EP 33. Katie McConnell
Science and Surf | In Partnership With Talisker Whisky
In the third episode of our new series in partnership with Talisker Whisky, we caught up with big wave surfer Katie McConnell, our North American Ambassador. Over the four years that Katie has been immersed in big wave riding she’s been named Rookie of the year at Red Bull Magnitude in 2022, before going on to win the Thrillers at Killers event at Todos Santos earlier this year.
18.10.2024
01:26:57
Content warning - some explicit language
Hosted by Lawrence Stafford
Sound Design by John Sampson a.k.a CJ MIRRA
Listen Now
A scientist, teacher and now-islander, Katie splits her time between educating the children of Maui, studying coral reef microbiomes and commandeering some of the biggest waves on the planet.
Originally from California, we caught up with Katie during a stopover in Ventura, en route to Chile, where she spends as much time as possible. Now living on the island of Maui, Hawaii, she is a humble, brave, green-fingered member of the community with a passion for riding giants.
Recently bursting onto the competition circuit, Katie has taken win after win across the world, taming big wave spots such as Punta de Lobos, Todos Santos and her home break, Jaws.
In this episode we discussed her impressive and rapid rise to the top, the inspiring pioneers of big wave surfing that she’s met in the line up, her valuable work in conservation and oceanography, and how Jaws isn’t the iconic spot’s real name.
“As humans we have such a profound impact on our planet... We are more aware of that now than we ever have been, and we have also realised that we have the power to make decisions that will shape the future.”
- Katie McConnell
Erv’s Serves
Throughout the series we’ll be checking in with our friends at Talisker to bring you bespoke cocktail recipes, made with their distinctive 10 year single malt whisky. Listen out for Erv’s serving suggestions in each episode, from consummate classics to modern twists on time-honoured traditions.
Shownotes
Keala Kennelly surfer
Bianca Valenti
Laura Enever
Paige Alms
Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge
World Surf League's Peahi Big Wave Challenge
The Molokai Challenge