Overview
Patri McLaughlin is a kiteboarder from Maui, Hawaii. He is known as a true waterman who can ride waves of all sizes. He holds a Guinness World Record for being the “person to surf the biggest wave ever kitesurfed,” achieved at Jaws (Pe’ahi) in Maui, Hawaii.
Career
Growing up on Maui, he watched the likes of Laird Hamilton, though he never imagined he would one day ride such massive waves himself. He possesses high-level skills to handle a wide range of conditions, from small onshore waves to tow-in sessions at Jaws. Competing in wave contests such as the KSP (Kite Surf Pro) World Tour, he scored a perfect barrel during the 2011 KSP Mauritius One Eye event, which was praised as the best barrel of the day. At the 2012 season finale in Ho’okipa, Maui, he fought for the world title under the pressure of a home event while holding the position of tour points leader.
Sponsors & Brands
In the past, he was affiliated with major kite brands such as the old North (currently Duotone), competing at the forefront of the scene.
Personality & Relationships
Always frothing with a passion for wave riding, he is widely loved for his funny and bright character. He possesses a highly muscular physique, often affectionately teased by commentators who say, “He’s been hitting the gym, man, those biceps, boom. It’s the gun show,” cementing his status as a beloved character in the scene.
Quotes & Episodes
Regarding his incredible barrel at the 2011 Mauritius event, the commentators raved, “That’s that barrel from Patri. That’s the barrel of Patri claiming it a little bit, coming out of it, everybody was screaming in the judges tower on the beach, definitely the best barrel that we saw of the day.”
Furthermore, commenting on his abilities and attitude as a waterman, the commentary team offered the highest praise: “Patri McLaughlin of course coming from Hawaii rides all sizes of surf from small onshore stuff, as we’ve seen him doing in some of his videos he’s been putting online recently, to you know, towing into Jaws, he does it all, and he’s a true waterman.”
Competition Results
2011 KSP One Eye (Mauritius): Competed (recorded the best barrel of the day)
2012 KSP Ho’okipa (Maui): Competed (entered as the tour points leader)
Search Aliases: Patri Mclaughlin, PatriMclaughlin