Big wave surfing is not for the faint of heart.  Many try, but few succeed.  Titus Nihi Kinimaka is a true trailblazer in this exciting sport.  A biographical film entitled Nihi Lo, is based on this 48 year old Hawaiian’s life, music and adventures on mountainous waves, was recently released to rave reviews.

Titus is a native of Kauai and has been part of surfing royalty since he began his career at the tender age of three.  This is no surprise as his family members were founding fathers of the surf culture in Hawaii.  His mother taught him to surf and his brother Percy learned from The Duke, Jamma, and Rabbit Kekai, along with countless other uncles.

So you think you’ve traveled?!  Titus has surfed Tahiti, Fiji, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Marquises Islands, Japan, Singapore, France, Spain, England, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Belgium Italy, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, North Africa, Solomon Islands, Morocco, and the US.  Basically you could say that he has surfed the World!  Titus has been the ambassador of surfing and has given new life to Hawaiian culture during the last twenty years.

In November 1996, Titus was the first man to surf Kings Reef 60’+.  The very same year, he was awarded the coveted “Waterman of the Year” award by the State of Hawaii Lifeguard Association, for his outstanding rescues as a lifeguard.

Titus began towing eight years ago.  To him, towing means freedom from crowds and the chance to surf the biggest waves around the world.  Although safety comes first, operator skills, wave judgment and common sense have enabled Titus to ride some of the most gargantuan waves in the world and come out on top.

We know YOU know but for those other people who don’t know: tow-in surfing is an ocean based sport that requires the use a personal watercraft and two experienced big wave surfers.  One person drives the machine trailing a rope and handle which is used to position the surfer in the right part of the swell.  The surfer drops the rope and uses his momentum to catch the wave - waves that are un-catchable to surfers by paddling.  The surfer and driver have to rely on each other in these big waves.  It is not uncommon for both to get destroyed by waves that could pummel a blue whale.

The impressive Titus has more than twenty “First Place” finishes since 1965.  He has competed in the last two Duke Kahanamoku Invitationals and has been invited to compete in the Quicksilver Eddie Aikau.  These are just a few events and contests this master of the water has under his belt.

If you are interested in seeing the mighty Titus in the safety of your own home, you can buy the video biography of his life entitled Nihi, The video is filled with fast paced action shots highlighting the spectacular moves of this incredible surfer.  The video features interviews with friends and family and gives a personal perspective surrounding the mystique of this Hawaiian big wave surfer.

Nihi, produced by Aloha films, is available in either VHS or DVD.  It runs 44 minutes.  For more information, contact producer Jimbeau Andrews at info@alohafilmscom.