Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Explained
Cover image: © Ryan “Chachi” Craig / Surfer
What is it
Today the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is a prestigious surf competition held in the North Shore of Oahu and held at Banzai Pipeline. In English Hawaiian Pidgin, “Da” means "the", and “Hui” loosely translates to "club" or "clan". Da Hui was started by a group of extreme and proud native Hawaiian surfers that believed in the protection and preservation of Hawaiian surfing. The first contest took place in the 1990s and has run annually since, except for 2019 - 2020. The holding period is between January 4 - 16th, and for the event to run, Pipeline and Backdoor must have perfect conditions. The difference between the Da Hui and a standard WSL competition*, is that jersey-less teams surf together in a single heat and compete against the other teams on the leaderboard.
History Behind Da Hui
The Da Hui group, also called the “Black Shorts,” rose to infamy in the 1970s. These men, identified by their black shorts attire gained a reputation being the enforcers of respect among surfers in the North Shore. They paddled out into the lineup at surf competitions in protest of the influx of non-native surfers and the exclusion of Hawaiians from the competition scene. They also beat up Australian and South African surfers who, they felt, didn't behave with humility and consideration towards Hawaiian norms. As one of the first surf gangs, their name was known across the island and instilled the importance of respect among visitors that came in search of surf.
Today
Today the Da Hui group owns a clothing company focused on the strength and unity of the Hawaiian People through creative designs. They also support community outreach and organize surf competitions in Hawaii and Japan. The founders are Eddi Rothman, Blake Blankenfield, Kawika Stant Sr., Bryan Amona, David Stant Jr., and Terry Ahue.
The Da Hui Wax brand has a surf team that competes in the Da Hui competitions. The team includes Jamie O’Brien, Makua Rothman, Koa Rothman, John John Florence, Nathan Florence, Eli Olson, Billy Kemper, Bruce Irons Keali’i Mamala, Mason Ho, and more of the most well esteemed North shore Surfers.
Our very own Jamie won the event in 2008 and 2018.
Jamie O'Brien - Backdoor Shootout 2018
DA HUI WAX
Billy Kemper
Jamie Obrien
Kai Lenny
Makua Rothman
WSL
Carissa Moore
Coco Ho
Malia Manuel
Moana Wong
QUIKSILVER
Cody Young
Koa Rothman
Reef McIntosh
Zeke Lau
SNAPT4
Barron Mamiya
Benji Brand
Mason Ho
Parker Coffin
Eithan Osbourne
VOLCOM
Balaram Stack
Jack Robinson
Kaimana Henry
Kainehe Hunt
Makana Pang
Mikey O’Shaughnessy
DA HUI JAPAN
Daiki Matsunaga
Guy Sato
Riaru Ito
Shinpei Horiguchi
Taichi Wakita
TEAM FLORENCE
Alex Florence
Eli Olson
Ivan Florence
John John Florence
Nate Florence
TEAM PERUVIAN TUBOS
Alonso Correa
Alvaro Malpartida
Cristobal de Col
Gabriel Villaran
Joaquin Del Castillo
LONGBOARD
Bonga Perkins
Dino Miranda
Duane Desoto
Kai Sallas
Kaniela Stewart
Kanoa Dahlin
Keegan Edwards
Lance Ho’okano
Makamae Desoto
Micah Desoto
Ned Snow
Nelson Ahina
Rusty Keaulana
Scotty Fong
SUP
Zane Schweitzer
Pomai Hoapili
Tehotu Wong
Bullet Obra
Kainoa McGee
SUP (cont)
Zane Saenz
Koliah Campbell
Rusty Keaulana
Tamaroa Kalama
Ikaika Kalama
Riggs Napoleon
Mo Freitas
Clay Everline
Dave Calvan
Want to get one on one time with the former Da Hui Backdoor Shoot Out Champion, Jamie O’Brien? Check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for conversations and inside tips from the surf legend himself.
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