“I was never doing it to be the best. I was never, I’d never have someone go to achieve to win some title. I wasn’t out to, you know, make a million dollars… There’s never been a plan. It’s just been, hopefully, continuing on that task that’s loving what I do.”
Overview
Reigning as a global top star in windsurfing since the 1980s (with 24 world titles), his trademark sail number “US-1111” became an object of admiration for water sports fans worldwide. He is a legendary waterman who later drove the development of the sport on Maui during the dawn of kiteboarding.
In kiteboarding, rather than wearing a jersey and competing for titles himself, he focused on his role as the “Godfather” of the industry, laying the foundation and sponsoring young geniuses through his brand. He remains based on Maui, where he is frequently seen catching waves every day on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) as a pure waterman.
Career
After serving as the iconic figure of the windsurfing golden era, he entered the early days of kiteboarding around 1997-1998. He was deeply involved in early equipment development alongside Don Montague, building the foundation of the sport.
The original patent for the inflatable kite was filed in 1985 by the French Legaignoux brothers (Dominique & Bruno), who founded Wipika. Robby Naish purchased the patent license from them and released the “AR 3.5” through Naish Sails at the end of 1999. This very moment is widely regarded as the birth of kiteboarding as a legitimate global “sport.”
Although he holds very few kiteboarding world titles, he demonstrated exceptional skill in early competitions, winning the 1998 Kiteboarding Slalom World Championship and the inaugural 1999 Red Bull King of the Air held in Maui.
Sponsors & Brands
He led his eponymous brand, “Naish Kiteboarding,” for many years. Additionally, his parent company “Nulli Kai” held the patent for the “push-away” quick-release system. This patent supported the fundamental safety standards of the entire kiteboarding industry, including other brands, for nearly 20 years.
Recently, he sold the brand (Naish Sails) to his long-time European distributor, Kubis Sports. However, he personally retained the trademarks (IP) for the apparel and surfing divisions and remains actively involved in the brand’s product development even after the sale.
Personality & Relationships
He values his pure passion as a waterman above his role as a businessman. Regarding kiteboarding, he stated that he never did it to be the best, win titles, or make money, showcasing an unfathomable love and composure for water sports.
Even now, having stepped back from the forefront of the competitive scene as he ages, he continues to command immense respect from multiple generations of riders as someone who embodies the true attitude of a World Champion.
Quotes & Episodes
“The problem was it was not really fun anymore. The business side of the business was never my forte and not something that I ever really enjoyed.”
— Robby Naish
Competition Results
1998 Kiteboarding Slalom World Championship – 1st Place
1999 Red Bull King of the Air (Maui) – 1st Place
Search Aliases: Robby Naish, RobbyNaish