Billy, produced by the World Surf League (WSL) and released in 2021. The series follows his rise in big-wave surfing, his life-threatening injury in Morocco, and his fight to recover and return to the sport.
In February 2020, while surfing in Morocco, Kemper suffered a broken pelvis, torn knee ligaments, and a collapsed lung after a brutal wipeout. The documentary captures his intense rehabilitation, including painful therapy sessions and the emotional toll of his recovery.
It also highlights the unwavering support of his family, trainers, and fellow surfers, who played a crucial role in his comeback. More than just a surf documentary, Billy is a story of resilience and determination.
It provides an intimate look at his struggles and triumphs, showing what it takes to return to professional surfing after such a severe injury. His journey serves as an inspiration, proving that with dedication and the right support, anything is possible.
Billy Kemper Yellowstone
Billy Kemper is not directly connected to Yellowstone, the TV series, but he has expressed admiration for it, particularly its main character, John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner.
He relates to the show’s themes of resilience, hard work, and loyalty values that reflect his own journey, especially his comeback from a near-fatal surfing injury.
His deeper connection to Yellowstone comes from his recovery process. After his severe injury in Morocco in 2020, he traveled to Montana, near Yellowstone National Park, for rehabilitation.
Training at the exclusive Yellowstone Club, he worked with professional trainers like Matt Chan to rebuild his strength and mobility. The peaceful, high-altitude environment provided the ideal setting for both physical and mental healing.
His time in Montana was documented in his six-part series Billy. Even after his recovery, he has spoken about how the Yellowstone experience influenced his training and approach to life.
Is Billy Kemper Still Surfing?
Yes, Billy Kemper is still surfing. Despite a life-threatening injury in 2020, he made an incredible comeback and continues to compete at the highest level in big-wave surfing.
His accident, which resulted in a broken pelvis and severe injuries, could have ended his career, but his determination and intense rehabilitation brought him back.
After months of recovery, he returned to surfing massive waves, especially at Jaws (Peʻahi). He remains one of the top big-wave surfers, actively competing, training, and inspiring others.
Partnering with major sponsors like RVCA, Red Bull, and Nike, he also advocates for fitness, injury prevention, and mental resilience. Balancing his career with family life, Kemper proves that dedication and perseverance can overcome any challenge.
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Why Did Billy Kemper Leave RVCA?
Billy Kemper parted ways with RVCA in late 2023 after the brand was acquired by Authentic Brands Group and its founder, Pat Tenore, stepped away. Kemper who had been a longtime ambassador for RVCA, felt that without Tenore’s leadership, the brand had lost its direction.
Announcing his departure, he shared his gratitude for the journey, stating, I’ve decided for my own good to part ways with RVCA. It’s been a great ride, and I want to personally thank everyone for all the support to my family.
Following his exit, Kemper joined Tenore, a new brand launched by Pat Tenore, alongside fellow surfers like Noah Beschen and Kaniela Stewart. His decision reflected his deep loyalty to Tenore’s vision and leadership in the surfing industry.
Kemper expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter.
His move underscores how personal relationships and leadership play a crucial role in the surfing world, with athletes often prioritizing vision and support over long-standing brand affiliations.
Billy Kemper Net Worth
Billy Kemper has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2025. He earned through his success as a professional big-wave surfer and lucrative brand partnerships.
The Maui-born athlete has built his career on dominating some of the world’s most dangerous waves. He secured multiple Peʻahi Challenge victories and the WSL Big Wave World Champion title.
His achievements in the sport, combined with endorsements from top brands, have significantly contributed to his financial success.
Beyond surfing, Kemper has expanded his reach by joining OnlyFans, where he shares exclusive content on training routines, wellness practices, and behind-the-scenes surf footage from iconic locations like Jaws and Teahupoʻo.
This move showcases his ability to engage with fans beyond competitions while creating new revenue streams. His career continues to thrive, driven by his dedication, resilience, and innovative approach to the sport.
Billy Kemper Wife
Billy Kemper is married to his wife Tahiti Hernandez-Kemper, a singer and former member of the girl group The Lylas. She comes from a well-known musical family as the sister of pop star Bruno Mars and is the second youngest of the six Hernandez siblings.
Born on June 2, 1987, she is 37 years old. Tahiti and her sisters formed The Lylas in 2013 and released their first single, Come Back, independently on iTunes. That same year, they starred in their reality show, The Lylas, which aired on WE TV.
From an early age, she had a passion for music and often practiced harmonies with her sisters. Her relationship with Billy is built on love, support, and shared passions.
She has been by his side through the highs and lows of his surfing career, playing a crucial role in his recovery from his 2020 injury. She provided strength and encouragement while he worked his way back to the waves.
Kemper often shares moments from their life together on social media and offers glimpses into their adventures and the deep bond they share.
Billy Kemper Kids
Billy Kemper and his wife Tahiti Hernandez-Kemper are proud parents of four sons Lion, Haze, Zyah, and Nyjah. Despite his demanding career as a big-wave surfer, Kemper prioritizes his role as a devoted father.
He often shares moments with his children on social media and provides glimpses into their adventures and the strong bond they share as a family. Fatherhood has been a major source of motivation for him, especially during his recovery from his 2020 injury.
He has spoken about how his children inspire him to push through challenges and continue pursuing his passion.
Living on the North Shore of Oahu, Kemper and his family embrace an active lifestyle, often traveling together and documenting their experiences on their YouTube channel, The Kemper Ohana.
Balancing his surfing career with family life, he takes great pride in being a dedicated husband and father.
Billy Kemper Social Media
Billy Kemper actively engages with his audience on social media. He frequently posts about his surfing adventures, training routines, and family moments. On Instagram, he showcases his achievements as a professional surfer, WSL Big Wave World Champion, and father of four.
His Twitter account provides updates on his surfing career and personal insights, while his Facebook page features posts about his experiences, family life, and other interests.
Through these platforms, he keeps fans updated on his latest activities and offers a glimpse into his journey as both an athlete and a devoted family man.
Conclusion
Billy Kemper has established himself as one of the most dominant figures in big-wave surfing. His resilience, determination, and passion have defined his career, from winning major competitions to making a remarkable comeback after a life-threatening injury.
Through his journey, he continues to inspire others, not just with his skills on the waves but with his unwavering dedication to perseverance and personal growth.
Whether competing, training, or sharing his story, Billy Kemper remains a powerful force in the surfing world and beyond.
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