We celebrate sport and style at Blenders… and no one is a greater partner in that endeavor than Koa Rothman.

Whether traveling the world, catching waves, filming vlogs, or just hanging with friends, the 26-year-old rising star always finds a way to go big. And for someone bred of some of the finest surfing stock imaginable, that tends to lead to one wildly entertaining life.

Never Back Down

Born in Hawaii’s North Shore, big wave specialist Koa Rothman was a dude destined to be drawn to the surf from the get-go. Son of promoter and Da Hui co-founder, Eddie Rothman, and younger brother of 2015 Big Wave World Champ, Makua Rothman, Koa is surfing royalty but you wouldn’t know it from talking with him. Down to Earth and always down for a good time, the Blenders Entourage member is as chill as they come. But when the waves come crashing in, an uncanny level of daring and determination bubbles up—and that’s how he’s made a name for himself.

First taking to monster surf at age 17, Koa quickly honed his craft and four years later won the Best Tube Award in 2014 at Teahupo’o (oh, and the Billabong XXL Wipeout of the Year Award, because this is big wave surfing we’re talking about, after all). Following that breakthrough in French Polynesia, Koa got barreled at WSL Men’s Qualifying Series events across the globe. Along the way, he launched his popular behind-the-scenes vlog, "This Is Livin," giving viewers context behind his search for gnarly swells.

Thing is, there’s something you’ll learn through watching Koa. No matter the challenge, no matter the size of the wave, he’s always game. Hell, he’s at his happiest when it’s bombing out there. “Never back down” is a sort of personal motto for the guy, and that’s the case in and out of the water.

KOA ROTHMAN, LIVING IN FORWARD MOTION

Koa will tell ya himself—he’s been surfing as long as he can remember. We’d bet a tidy sum that, from Pipe to Jaws to Mavericks, no one’s getting more barreled than him. And that’s why we love Koa. He’s in it for the thrill, he’s in it for the fun, and that’s the energy we look for with every partnership here at Blenders.

No matter where Koa’s enthusiasm takes him next, we’re stoked to be along for the ride. //