He learned to surf at the age of one-and-a-half at Jaco Beach in Costa Rica.
He has a younger brother named Keoni (born November 25, 2005).
He is sponsored by RVCA, T&C Surfboards, Electric, Famous Wax, Boost Mobile,
FCS, S-One Helmets, Ricta Wheel Dynamics, Santa Cruz Surfboards, Watermans Applied Science and Cholo's Mexican Restaurant.
In 2007, he was awarded "PROPS" from Cartoon Network as voted by several hundred thousand online viewers. Cartoon Network scoured the nation in search of real-world kids who demonstrated exceptional talent, commitment and accomplishment in sports, the arts or hobby. He was featured in a one hour special hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley. In the special, he was surprised with a visit from legendary skateboarder Bob Burnquist and pro surfer Andy Irons.
In 2008, he won his first NSSA National Surfing title in the Mini Grom division, scoring a perfect 10 in the final.