Mikey Redd

There’s a lot of surfers out there trying to live their best version of the movie “North Shore.” Spoiler alert: It ain’t that easy. Getting good waves at places like Pipeline, let alone Jaws, require years of beatdowns, humblings, moments of glory, and respect to pay off. Nobody knows this more than Hawaii Island’s Mikey “Redd” O’Shaughnessy, who, for over a decade, started from the bottom of the pack to become a yearly standout on the North Shore. (He’s won the coveted WOTW, mind you.) Of course, even WOTW champions aren’t invincible, and on the recent Valentine’s Pipeline swell, Mikey nearly lost his life in the pursuit. In the newest episode of the Late Drop, Jamie Mitchell talks with Mikey about working your way up the ladder — and his harrowing experience two weeks ago.

https://northshorelifeguards.org/ to learn more about the North Shore Lifeguard Association and here to donate https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2292692 .

3:00 Healing from his recent accident, Growing up in Puna on Big Island (Hawaii Island), Paddling canoe and surfing slabs, Dabbling in the other island sports like fishing/hunting, Being inspired by big brother Dallas and other Big Island guys like Ikaika Kalama, Kelii Mamala, Being a steersman during paddling

12:41 Dreaming of surfing North Shore/Eddie Aikau Invitational, The values of local community, Dropped out of high school to move to North Shore and become a pro surfer, Working his way up the pecking order from since 14 years old, Life and death struggle at Pipeline, Fixating on both Pipe and Waimea Bay

23:41 Going to Tahiti and fixating on Teahupoo, Winning the 2016 WOTW at OTW, Getting picked up by Volcom, Making his way to Jaws, Getting knocked out and coming to underwater at Jaws

41:22 The Valentine’s Day Pipeline swell, Watching the waves all day and looking for his window, Knocked out on impact, Next moment on the beach on a stretcher, Getting rescued/the scenario, North Shore lifeguards taking over saving him

59:40 Taking lifesaving skills classes as a requirement for big wave surfing, Learning the skills to be in those conditions, Being grateful to be alive

62:12 Mikey’s 5-to-Finish