56 Championships and $25,000,000 Later, Surfing Icon Kelly Slater Announces Special Help for Wildfires in Maui

The Hawaiian wildfires may have stopped, but their ripple effects are still being witnessed. Termed as one of the worst natural disasters in Hawaiian recorded history, the wildfires have claimed more than 55 lives according to authorities. Dry grasslands and strong winds from Hurricane Dora culminated and resulted in wildfires that saw more than 2000 people forced to leave the second-biggest surfing island of Hawaii.

Maui is a historic town with a deep connection with the surfing world, and now the surfing world is uniting to help Maui during its toughest times. The global surfing community, known for its tight-knit bonds and passion for nature, is gearing up to make a monumental impact in Maui. Leading the charge is none other than surfing legend Kelly Slater, who is coming up with a game plan to send all kinds of support to Hawaii.

Surfing community vows support for Hawaii

Over the years, the islands of Hawaii have witnessed some breathtaking surf competitions. Now, when the islands are hurting, these surf heroes are leaving no stone unturned to help out their playground. Recently, Kelly Slater revealed how the surfing community is rallying together to offer immediate aid. The flames of the wildfire have torn through Maui and the Big Island, and Slater, along with his fellow surfers, is determined to make a substantial difference.

According to a TMZ report, Slater said, “Everyone within our surf community is rallying to get boats in, supplies, donate money, but that’s all not organized yet.” However, a natural disaster of such a magnitude also poses several challenges. Slater highlighted that the coordination is facing challenges due to the extent of debris blocking harbors, with boats engulfed in flames near the piers and the power supply compromised in the affected regions.

The surfer also revealed the extent of the connectivity crisis on Lahaina’s north and southern sides. Slater pointed out that since cell towers and power are still down in most places, families are unable to get in touch with each other. For Slater, this tragedy hits close to home. Several of his friends have borne the brunt of the wildfires, with one of them having narrowly escaped the fires as he clutched his dog and backpack. Joining Slater is a whole community and while many cannot reach Maui, one local big wave surfer is providing help on the ground and updating the world through his social media.

Kai Lenny is helping his local community

American big wave surfer Kai Lenny, who resides in Maui, has been giving his all to his community. Since the day the wildfires engulfed Maui, Lenny has been using the reach of his social media platforms. The surfer has been constantly updating locals and the world about where to find shelters on the island or the latest approved flight plans by the government. Lenny’s recent Instagram feed shows him moving all over the island and helping locals.

Read more: “For Our Hawaii Family”: Dwayne Wade Joins Hundreds In Prayer As Horrifying Wildfire Tears Maui Down

He is constantly delivering essential supplies like water and food to various relief camps while also asking for donations through various GoFundMe pages on his Instagram. Lenny is also updating the world about which flights are cleared for entering the islands so that maximum help can be received in the shortest time possible.

As of the latest update, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen has confirmed the tragic loss of at least 55 lives, while acknowledging the potential for the death toll to rise further. As the islands of Hawaii battle its worst disaster, the collective response of the surfing community offers a glimmer of hope. Slater’s and Lenny’s actions highlight that the surfing community stands together with Hawaii and will help to rebuild their playground together.

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