Kim Ball's Dream Realized: Surfing Becomes Official Sport in Hawaii Schools

For 29 years, Kim Ball, the owner of Hi-Tech Surf Sports on Maui, has tirelessly championed the cause of integrating surfing into Hawaii’s high school athletic programs. His persistent efforts finally paid off in a historic announcement made by Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

A Milestone for Hawaiian Surfing

Ball’s advocacy culminated in surfing being recognized as an official interscholastic state championship sport, set to commence in Spring 2026. This landmark decision was unveiled at a press conference where Ball, alongside Governor Green and Olympic Surfing Gold Medalist Carissa Moore, were key figures.

Elevating Surfing From Club to Championship

Surfing has been a staple sport on Maui through the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL), founded by Ball as a club activity. In 2014, the league evolved into a sanctioned high school sport. Now, the dream extends statewide, with the first championships scheduled at Hoʻokipa Beach Park.

Gathering Support from the Surfing Community

Acknowledging the industry’s backing, Ball extended gratitude to brands like Dakine, Billabong, Olukai, and TS restaurants for their longstanding support. According to Shop Eat Surf Outdoor, their collaboration aided Ball’s vision of institutionalizing surfing, a sport intrinsic to Hawaii’s culture.

A Celebration at the Governor’s Press Conference

Governor Josh Green, sporting a Maui surf league hat, celebrated this achievement alongside Ball and Moore. The press conference highlighted the sport’s significance to Hawaii’s youth—keiki—and underscored the widespread media and public interest in this newly minted scholastic competition.

Ball’s unwavering dedication and the collective effort of supporters have not only seen surfing rise to prominence in Hawaiian schools but have also cemented it as a vital cultural expression. This achievement marks the dawn of a new era for high school sports in Hawaii.