It's not easy being a pro surfer in Hawaii - 2011-03-29 

Love the ending...if I didn’t win 50k for playing in the ocean and if I had to get a job then I wouldn’t be here right now. Dude, you better wake up soon as you headed for trouble ...

Well, the people that paid you the $50k are the same people that ruined it for everyone. Here's what I was told: "Never complain because that makes you a victim. Change the situation, accept the situation or walk away from the situation. Do not be a victim."

Kalani you were amazing at the Volom pro so cool back watching you and Balaram The best!

I hope it is better now in 2021. There is so much more exposure to the masses. I know a lot of pro surfers don't want to share a line up with beginners, but those beginners will buy products that are endorsed by pros. I think that if the pros would adopt that type of attitude and welcome beginners to the sport then there will be so much more to spread around. I'm not a great surfer, I love being in the water but I would never feel the need to try surfing Teahupo'o, Jaws, Pipeline, etc., but it sure is fun watching you guys do it. Anyway, good luck to you all.

Born and raised in Hawaii and still in Hawaii ..a basic 3 bd 1 bath is 800k-1 mill ..while wed go mainland buy a damn mansion ..most get priced out of Hawaii ..u gotta hustle and work and live sustainable ,hunt,fish and grow food ..Hawaii is a dream for most and Hawaii is my Home💯🤙🏿

as a genuine comment.. this video is mis titled.. should be called "Its not so easy in Hawaii..A pro surfers perspective" Ya I could be like most here and rant on this video and surfers words. But what's overlooked is the more important message on the overbearing struggle just to get by, that all Hawaii residents carry, not just the surfers. It's true how the media doesn't like to show that side of Hawaii. Of course sharing the homeless epidemic and the harsh reality of living here isn't how you attract people and their money to come here. But if more people were made aware, they'd find it unacceptable and undesirable. Maybe then, when the money isn't coming in like it used to, will something actually be done to resolve these issues. Instead of just sweeping it under the rug so visitors don't see the actual mess. and ya pro surfers are surfers and not politicians for a reason.. well I hope they won't be... lol

Anyone know the song at the beginning ?

"I don't work and can't figure out why I don't have any money."

similar issue in some of the Mexican beaches

There is poverty in every country, housing is expensive everywhere...

Kalani, I hope things are good now, you are a great guy and deserve some peace.

I don't now how can anyone give time to dis animal. Kala don't leave hawaii because people are waiting, in a lot of countries to show you, your king of "hospitality".

I tried to join da hui, and was turned down because I exceeded the height limit of 5’6” by 8”.

Song?

you see the same thing in Seattle, L.A. San Francisco, New York, etc...

There's a lot of alcoholics and drug addicts in Hawaii - sorry but that's a choice. I moved to Kauai from California when I was 20, I didn't graduate High School, I didn't have any friends or family there, or a dollar to my name. I met a flooring contractor, learned a trade and I lived in paradise for five years. I moved back to Cali and eventually got my own Flooring license and became a Flooring contractor.... If you don't spend your money on alcohol or drugs it might make things a little easier.

Kala is right about the property taxes, CA locks in the tax for as long as you own the property, the taxes only increase to new owners once a property is sold, this is to help seniors and those on fixed income. There is only one Hawaii and as long as rich mainland people from bigger economies purchase property it drives up housing costs to an unaffordable level, it's disingenuous to say if someone just stops smoking having that extra $50 a month will solve all problems...truth 🤙

It's the same the world over... At least its warm

I don't need a job, just a paycheck.

I would rather be a poor surfer in Hawaii than a broke east coast Canadian surfer,, so cry me a river.

Smoking is a luxury, if you are that hungry spend the money on food not cigs.

Why put music vocals over talking?

Theres literally 1950s run down shacks priced at $1M on Zillow right now in Hawaii. Good if you were one of the lucky ones that will inherit one of these.

Try living in long Island NY homie.

Where is Amnisty international and World vision??? How can someone who surfs everyday with no job expect to live off payments of $50 grand?? This needs to be made into a feature length film so the world can see their struggles

Yahoos from Oahu.

I have plan

What's up with the music it kinda ruins the video

It is really really tough here, financially. The world has twice as many people as it did 20 years ago. And world population growing ever faster I completely disagree with the dissing DOE teachers part (you try it, see how you do). OTOH, if it was not so expensive here, there would be 100 X more people here in this special, fragile beautiful place.

Wish my rent was $300

Dudes wrong. You pay property taxes on the current value of your house and land in the states too.

“Your rewards in life are in exact proportion to your contribution, your service.” -Earl Nightingale

All of this is true. It’s almost a million dollars to buy a house on the poor side of the island. The highways is horrible

Shocker Hawaii cost a lot. Making it is hard but in Hawaii, no thanks

Like here in Puerto Rico. Everything is going privated. School is closing, jobs its hard to find. The local goverment here with the US want to convert this holy island for rich people. we keep combat, we keep resist, to bring The best to our childrens.

Welcome to the world man it's brutal always has been stay in school kids it's no guarantee but it's the best shot you have

"It's really just so sad that I can't have fun in the water all day and make a decent living. If I hadn't won a measly 50 grand after my last vacay (not bragging or anything ya know) for popping that backside 'buttface stale fruit-loop' I mighta had to do something hardcore like get my real estate license, or else borrow even more money from mommy and daddy. Worse yet--I might actually need to someday figure out how to do that real work that the men are always talking about. Thank God for Kustom Airstrike (endorsement). I've almost run out of hair gel a couple of times. So burdened I could just like, you know, like die. People think it's so easy avoiding work all of the time. It's all so hard for me", said poor little Ricky Kane Jr. after his most recent trip. "it's not like I'm sponsored, even though XM runs ads and gives me leashes and grip, Matuse gives me free wetsuits. Futures gives me fins and Jeff Bushman gives me surfboards. I don't consider all of that sponsorship at all. Don't get me wrong--they're nice to me and all, but I should be getting money for letting them supply me too, riiight? After all, I am promoting them by using their free stuff that I can't afford otherwise unless I do something besides backflips on waves. Yeah--It's so unfair brah. Don't ever try to be a pro surfer because its the hardest way to live (other than having a job and possibly actually contributing something relevant or beneficial to the world like the grown ups.) What if I have to go back to the wavepool in Arizona?" :::(

I have compassion for the working poor. It can be extremely difficult for one that has not been given any opportunities to learn a marketable skill. I imagine a minimum wage worker could work two jobs, and still not be able to afford a decent home for his/her family. Some of you may want to put a minimum wage worker that cannot afford a home down, but they are an important part of our society, and they do jobs that we all benefit from. It's painful to read such ignorant comments from those that have little to no grasp on the realities of the world we live in, and even less grasp on how to speak intelligently. I am curious if these uninformed, and clearly under-educated people have ever read a newspaper, and if they believe that sounding like an ignorant douche will sway anyone to change their opinions and see things the way they do. That being said, I find some things very questionable about the video. One example is the scene near the beginning where you see the idiot panhandling on Kalakaua. He is holding up a Hungry sign begging for anything! I find it ridiculous and extremely frustrating. This is not the working poor that I have compassion for! The genius is smoking a cigarette, which costs approx. $10 per pack. This is the kind of loser where the "get a job" comment seems almost appropriate! If he doesn't care to get a job, he really ought to consider using a tiny bit of common sense, and try using his cigarette funds to buy a meal instead.... Just saying.

Like Really? Come to North ,or ALL of Philly. You are in paradise and surfing everyday.

Truth💯👊

You can get a 2bd 2br house near some good breaks for less than 100k. Monthly taxes, mortgage and insurance come out to roughly 450$ a month. Throw in a dual sport bike to get around the island and you're up to 600/month. Learn basic foraging, hunting, gardening, and fishing skills to cut down on food costs and you just saved a few hundred a month if you are a very large man. Working as a package handler at fedex where they are always hiring due to attrition rates, you will make 18/hr minimum and get 24hrs a week if you are lazy or want to pursue other passions. If you really want to go cheap you can get welfare and snap allowing you to save a good portion of your income as well as pay your mortgage more quickly. This dude needs to take a month long tolerance break and learn how the housing market actually works.

When it comes to money & wealth...There are 2 distinct categories of people on planet earth....those who are waiting for an inheritance or lottery win or lawsuit settlement or some other "easy" money.....then there are those who are bound and determined to make their own money and build their own wealth over time through dedication and sacrifice. 99% of people fall into the first category.

Real ppl talkin the truth

"I do not have a job and cant figure out why I have no money, well I guess ill buy another pack of smokes and wait for the wind to go offshore"

Life is so unfair because I can't surf all day without a job and afford a house on the beach in Hawaii

Taxes go up everywhere else in the world on property .

I say this to fellow kanaks. Instead of complaining about the bar being raised in life, blast through that shit. Hoping and praying ain’t gonna do shit. What could be done differently? Individual effort and the abandonment of the victim mentality

Sounds like a common street gang thug. I googled Kala Alexander and cannot find where he has won any surfing contest.

America is a huge country with 50 states and the world is even larger. I used to live in California and loved the weather and the beach, but it stopped being worth it because the cost of living. Everyone should live in the state that treats them the best, if your current state doesn't cater to your needs then move. If all the low wage workers and surfers move from Hawaii to states that pay them better, prices paid by tourists will skyrocket and there won't be any surfers to come and watch. If you want Hawaii to change, then leave. If you don't leave then you have just proven that living poor in a tent in Hawaii is better than having a nice house any where else in the rest of America.

You locals have to write your Senators to change those laws and keep writing until you get a response

I was looking up blue Hawaii surf and it brought me here to kala

Wow they have such a hard life in that tropical island. The world should come to their aid! These poor surfers cant even farm or fish for their own food:( Such a tragedy

This video reminds me of Makaha, miles of homeless people living on the beach. Why can't they have casinos like the rest of Native Americans, because there would be more money there than in Las Vegas.

Locals, maybe buy what Hawaiian land you can afford & dont ever sell it. Real estate industry, tourism, healthcare and now IT are “sources of swell for you.” I’m in healthcare. Stoke from surfing is clean but don’t let it or any substances get you addicted bra. If the local teachers suck, find a different Hawaiian school. It’s OK to think of your islander selves 1st before your tourist customers. When we paddle, is it not one closest to peak gets priority? Protect your money bra (like a football) I hope to return to Oahu to patronize the local surf instructor & hope to be more of an eco tourist. (Maybe I will also visit Waipahu to confirm if any of my 🇵🇭cousins still live there). Keep an eye out for me at Public’s. I hope to show up as visiting reef surfing student with gifts like Ka’Chava in ice chest (I’m not fan of any alcohol, Locomoco or tobacco gifts for my fellow islander hosts)…Love from the Jersey shore 😄

Is the Wol Pak ever going to be back...bra...

❤️

Well, if I had to be homeless... might as well be in paradise.

World money is growing I hate to say every beautiful beach had foreigners coming to buy and build multi million dollar houses CR, Florida,Cali, HI, all under assault from the jet set

There’s transients everywhere. So, get off your pedestal

July 7 1898

It's easy to live in Hawaii if you're a veteran 🤙 you get your VA check monthly between 2.5k to 3.2k, and live in post, 🏖🤙😘

i wonder if Kala and Sunny are in a secret contest to be surfing's greatest turds. GI bill, fracking.... oil fields, trucking. If you gotta leave town and skip surfing for a few months you do what you have to do. Live in the richest country in the world, have an Olympic athlete's health. Get a frigging job. Cut some lumber, build some custom furniture, quit doing drugs. if you're poor you can't get high and expect to get ahead.

But I thought that is what the surfing lifestyle is all about. You choose to turn your back to capitalism and invest your time and energy in playing in the ocean, which I respect. Life ain't cheap in general and I feel sorry for the Hawaiian locals and Hawaiians in general.

Come on, is not easy the life in South America.

Plenty of money for tattoos and alcohol.

Flynn had $5 in his bank account after a surf trip. Flynn needs to learn how to flip burgers !!!

I’ve seen this Kala person on other videos. In one he plays a vigilante surfer fighting surfers from other countries, Hawaiians being victims of course. Does Kala have a job? Has he ever had a job? Does the guy have any friends with whom he can share domicile?

Where you from bra??? I think the main land..trying to pass yourself off as a hawaiian!!

There are schools there... get an education and then a job... break the no job cycle....it will cut into your surf time but you can’t have both very low percentage support themselves surfong

Kala is so good at surfing

Maybe try getting a job that pays a mortgage, i.e. not surfing.

hawaii is good for people who dont know any better

Wait what?!? $390. A month??? 😐 You’re lucky

Warrior this!

Este compa llora de todo,que si no hay dinero, que si gente extranjera surfea en sus playas,

man , it's the SAME all over the world......

Waa, fuckin’ waa, waa!!! I wanna live in paradise without producing anything of value! The stupid, it hurts.

You really could go out there and get a JOB! There are jobs EVERYWHERE, and anyone who doesn't find one isn't really looking. And like Darren Miles says here below me in the feed; If you don't like your situation, change it. I grew up in a very poor family, went into the military and changed my life. I am a minority and female, So I really do get sometimes there are obstacles. BUT, you've gotta want it.

this is 2011...it's gotten much much worse

Meth is such a monster.

Surfing is fucked now . Too many egos.

He's got that "I'm on Ice" vibe going strong about him.

Working sucks don't try it

Bunches of homeless people everywear MATE stop feeling for sorry for yourself

Poor guy

I pay 700 per week for a 2 bed apartment in Sydney. Don't talk like $390 per month is exy...

No jobs? There's tons of jobs. Check craigslist.

Lol the bum has cigarettes

Kala Alexander have no idea what he is talking about. California property tax is a lot higher.

Real issues are brought up here but its too bad people can't see past A) Flynn's job comment, and B) white people's general dislike for Kala, despite plenty of white localism in CA and Im sure elsewhere.

Well the wealth of the wicked stored for the...

I just googled Craigslist Oahu jobs...there's a fucking ton of jobs....

The real inhabitants of Hawaii.

BUMS!

these look and sound like the type of peeps Bernie Sanders needs..low information voters.. give us free shit.. somebody else will pay for it brada.

Kala Alexander you are the man, I totally understand and agree with everything you said. Kanaka strong

get a job

Living in Hawaii is so easy that someone who surfs all day and doesn’t work can do it. Vote Democrat. LOL

Whining and crying about what. Go live in Mumbai

Hawaii has become a victim of its own beauty.