Surf Till 100 Adventures — Felipe Pomar Defies Limitations

Meet Felipe Pomar, the 80-year-old surfer from Peru who aims to defy limitations by surfing for a century. Pomar, who was crowned the first, officially recognised, World Surfing Champion in 1965, now lives in Kauai and is inspired by legends like Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern-day surfing and Laird Hamilton who popularised stand up paddle boarding.

When Pomar left his native country of Peru at age 19, so began a hero’s journey. His goal was to travel to Hawaii, to find and ride the biggest waves in the world. This represented the ultimate challenge for the greatest of surfers. Since the dawn of this journey, he has been riding Hawaii’s big waves and winning paddle board races for over six decades, and still counting.

Felipe Pomar and Duke During the late fifties and early sixties, Pomar was part of a small group of pioneering surfers who searched the coast of Peru to discover her premier big wave surfing spots. Pomar was among the first to surf the outside reefs on the North Shore of Oahu. From 1965-1975, Pomar ranked 1st or within the top three, in all International big wave competitions, and became a paddle board champion in Hawaii, Peru and Europe.

From 1965-1975, Pomar ranked 1st or within the top three, in all International big wave competitions, and became a paddle board champion in Hawaii, Peru and Europe.

Blessed with a life full of travel and adventure, Pomar’s mission continues, in the Spirit of Aloha, to be a model of healthy living practices and making a positive difference.

He is still ripping up breaks today that would make most young surfers think twice before dropping in. Starboard is supporting Pomar’s ambitions by supplying him with the guns required to keep him surfing until 100 years old.

Felipe Pomar SUP Surfing Big Hanalei Break, Kauai

“I mostly feel like an 18 year old with 62 years of experience, which I understand is unusual for a person my age”

Pomar, a stylish regular foot surfer from Lima, Peru, claimed victory in the 1965 World Surfing Championships, establishing himself as one of the dependable big-wave surfers of the 1960s. Born in 1943, he began surfing at 14, winning the Peru International in 1962, 1965, and 1966, and securing second place in 1963 and 1967. He also excelled as a four-time finalist in the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational from 1965 to 1969.