Fred Hemmings, born on September 1, 1946, in Honolulu, Hawaii, was one of six siblings born to Fred Hemmings, Sr. and Lilian Frietas Hemmings. Raised in a Roman Catholic family, Hemmings developed a love for the ocean at a young age, growing up in the beautiful surroundings of Hawaii.
At the age of twelve, Hemmings made a name for himself in the surfing world by finishing third in the junior division of the prestigious Makaha International Surfing Championships. This early success propelled him into a lifelong passion for surfing and ocean sports.
Throughout his career, Hemmings excelled as a professional surfer, winning the World Surfing Championship in 1968. He also established the World Pro-Am Surfing Championships and the Pipeline Masters surfing contest, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the surfing community.
In addition to his accomplishments in surfing, Hemmings also ventured into politics, serving in the Hawaii State Senate during the early 2000s. As a member of the Republican Party, he brought his passion for his home state and its people to the forefront, advocating for policies that would benefit Hawaii.
Outside of his surfing and political endeavors, Hemmings also made a mark as an author and columnist. He wrote the bestselling book "The Soul of Surfing is Hawaiian" and contributed as a columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, sharing his insights and reflections on the surfing world and Hawaiian culture.
Despite his busy professional life, Hemmings remained dedicated to his family. He has five siblings and is a proud grandfather to several grandchildren, including Trevor, Merrick, Hanna, Eleanor, Leo, Talcott, and Kiera. His daughter, Kaui Hart Hemmings, also found success as a novelist, with her book "The Descendants" being adapted into a film starring George Clooney.
Fred Hemmings' legacy extends beyond his achievements in surfing and politics. He has left a lasting impact on the surfing community and his home state of Hawaii, inspiring others to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
With a career marked by success and dedication, Fred Hemmings continues to be a beloved figure in Hawaii and the surfing world, inspiring others to follow their dreams and make a difference.