Austin Kieffer (USA)

Age: 28

Born: Asheville, NC, USA

Lives: San Francisco, CA

Weapon of Choice: Fenn Elite S

Favourite Vaikobi Item: Vaikobi Travel Bag! 

Austin, is one of the number one ranked US surfski paddler and competes in the World Surfski Series.

Austin was previously a member of the Team USA White Water Slalom Squad building up to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Austin has spent more than a decade racing in the highly competitive white water slalom kayaking discipline and is well known for his high work ethic and dedication to the sport. 

2014 was a breakthrough year for Austin where he became the US National Champion at the US Surfski Championships and then racked up numerous wins around North America over the Summer. 

In 2016, Austin returned to competitive surfski racing and raced with success at major events across North America, South Africa, Australia & Asia.

This year, Austin placed 4th at both the Gorge Downwind Champs in Hood River, OR and the Canadian Championships in Squamish, BC. He also placed top 10 in the Ocean Racing World Champs and locked down his first ever international podium with a bronze medal at the Doctor in Perth, Western Australia!