1st HPAC 2007
3rd XCEL Pro, Sunset Beach 2007
5th Monster Energy Pro Pipeline 2007
Makuakai Rothman
Makuakai (Makua) Rothman was born June 17, 1984 on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. He is a big wave rider and professional surfer. Makua Rothman is the son of Eddie Rothman, founder of “Da Hui.” The Da Hui, consisting of native Hawaiians, was established in the '70s. At a young age Makua surfed with his father, who pushed Makua to surf waves much bigger than those his peers were surfing. Makua’s also attributes his surfing prowess in large waves to his size as a youth. Bigger and more powerful waves better suited his surfing and Makua was striving to be the best at a young age, surfing famous big-wave spots like Sunset Beach and Pipeline.
Makua also suffered from asthma as a child, a health issue potentially detrimental to someone who is surfing, a sport where breathing and holding one’s breath are fundamentally important. However, Makua thanks his father for always involving him in various sports such as soccer, baseball, football, and water polo, because it seemed to help abate his difficulties with asthma. Being involved in different physical activities allowed Makua to learn how to relax when his breathing became arduous, and his ability to relax his breathing in tense situations in the water is one of the qualities that has helped Makua in many life-threatening situations he has faced while surfing big waves. Makua appreciates the difficulties growing up with his asthma and is very motivated to help other young kids out who also have pulmonary disorders, such as cystic fibrosis. Along with helping kids out with asthma and cystic fibrosis, Makua helps out kids with autism.
In 1992, at just eight years old, Makua paddled out to surf at famous big-wave spot Waimea Bay during a ceremony held for deceased surfer Eddie Aikau. The heavy surf conditions pounded Makua, holding him under two, 15-foot set waves. Makua didn’t think he would survive when he suddenly popped up in a clearing of the turbulent white-water. It has been daunting experiences like this that have built Makua’s confidence to the high level it is at today when it comes to big-wave surfing.
Makua enjoys staying active by doing things such as fishing, hunting, running, free-diving, grappling, punching “the bag,” or riding his motorcycle. Makua is really into his exercise and diet, eating mostly salad, fish, chicken, and steak and staying away from processed foods.
.
Makua Rothman is the son of Eddie Rothman, founder of “Da Hui.” The Da Hui, consisting of native Hawaiians, was established in the '70s. At a young age Makua surfed with his father, who pushed Makua to surf waves much bigger than those his peers were surfing.
.
Makua began surfing at the early age of two years old, but began tow-in surfing at the age of 13 when his dad and family friend Darrick Doerner first taught Makua. With Doerner, one of the pioneer’s in tow-in surfing, as his guide, Makua eventually learned the ropes of tow-in surfing and in 2002 won the Billabong XXL Big Wave Challenge Award in one of the most historic big-wave sessions in history. His fearless surfing of the 66 foot wave earned him $66,000, a thousand dollars for every foot. It was the largest wave in the world to be surfed that winter.
Makua attributes his love of surfing and the ocean to his father as well as several professional surfers he grew up around like Sunny Garcia, Myles Padaca, Johnny Boy Gomes, and Dane Kealoha. Makua also accredits his other abilities and his character to his role models because they taught him how to dive and hunt for food, they taught him about respect, about leadership, and about adhering to one’s own beliefs.
Among Makua’s favorite surfers are Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Shane Dorian, Sunny Garcia, and Eddie Aikau, Dane Kealoha and Johnny Boy Gomes.
Makua is proud to be a featured member of the Mauli Ola Foundation. He wants to promote awareness of benefits of surfing for kids and young adults with cystic fibrosis.
Recent Results:
World Cup Champion 2007
1st HPAC 2007
3rd XCEL Pro, Sunset Beach 2007
5th Monster Energy Pro Pipeline 2007
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Bali
Makua attributes his love of surfing and the ocean to his father as well as several professional surfers he grew up around like Sunny Garcia, Myles Padaca, Johnny Boy Gomes, and Dane Kealoha.
