Duane DeSoto
Founder & CEO
Professional surfer Duane DeSoto is driven by the powerful advice he received from his father: kulia i ka nu’u – there is only one way to compete in all things – with excellence at your highest level.
Born and raised on the west side of Oahu at Makaha, DeSoto describes his teenage self as passionate and faithful – two attributes that would prove to shape his success in the sport of surfing as well as in his commitment to future public-spirited endeavors. He began traveling the world competing at the age of fifteen and in 2010, he was crowned the World Longboard Champion. On November 13, 2010 in Waimea, DeSoto was honored with the Professional Surfer Award at the 8th Annual John Kelly Environmental Awards for his work in enhancing the coastal community and environment through his organization, Nā Kama Kai.
A father of eight with a passion for education and giving back, DeSoto created Nā Kama Kai (Children of the Sea) – a non-profit organization that brings ocean-based safety and conservation programs directly to Hawaii’s youth.
The mission of the program is to empower children to explore Hawaii values, culture, and environmental education.
In addition to his work with Nā Kama Kai DeSoto first sailed on the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Hōkūleʻa in 2012 and continues sailing and engaging with maritime communities across the continents today.
Our Board of Directors
Billy Pratt
Chair
Ben Komer
Treasurer
Lāiana Kanoa-Wong
Secretary
Chris Hochuli
Bud Antonelis
Anita Lopez
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Adam Wong
Cameron Nekota
Shelee Kimura
Cord Anderson
Board of Advisors
- Rob Iopa – President/WCIT Architecture
- Mālia Kaʻaihue Ph.D – President, DTL Hawaiʻi
- Brian Keaulana – Professional Waterman
- Scott McPhail – Retired Restaurant Entrepreneur
- Pōhaku Stone – Ocean Safety Specialist
Key Staff & Volunteers
- Matt Kauwe – Chief Operations Officer
- Micah DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Kāpena
- Anthony Aurely – Ocean Clinic Coordinator/Lifeguard
- Bruce DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Outrigger Canoe Specialist
- Manny DeSoto – Kūpuna Advisor
- Mike Ito – Nā Kama Kai Photographer
- Maleko Lorenzo – Kūmau Kapena
- Philamer Perias – Alakaʻi Program Coordinator
- Ronald DeSoto – Ocean Clinic Outrigger Canoe Specialist
- Dean Marzol – Lifeguard
- Jacob Leonard – Ocean Activities Assistant
Join the Nā Kama Kai Hui
- Monthly Newsletter including recent highlights and notifications of Nā Kama Kai’s special events and activities
- Knowledge that you are advocating Nā Kama Kai’s efforts in connecting our keiki with the kai (ocean) and nurturing a deep sense of aloha and kuleana
Mahalo to Our Partners
