Professional surfer and musician Makua Rothman has launched a new web series called MAKUALOHA, giving fans an up close and personal look into the big wave surfer’s adventures in the North Shore and beyond.
In this episode, Makua is joined by his mentor Darrick Doerner, as they explain how, when, and where to surf big waves.
Watch Episode 6 of MAKUALOHA Below!
Makua Rothman recently released his new single “The One And Only” across all digital music platforms today. The song was recorded at Top Tomato Market in Venice, California with producer Jimmy Messer and was inspired by Makua Rothman’s comeback from a potentially career-threatening injury.
“I got injured and had to undergo knee surgery and reflect on how I was going to get back into shape. I couldn’t do anything for four months. I had to take a step back and think about all the things I overcame in life,” recounts Makua, recalling the inspiration for the new track.
He continues, “I was dealing with an intense amount of pain and had a lot of sleepless nights during the healing process. I was watching a lot of videos and drawing inspiration from the Woodstock Music Festival. I thought to myself, ‘Man, we need to rock a little harder.’ So I wrote some lyrics, Jimmy played a beat, added some bass, and we just started recording. We had a vibe in mind, and Jimmy produced the music around it.”
In closing Makua says, “Long story short I was injured and was faced with 8 months to a year recovery, what was I gonna do? Give up? Run and hide? Or use this type of adversity as a blessing and an opportunity to grow? I had so many thoughts and emotions running through my mind that I decided to write about them. Some said it would be the end of my career, some said it would end me period, some even went as far as stabbing me in the back after a whole lifetime of friendship thinking I was done and that they could do me in. Guess what guys I’m still here more relevant than ever and constantly reinventing myself to become a better version every day. “The One and Only” is a testament to being unique and not being afraid to be yourself. Mahalo to everyone who stuck by my side and helped me on this journey especially my family and amazing better half Nalani Itomura for holding down the fort while I was gone.”
The song is the first taste of new music for Rothman, who is currently finishing up his sophomore release, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed album, Sound Wave. During the time between albums, Rothman has relentlessly toured all over the US, headlining shows and opening for artists such as Matisyahu, Sublime with Rome, Common Kings, The Wailers, Steel Pulse, Slightly Stoopid, and Donavon Frankenreiter.
Makua Rothman was born on the iconic North Shore of Oahu and began surfing at the young age of two. He quickly made a name for himself, taking on some of the biggest and most dangerous breaks on the North Shore and beyond. At just 18 years old, he surfed a massive 66-foot wave at Jaws, winning the Billabong XXL Big Wave Award that year. In 2015, he won the WSL Big Wave Championship, cementing his status alongside Hawaii’s and the world’s greatest surfers.
In the summer of 2018, Rothman made national headlines after surviving a violent wipeout while attempting to ride one of the biggest waves in history at the historic Cloudbreak. The stunt landed him in national headlines, with press coverage from TMZ, NBC News, iHeartRadio, and more.
Makua Rothman just recently wrapped a sold-out summer tour supporting Lettuce and Steel Pulse.