Gath Sports – Welcome to the Team: Koa Fabbio

At just 14 years old, Koa Fabbio is already proving himself as one of the most exciting young water athletes of the new generation, and Gath Sports is proud to officially welcome him to the international team.

Born and raised on the island of Maui, Koa grew up at the legendary Ho’okipa Beach Park — one of the most iconic and demanding water sports locations in the world, known for producing elite surfers, windsurfers and watermen.

But what makes Koa truly unique is not just his talent in one discipline — it is his ability to perform at a world-class level across almost every ocean sport imaginable.

Surfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling, SUP, towing, prone foiling and big wave riding — Koa lives and breathes the ocean every single day.

“I love being in the water, no matter what sports I’m doing — winging, surfing, windsurfing, foiling, towing… I want to dedicate my life to this. It has been my dream since I was a little kid. I can’t imagine doing anything else in the world.”

 

Already making noise internationally, Koa has delivered impressive performances at Ho’okipa against some of the best young riders in the world, showing maturity, style and confidence well beyond his age.

And if that was not enough, Koa is already charging the legendary wave of Peʻahi — better known worldwide as Jaws — one of the most dangerous and respected big wave spots on the planet, famous for producing waves exceeding 60 feet and for pushing the limits of modern surfing.

At only 14 years old, Koa is already surfing and sending massive drops at Jaws alongside some of the best watermen in the world, confirming the fearless mindset and ocean knowledge that make Maui athletes so unique.

 

His riding style combines Hawaiian water knowledge, fearless commitment in heavy conditions, and a modern multi-discipline approach that perfectly represents the future of ocean sports.

Koa’s connection with Gath comes naturally.

Growing up in powerful Hawaiian conditions, safety is never optional. Heavy reefs, sharp foils, strong winds and massive surf are all part of daily life at Ho’okipa and Jaws.

Koa has been wearing Gath helmets since a very young age, proving that wearing a helmet is not only about extra safety, but also about building confidence to push limits, improve skills and fully develop your talent in the water.

“I think it’s important to wear a helmet when winging and surfing because impacts are very dangerous. The board, the reef or the foil can hit your head and cause serious injury.”

 

 

And when it comes to choosing the right helmet, Koa knows exactly what he wants.

“I have worn many different helmets in the past and for me Gath is the most comfortable and I think they are the safest.”

Even at his young age, Koa already carries the mindset of a true athlete and role model for the next generation.

“Always wear a helmet. Don’t be influenced by your friends. Sometimes people will tell you helmets are weird or don’t look good, but the important thing is to not listen to them. You don’t always have to fit into the group — it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Koa is also part of the new generation redefining what it means to be a modern waterman. His content, training ethic and commitment across multiple disciplines are already inspiring young athletes around the world.

 

Words from Gath Sports Marketing & Team Manager, Federico Infantino:

“I have been to Hawaii many times during my life, both for competing on the Windsurfing Wave World Tour and for work. I know those spots, and I know the level of the riders coming from Maui. What I see in Koa is the future — the next evolution of the upcoming generation.

He has the talent, the ocean knowledge, the mindset and the versatility to become one of the world’s top watermen. Potentially, we are looking at the next Kai Lenny.

Gath is proud to welcome another incredible young name into our international rider family — adding Koa to a legacy that, since 1989, has seen some of the biggest names and legends of water sports across every era choose to wear Gath helmets.”

The future is here, and it’s already charging at Ho’okipa and Jaws.

Welcome to the Gath family, Koa. 🤟

Follow Koa’s journey: Koa Fabbio