Johnson, Noah (1973 – )

Bantamweight big-wave rider from the North Shore of Oahu; winner of the 1999 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau contest at Waimea Bay. Johnson was born (1973) in Hilo, the son of a University of Hawaii psychology professor, and began surfing at age 11. He moved to the North Shore after graduating high school in 1991, spent a fruitless two years on the world pro tour, then began to focus on big waves.

Johnson, always a cheerful and smiling presence, competed in the 1995 Quiksilver contest, w...