Austin Kieffer

Austin Kieffer is the premier American face of modern surfski racing. A former elite whitewater slalom kayaker, he transitioned to the ocean in 2012 and rapidly ascended to the top of a sport historically dominated by South Africans and Australians. He is celebrated for his "thinking man’s" approach to racing, his deep technical knowledge, and for putting the USA back on the global surfski map.

The Whitewater Foundation

Austin's competitive edge comes from a decade spent in the US Olympic Development Team for Whitewater Slalom.

• Slalom to Surfski: The explosive power and the ability to feel and use moving water—essential in slalom—became his "superpower" on the ocean.

• Rapid Rise: Just two years after picking up a surfski, he became the US National Champion in 2014, a title he successfully defended multiple times.

   

   

Major Competitive Milestones

Kieffer is one of the few Americans to consistently challenge the world’s best in their "home" waters.

• The "Doctor" Podium (2017): He shocked the international field by taking 3rd place in Australia’s most prestigious race, The Doctor. This was a landmark moment for American paddling.

   

   

• World Ranking: In 2019, he reached a career-high 5th in the World Surfski League, solidifying his status as a global elite.

   

   

• Gorge Downwind Champion: Austin is a two-time winner (2021, 2024) of the Gorge Downwind Championships in Hood River, Oregon. His 2024 victory was a significant "return to form" after a period of burnout and doubt.

   

Technical Style: The Scientist of the Sea

What makes Austin a "hero" to many intermediate paddlers is his ability to articulate the science of the sport.

• Cadence Master: He is a vocal advocate for training with cadence sensors, focusing on "distance per stroke" rather than just heart rate.

• Technical Surfing: He describes downwind paddling as a game of "chess with the ocean," focusing on taking fewer, more powerful strokes to catch runs and using the "shoulder" of the wave—a technique he adapted from his surfing and whitewater background.

• Mentorship: He has become a prominent coach and mentor, helping athletes like Ana Swetish (who he calls his protégé) reach the top of the international podium.

   

   

Comparison: The Global Contender