Biography
Darrick Doerner is a pioneer in big wave towsurfing. His initials, "D.D.," stand for both his name and "Designated Driver," as he uses a personal watercraft to reach large offshore surf breaks. Also known as "Double D," he is recognized for helping create the sport of tow-in surfing.
An all-around waterman, Darrick has been involved in various ocean activities including surfing, big wave towsurfing, paddleboarding, stand-up paddling, and windsurfing, contributing to their development. His extensive surfing experience dates back to the late 1960s and 1970s in California. He later moved to Hawai'i's Big Island for his senior year of high school before settling on Oahu's North Shore, where his time in the ocean led to a career in lifeguarding.
From 1975 to 1996, Darrick worked alongside notable figures such as Eddie Aikau, Mark Cunningham, Terry Ahue, and Brian Keaulana, learning from legends like Peter Cole, Greg Noll, Dick Brewer, Reno Abellira, James Jones, Owl Chapman, Sam Hawk, Tiger Espere, and Michael Ho. With over twenty years of lifeguarding on the North Shore, he developed vital skills in water safety and big wave surfing. He established fundamental protocols for handling wipeouts and rescues in large waves. Darrick also trained in rescue boat handling with Shawn Alladio of K38 in California. He was the preferred boat driver and partner for Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton during the early days of the "sport of kings."
In 1996, Darrick transitioned from lifeguarding to become a surfing ambassador, working with an apparel company and traveling worldwide to teach and share his expertise. Around this time, he and a group of friends known as the "Strapped Crew" advanced their surfing skills to new heights by mastering tow-in surfing. This innovation marked a significant leap in the sport, accompanied by challenges, particularly regarding safety. Tow surfing gained popularity through increased exposure on the internet and DVDs.
