In a revealing discussion on the latest episode of Jamie O’Brien’s podcast, Hawaiian surfer, musician, and Big Wave World Tour Champion, Makua Rothman, shares personal insights into his life and upbringing on the North Shore. Known for his fearless approach to the legendary Pipeline waves, Rothman offers a rare glimpse into his past, reflecting on the challenges that shaped him and his path forward.
Jamie O’Brien kicked off the conversation with high praise for Rothman, recalling the respect he commanded as a surfer. “I always felt like Makua paddled out to the lineup, he was a highly respectable surfer,” O’Brien said. “And you knew if you were in Makua’s way, he’d probably kick your ass, then probably shake your hand.” Fellow surfer Mason Ho added, “Old school shit right there,” setting the tone for a candid and raw conversation.
Rothman, who has become a prominent figure in both the surf world and music scene, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, this discussion dives deeper into his past, offering unvarnished truths about his upbringing and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Reflecting on his youth, Rothman shared his brushes with a life of crime, revealing that he came close to spending time in prison. “I think I’m one of the only ones of my group who hasn’t done real time in prison,” he said. “Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. They were good at doing bad things. But probably not that good, because they ended up in jail. Somehow, I was just blessed to stay out of there.” Rothman described his life at the time as a mix of surfing and illicit activities, such as selling drugs, a lifestyle he admits was common in his circle.
Despite these early challenges, Rothman’s journey was also marked by deep personal trauma. He revealed that as a child, witnessing his father’s arrest had a lasting impact on him. “I was raised with a chip on my shoulder,” he explained. “I used the combination of fear and anger to drive myself into success in surfing, but it came at the cost of my personal life.” Rothman confessed that he often put up a tough exterior, masking his insecurities with bravado. “Up front, I put on this whole facade of ‘I’m so tough. I gotta pound these guys,’” he said. “But underneath, I was just a scared child.”
Despite these challenges, Rothman appears to have found a sense of clarity and purpose in recent years. His latest venture, a company called Villains for Good Record, is a reflection of this new phase in his life. Rothman sees the project as an opportunity to foster a community of “high-functioning thinkers” and offer support to those who feel overlooked. His new single with rapper Wiz Khalifa marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a transformative journey.
“I want to change the narrative,” Rothman said. “I want to change the way people think about the North Shore and the surf industry and humans.” He emphasized the importance of living with intention, adding, “People want to be better, level up. Hopefully, us guys who may be role models to some can really show a different path in life for these kids.”
Rothman concluded by reinforcing his belief that true aloha comes with meaning and purpose. “If you say aloha, there better be a meaning and a purpose behind it,” he stated.
The conversation with Rothman offers listeners a deeper understanding of the man behind the waves and the music, providing a rare opportunity to hear from him in a way that’s both candid and inspiring.