“Living Aloha – Be kind and treat people nicely”
– Jamie Sterling
There’s something unmistakable about Jamie Sterling the moment you begin speaking with him — a calm presence shaped by a lifetime in the ocean, paired with a quiet fire that only big-wave surfers seem to carry. In our conversation, the Big Wave World Champion opens up about his beginnings, pivotal experiences, the meaning of Aloha, and why visualization has always been one of his most powerful tools.
Early Memories — Standing on the Front of His Dad’s Longboard
Jamie’s introduction to the ocean wasn’t gradual — it was almost instantaneous.
He was three or four years old when his father put him on the front of his orange Herbie Fletcher longboard.
“I remember the sound of the water hitting the fiberglass and us gliding down this little two-foot wave. That was probably the moment it all began.”
His father was a surfer, but not a disciplinarian — just someone who shared the stoke. “That memory has always stuck with me,” Jamie recalls. “It’s the combination of excitement, trust, and freedom.”
Even as a child, Jamie’s connection to the ocean felt like more than play. Surfing wasn’t a hobby — it was a part of the rhythm of life, a foundation that would guide his growth as both a surfer and a person.
Surfing Is a Way of Life in Hawaii
Growing up in Hawaii means living in sync with the ocean. Surfing doesn’t happen in isolation — it’s embedded in every moment of the day.
“You surf, you hang out with friends in the water, eat at the beach, watch the waves, watch the sunset — all these little moments structure your day. It’s all connected.”
Surfing in Hawaii also comes with history and cultural weight. The practice dates back to Hawaiian royalty, offering both sport and spiritual connection to the ocean. Jamie describes surfing as “one of the more popular things to do because the waves, climate, and variety cater to all levels — from beginners to professionals.”
It’s a lifestyle that shapes identity. For Jamie, it became clear very early that surfing was not something he just did — it was something he lived.
The Aloha Spirit and the Discipline Behind It
There’s a familiar image of Hawaiian surfers as relaxed, easygoing, and deeply connected to nature. Jamie certainly embodies that warmth — the kind of person who greets you with Aloha even in a simple message. But behind this approachable, calm presence lies a lifestyle built on commitment, structure, and a daily dedication to feeling and living well.
For Jamie, maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t about pressure or obligation. It’s rooted in joy and in how good it makes him feel. Surfing, yoga, lifting weights, eating mindfully — these aren’t separate activities, but parts of a rhythm that keeps him balanced and energized.
“Whether I’m surfing or doing yoga or eating well or lifting weights — it makes me feel good. And when you feel good, you keep doing it.”
This personal discipline forms the practical side of his life, but the philosophy behind it — the emotional and cultural foundation — comes from the Aloha spirit. Jamie describes Aloha not simply as a greeting but as an approach to life, a way of relating to others with positivity and intention. It means kindness, respect, and uplifting the people around you.
“It’s a positive vibe you put out. Living Aloha means being kind and treating people nicely — trying to make someone’s day better than it was before you met them.”
He extends that philosophy to the ocean as well. For Jamie, respect isn’t only something you show to people — it also includes the natural world, especially the ocean that shapes his life. As he explains:
“I think just having respect for everything and everybody. When you respect somebody, you get a lot more out of it.”
And for the sea, the same principle applies:
“When you respect the ocean, it seems to kind of know that you’re respecting him and maybe treats you a little bit better.”
Ultimately, this mindset is simple but powerful:
“Treating others how you wish to be treated is really important.”
This blend of warmth, respect, and steady discipline is one of the reasons Jamie has experienced such longevity and consistency in big-wave surfing. The Aloha spirit fuels his mindset, shaping how he moves through the world, while his disciplined lifestyle ensures he remains prepared — physically, mentally, and emotionally — for the challenges that come with surfing powerful waves.
Together, these two sides of Jamie — the relaxed presence and the focused athlete — create a harmony that reflects both Hawaiian culture and his personal philosophy. It’s a balance that has guided him for decades, allowing him to pursue his passion with strength, humility, and genuine joy.
The Big-Wave Journey: Challenge, Evolution, and Adrenaline
Jamie’s path to big-wave mastery was not a sudden leap — it was a natural evolution.
“I started small and pushed my level each year. Surfing bigger waves was fun, challenging, and it made me stronger mentally and physically.”
Big waves come with big risks, of course. Jamie has witnessed tragedies in the sport, including the loss of fellow surfers. Yet he doesn’t shy away from danger — he approaches it with preparation, safety measures, and respect for the ocean’s power.
“You assess the risk, implement safety measures, and surround yourself with people who can help if something goes wrong. But ultimately, you accept the inherent danger — just like in any extreme sport.”
It’s this mindset that allows him to surf some of the most challenging waves in the world while staying mentally sharp and physically capable.
Career Milestones and Personal Triumphs
Jamie Sterling’s career is shaped not only by remarkable achievements but also by resilience, self-motivation, and an impressive ability to transform setbacks into fuel for growth. One of the most defining milestones was undoubtedly winning the Big Wave World Championship — a moment that carried deep personal weight far beyond the professional recognition.
In the interview, Jamie shares that this victory came after one of the most challenging periods of his life. About a year before his world title, he suffered the most serious injury of his surfing career, an injury that kept him entirely out of the water for six months. During that forced break, something shifted internally:
“During that time I was doing everything I could to get myself back on the board — rehab, training, and a lot of visualization. I visualized myself healthy again, surfing again.”
This practice of visualizing his return became a crucial pillar of his recovery. When he finally stepped back into the ocean, he did so not only physically rebuilt but mentally sharper and more determined. The transformation from being unable to surf to becoming World Champion within a single year stands out to Jamie as one of the proudest achievements of his life, proving to him how powerful intentional visualization and goal-setting can be.
“So I think that was really strong to know that I could bounce back from an injury into the best big wave surfer on the competitive scene.”
But while the world title is a monumental highlight, Jamie doesn’t measure his journey solely by trophies. Throughout the conversation, he repeatedly returns to the smaller, more intimate moments that surfing has given him: traveling to distant coastlines, riding waves in new environments, and forming friendships all over the world through the shared experience of surfing. These are memories he values just as deeply as his victories.
For Jamie, these moments are not just side notes — they are the heart of his surfing life. Surfing has allowed him to explore the world, to push his personal boundaries, and to connect with others in meaningful ways. As he puts it, surfing has given him countless “great experiences,” each contributing to the larger story of his career.
Ultimately, Jamie’s journey reveals a simple truth: the path itself matters as much as the peak. His story is one of perseverance, vision, and gratitude — a reminder that success is often built on the quiet, consistent work behind the scenes and the joy found along the way.
Innovation and Perspective: Early GoPro Collaborations
Jamie was one of the first professional surfers to work with GoPro, helping to pioneer POV surfing footage.
“It was amazing to create new ways to share surfing with the world. Early GoPros allowed viewers to feel like they were on the board with me — something that was impossible before.”
This collaboration was more than marketing — it was about perspective. It gave Jamie the chance to innovate in the sport and to see his own performance from angles that improved his technique and engagement with fans.
Giving Back and Personal Goals
Beyond competition, Jamie invests in the next generation of surfers. He teaches lessons, leads big-wave adventures, and encourages others to push their boundaries safely.
Yet he still sets ambitious personal goals: surfing Nazare in Portugal, taking on Mullaghmore in Ireland, and staying physically and mentally fit to surf into his 50s and beyond. “I have a 10-year goal to keep surfing large waves at 55 and a 20-year goal to surf smaller waves at 65,” he shares.
Foiling: A New Perspective on the Ocean
Jamie sees emerging trends, like foil surfing, as opportunities to explore the ocean in new ways.
“Foiling opens up waves that wouldn’t be surfable otherwise — softer waves, wind waves, even lakes. It’s a different perspective, but it still carries the joy of exploration and flow.”
He embraces new technology while staying true to the fundamentals of respect, discipline, and enjoyment.
Guiding Philosophy: Respect Above All
If there’s a mantra guiding Jamie, it’s simple: respect everything and everyone.
“When you respect others and the ocean, you get a lot more out of life. Treat people how you want to be treated — it’s a model to live by.”
It’s this philosophy that shapes his career, his teaching, and his personal life — blending the joy of the ocean with the humility and discipline required to thrive in it.
Conclusion: A Life Shaped by the Ocean
Jamie Sterling’s story is a reminder that surfing is never just about riding waves. It’s about community, respect, discipline, and the pursuit of personal growth. From childhood memories on his dad’s longboard to the exhilaration of big-wave competition, Jamie has navigated the highs and lows with grace, resilience, and a playful spirit.
Whether innovating with technology, mentoring future surfers, or chasing the next big wave, he remains grounded in the principles that first drew him to the water: passion, respect, and the Aloha spirit.
“Living Aloha isn’t just a saying — it’s a lifestyle, a discipline, and a way of connecting with the ocean and people around you.”
