RELEASE NUMBER 44 | 25
First guest is shark conservation advocate and ocean photographer Mike Coots
HONOLULU – Located on one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort continues its celebrated Surfers in Residence series – bringing together surf icons, cultural stewards and ocean lovers to share stories and aloha with guests from around the globe.
This year, the series enters an exciting new chapter with Zak Noyle, one of the most celebrated surf photographers in the world, taking the helm as host. Born and raised in Honolulu, Noyle has captured some of the most breathtaking and dangerous waves on the planet. His work has been featured in National Geographic, ESPN and on the covers of top surf publications, cementing his place as a leading figure in surf culture and storytelling. A third-generation photographer with deep roots in Hawai‘i’s ocean community, Noyle is also a long-time partner with OUTRIGGER as a Beachcomber Original – bringing his authentic voice and creative vision to the brand for years.
The first conversation under Noyle’s stewardship features Mike Coots: Hawai‘i-born surfer, shark attack survivor and internationally respected advocate for shark conservation. After losing his leg to a tiger shark at age 18, Coots turned his experience into purpose, using his powerful underwater photography and public advocacy to shift perceptions about sharks and influence protection policies worldwide.
Since its inception in 2019 in partnership with Faith Surf School’s Tammy and Tony Moniz, Surfers in Residence has welcomed world champions, innovators and cultural icons to film and stay at the resort – offering guests the rare opportunity to connect with surf legends in an authentic way. Past Surfers in Residence include Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore, 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, bodysurfing icon Mark Cunningham, the first female professional surfer Laura Blears, WSL Big Wave World Champion Billy Kemper, local hero Luke Shepardson – winner of The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and many more.
To date, the series has reached more than a million viewers across all platforms, a testament to the global resonance of Waikīkī’s surf culture and the extraordinary voices who bring it to life. In addition, the series expanded its reach through a featured run on Hawaiian Airlines’ InFlight entertainment, bringing the stories to travelers worldwide.
Each residency offers guests an intimate space to “talk story” with surf legends, exploring the artistry, resilience and cultural roots that define the sport.
“Surfers in Residence is a signature experience at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – a way for our guests to connect with the people, stories and traditions that make this place unlike anywhere else,” said Steve Miller, General Manager of OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort. “It’s a rare opportunity to experience Waikīkī’s surf culture firsthand, right where it has been lived and shared for generations.”
The series is filmed live at the resort and in some sessions, guests can join complimentary surf exhibit tours or paddle out alongside local legends. The program celebrates OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort’s historic location – once home to the famed Outrigger Canoe Club, where Duke Kahanamoku and his peers helped share surfing with the world.
Upcoming episodes and guest announcements can be found at www.OUTRIGGER.com, with the podcast available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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