I'm proud to be a Korean national player, and I want to make myself more proud. Thank you. 

I started surf in min 20's which is tend to late to be a professional athlete. But my passion and loving about surf finally got me become a Korea national team. It's such a great honor to be here. I'll do my best to enjoy this times as a surfer as usual.

안녕하세요.  My name is Kanoa HeeJae Palmiano. I'm 16 years old. I was born in Gangneung, South Korea. Gangneung was the Host City for the 2024 Gangwon Youth Winter Olympics.

My family lived in General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines, the Home of "Cloud 9" for two years. In 2020, we moved back to Gangneung, South Korea. For the last 3 years, my family and I have lived in a town called YangYang.

Situated on the east coast and is the "Surfing Capital" of South Korea. YangYang is 2.5 hours east of the capital city, Seoul and about 3.5 hours east of the Wave Park.

Thank you to my surf teacher, Brad Gerlach (Wave Ki), and RK Training Hawai'i for helping me to improve my surfing.

Thank you especially my Mom, Dad, sister, grandparents, Tita Mel, and my family for their support.

I would like to thank my main sponsors: Wave Park, Pro-Specs, Orange Surf Co., O'Neill Wetsuits (Korea), Aunty Sophia, my grandparents, and my Mom.

Thank you also to those who encourage, inspire, and support me.

My short-term goals are to participate in the 2026 Asian Games and 2026 Youth Olympics.  My long-term goal is to be one of the top surfers in Asia and to qualify for the WSL Challenger Series. 

Finally, thank you to the Korea Surf Association for sending a team. I am very grateful to be in Puerto Rico and participating in my second ISA World Surfing Games. 

I am from Jeju Island in South Korea. I want to promote Korean surfing and participate in the Olympics Games.

Hello I am surfing in Jeju Island, Korea. I'm very happy to participate in a great competition as a member of the national team. I want to show you a great ride^^ Thank you for supporting us♡

National Surf Team Korea