Reigning world champions Brian Keaulana and Kathy Terada, also from Makaha, placed second in the tandem division. The Makaha trio represent Hawaiian surf equipment company, C4 Waterman.

The festival is considered the world's largest surfing competition, attracting approximately 400 of the world's best surfers at various longboard disciplines.

"It really isn't about who is taking the biggest wave, or where they're riding, or what they're riding it on," Keaulana said. "It is all about the feeling every person gets when they catch a wave they didn't think they could, whether it be one foot or 60, and doing so on whatever craft, whether it's a stand-up paddleboard, tandem, tow-in, longboard, canoe or surfboard. That's what is special about these events."