The tribe
Being a Born Maniac means celebrating everything life has to offer – surf, arts, music and culture, sports, and whatever life throws our way. We encourage people to push their boundaries, and we celebrate it. Whether you are a misfit, an outcast, a rock and roller, or an activist, we admire it and want everyone to challenge themselves, face their fears, and grow with us, the Born Maniacs.
Get to know our tribe below.
Ross Clarke-jones
THE OG MANIAC
Born on 6 June 1966 in Sydney, Australia, Ross Clarke-Jones is a pioneering figure in the big wave surfing world. He became a household name in 1986 with standout performances at the Billabong Pro at Waimea Bay and the Pipeline Masters, launching a 12-year career on the ASP World Tour.
Ross is known for starring in and producing some of the most iconic surf films, including Mad Wax, The Sixth Element (narrated by Dennis Hopper), Storm Surfers 3D, and the four-part TV series Storm Surfers.
In 2001, Ross made history as the first Australian and non-Hawaiian to win the prestigious Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau big wave contest at Waimea Bay, Hawaii. He also claimed runner-up titles in 2004 and 2016 at this elite competition.
Ross currently divides his time between Portugal, Hawaii, and Australia. Based on Phillip Island, he continues chasing fierce swells in the southern hemisphere, including hotspots like South Africa, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
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Surfing Achievements Timeline
- 1986: 3rd in World Amateur Titles – Cornwall, England
- 1986: Turned professional
- 1987: 3rd at Gunston 500 – Durban, South Africa
- 1989: 2nd at the Billabong Pro
- 1990: 3rd at Pipeline Masters – Hawaii
- 2001: First non-Hawaiian to win the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Contest – Waimea Bay
- 2004: Runner-up at Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Contest – Waimea Bay
- 2009: Overall Champion for tow and paddle at Nelscott Reef Kingfish
- 2016: Runner-up at Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Contest – Waimea Bay
- 2018: Surfed one of his biggest waves at Nazaré, Portugal (18 January)
- 2018: Nazare "Rock Hop" (25 February)
- 2023: Competed at The Eddie Aikau
- 2023: Launched Born Maniac
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Film and Television Achievements Timeline
- 1985: Starred in cult classic short film Mad Wax
- 1988: Appeared in Performers II
- 1989: Featured in All Down The Line
- 1990: Appeared in Generation X
- 1992: Featured in 110/240
- 1994: Starred in Surfers of Fortune
- 1994: Stunt performer in feature film Rapa Nui
- 1998: Appeared in video documentary Biggest Wednesday: Condition Black
- 1999: Starred in Extreme IMAX
- 2000: Directed and produced the world’s first tow-surfing contest, Red Bull Reef Seekers
- 2003: Appeared in Pororoca: Surfing the Amazon
- 2006: Starred in biopic The Sixth Element (narrated by Dennis Hopper)
- 2007: Featured in Red Bull Tai Fu
- 2008: Starred in Storm Surfers: Dangerous Banks
- 2010: Appeared in Storm Surfers: New Zealand
- 2012: Inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
- 2012: Starred in award-winning documentary Storm Surfers 3D (narrated by Toni Collette)
- 2013: Appeared in Australian feature film Drift
- 2013: Starred in TV series documentary Explorers: Adventures of the Century
- 2018: Starred in short film Go Mad
- 2019: Competed in Survivor Australia Season 4: Champions vs Contenders
JAMIE MITCHELL
“Jamie is one of the greatest unknown sportsmen of all time. Ten years he has won the Molokai channel paddle race … his winning percentage is higher than anyone in any sport ever.”
– Kelly Slater, 11x World Surfing Champion
Jamie Mitchell is an extraordinary athlete whose unparalleled dedication to conquering ocean challenges has made him one of the most respected watermen in the world. Born and raised in Australia, now living on the North Shore of Hawaii, Jamie’s achievements are unrivalled. He is a 10-time winner of the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Championships, a World Champion ocean paddler, and one of the few elite surfers capable of paddling into massive waves without jet ski assistance.
Jamie’s legendary dominance of the Molokai challenge—32 miles across the unforgiving Kaiwi Channel—is unparalleled. To win this gruelling event ten years in a row is a feat of legend. A fearless big wave surfer, Jamie has been invited to the world’s most elite events, including the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (11-time invitee), WSL Peahi (Jaws) Big Wave Challenge, and WSL Nazaré Tow In Challenge.
In 2019, Jamie founded the Seven Crossing Project, paddling 170 miles over five days across the Channel Islands to raise awareness for ocean sustainability efforts. The second series of this initiative will debut in 2024.
For Jamie, the ocean is more than just a playground; it’s a home, a teacher, and a lifelong passion. His relentless drive to push boundaries and give back makes him a true Renaissance Waterman.
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Surfing Achievements Timeline
- 2022: 1st Place Eddie Aikau Wave of the Winter
- 2022: 1st Place Mavericks Awards Ride of the Year
- 2022: 2nd Place WSL Nazaré Tow In Big Wave Challenge
- 2017: 2nd Place WSL Puerto Escondido Big Wave Challenge
- 2017: Winner XXL Big Wave Awards Best Overall Performer of the Year
- 2016: 4th Place Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
- 2016: Winner WSL Nazaré Big Wave Challenge
- 2015: Winner XXL Big Wave Awards Biggest Paddle Wave
- 2015: Winner Surfer Poll Heavy Water Award
- 2002–2011: 10x Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Champion
- 6x United States Paddleboard Champion
- 4x Surfing Australia’s Waterman of the Year
- 2x ISA World SUP Paddleboard Long Distance World Champion
Joey “JoeyAloha” Cadiz
Muscle Maniac
Joey “JoeyAloha” Cadiz is a Hawaii-born and raised big wave surfer, North Shore lifeguard, traditional practitioner, and family man. He spends his workdays as a lifeguard at the world-renowned break and beach known as Waimea Bay; and during his off time, you will find him working in one of Hawaii’s traditional taro farming communities on the North Shore.
Joey has been an accomplished athlete his whole life, from land sports in soccer, track, and football, to, as of late, being recognised as a top big-wave surfer and waterman invited to The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational for a 3rd time in a row as an up-and-coming big wave surfer.
Lyla + Frankie Freudenstein
THE MANIAC TWINS
Lyla Freudenstein
Born prematurely on 14 January 2011, Lyla started surfing at just three years old, inspired by her dad. Skating soon followed, shaping her natural and fluid surfing style. Mentored by local legend Jimmy Wags, she earned the nickname "Silent Assassin" for her humble yet fiercely determined personality. Despite exploring various sports, Lyla’s passion for surfing remains unwavering.
2024
- 13th at National Titles
- Two-time Under 16 Girls Champion in Woolgoolga
- 4th in NSW State Titles (NSW State Team qualifier for National Titles)
- 3rd at Barney Miller Classic
- 4th at Sandbah Cadet Cup
2023
- NSW State Team member – Nationals 3rd Round finish (U14 Girls)
- 2nd at Barney Miller Classic
- 4th at Sandbah Cadet Cup
- Qualified for Cross Country State Titles with North Coast Regional Team
2022
- 5th at Rip Curl Grom Search Newcastle
2021
- 1st at Barney Miller Classic
- 5th at Billabong Oz Grom Cup
Frankie Freudenstein
The younger twin, Frankie Freudenstein, shares her sister’s love for the ocean, beginning her surfing journey at just three years old alongside their dad. Known as "Frankenstein" by mentor Jimmy Wags, her determined work ethic is evident in her powerful approach to surfing and skating. Her energetic and playful personality reflects her passion for adventure and staying active.
2024
1st at Surfest Cadet Cup (Under-14s, Tuncurry)
7th in NSW State Titles (NSW State Team qualifier for National Titles)
4th at North Coast Regional Titles
2nd at Barney Miller Classic
2023
Qualified for Cross Country State Titles with North Coast Regional Team
2022
7th at Billabong Oz Grom Cup
JIRI COOKE
Jiri is a fearless 13-year-old surfer and skater who tackles every challenge head-on. Whether he’s carving the waves or cruising the streets, he brings relentless drive and intensity to everything he does. He lives on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and is always hunting down the swells. Jiri has excelled in local surf events and school competitions, as well as being selected for bigger surf events, showcasing his growing talent. As a dual American citizen, he has a unique edge and a global perspective. With a dream to compete in the World Surf League and charge Pipeline, Jiri is committed to pushing his limits, mastering new tricks, and ready to take on any obstacle and achieve his goals.