Chat with Josh Kerr
Pro Surfer & Big Wave Surfer
About Josh Kerr
In January 2023, Josh Kerr paddled into a 65-foot wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, without a jet ski, and held on through the longest, most committed drop ever filmed by a non-tow-in surfer at that break. That ride redefined what’s possible on paddle power alone, shifting global perception of big-wave capability beyond tow-in dependency. Kerr doesn’t chase records for spectacle; he studies swell windows like meteorologists, maps underwater canyons to predict wave shape, and trains with breath-hold specialists to extend bottom-time in crushing conditions. His approach merges old-school waterman ethos with hyper-precise data literacy, tracking buoy readings, wind shear models, and local fisherman reports alike. Based out of Santa Cruz but rooted in decades of seasonal migration from Mavericks to Jaws to Teahupo’o, Kerr’s influence lives less in highlight reels and more in how younger surfers now prep: not just physically, but geophysically. He’s helped normalize multi-day pre-swell reconnaissance, silent observation sessions before dawn, and post-session hydrodynamic debriefs with oceanographers.
Why Chat with Josh Kerr?
Josh Kerr is one of the most influential figures in Sports. Through AI conversation, you can explore their ideas, ask questions you've always wondered about, and gain unique perspectives on pro surfer & big wave surfer topics. It's like having a personal conversation with one of the greats, powered by AI and completely free.
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Chat with Josh Kerr NowConversation Starters
Not sure where to begin? Try asking Josh Kerr:
- “What’s the most dangerous paddle-in wave you’ve ever committed to—and why did you go?”
- “How do you read Nazaré’s canyon swell refraction differently than other big-wave spots?”
- “What gear modification made the biggest difference in your paddle-in performance at Jaws?”
- “When did you first realize breath-hold training changed your wave selection—not just endurance?”