The Hawaii World Team has been a major force in competitive surfing since 1964 when the International Surfing Association (ISA) first began the world surfing championships. It was at the first contest near Sydney, Australia that Hawaii set the precedent for world-class surfing. The title has been considered an indication of world-class competitive talent and a measure of success in the surf industry.

In 1980 the Juniors Division was created and the sport grew globally and the focus shifted to the youth, prompting the ISA to remove the JR division in 2003 and establish the World Junior Surfing Championships. With over thirty countries and three hundred competitors the WJSC is the biggest event for the ISA.

Since 1996 the Hawaii Surf Team has been under direction of team manager and head coach Rainos Hayes. Through his guidance and coaching the team has made the podium every year they compete and brought home the gold in 2005, 2012, and 2014 along with multiple individual world champions. For these young athletes, this program has helped propel their career as professional surfers while providing a unique experience in competitive surfing—teaching the value of community outreach, giving back to the place they call home and respecting their land.

For 20 years Rainos has managed the team with an unrelenting focus to grow and enhance the program to create opportunity and awareness for today’s youth. Through continued involvement with the community, ongoing health education, and elite surf clinics, they not only create better athletes, but better humans through perpetuating the Hawaiian sport of surfing and sharing the Aloha Spirit through competition and in their everyday lives.