BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS
BRIAN KEAULANA
CO-FOUNDER
The son of legendary Hawaiian waterman Buffalo Keaulana, and now a major force in his own right, Keaulana is the highly respected cornerstone of the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group.
Born and raised on the beach at Makaha, Brian has made major contributions to the surfing world not only through his own sporting achievements, but also through his ocean-safety expertise that he has shared with ocean communities around the world, saving countless lives along the way. His experience in the most challenging of ocean conditions is unsurpassed.
KOHL CHRISTENSEN
CO-FOUNDER
“Surfing big waves keeps me grounded,” says Kohl. A founding member of BWRAG, Kohl was one of the leading players in the revival of paddle-in surfing in giant conditions. He spends much of his time tracking storms in the oceans as well as the mountains.
When it’s flat, he’s pretty grounded as well, installing solar energy systems, tending to his off-the-grid farm on the North Shore of Oahu and going to the beach with his two young daughters.
GREG LONG
PRESIDENT
Greg, who hails from San Clemente, California, has won multiple XXL awards including Biggest Wave, Ride of the Year and Performance of the Year. He is the only surfer to win all three of the sport’s premier big-wave competitions, including “The Eddie,” and was 2013 Big Wave World Tour Champion.
In addition to his many philanthropic and athletic pursuits, Greg serves as the President of the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group and provides strategic direction for the organization. He also has an active role in the organization as a Master Instructor.
TASHA RIVARD, MBA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tasha possesses a rare combination of more than a decade of ocean rescue experience, a lifelong love for surfing, and a strong background in business. She has spent the past 14+ years building brands, leading cross-functional teams, and managing programs and partnerships in the AdTech and MarTech sectors. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Administrative Science from Colby College. At BWRAG, Tasha helps turn mission into action by overseeing the systems, programs, and day-to-day operations that allow the organization to expand access to ocean safety education around the world. Tasha currently resides in New Smyrna Beach, FL (aka, “the shark bite capital of the world”).
CAPT. JON HOOVER
MASTER INSTRUCTOR & BOARD MEMBER
Jon Hoover is a respected Water Safety and Risk Management Specialist with experience spanning big wave surfing, offshore sailboat racing, and distance paddling. As an instructor, he has taught Ocean Risk Management and Small Boat & Rescue Watercraft handling to local, state, and federal public safety agencies, as well as military special operations teams.
A retired Search and Rescue Boat Captain, Jon served his hometown community of Oceanside, California, for 20 years before relocating to Hawaii. He has been involved with BWRAG since 2013 and remains deeply committed to our mission of equipping surfers of all skill levels to become confident Surf Responders and help make lineups safer worldwide.
KAIPO KELLEY
MEDICAL OFFICER & MASTER INSTRUCTOR
Originally from Oceanside, California, Kaipo Kelley is a seasoned firefighter, paramedic, senior ocean lifeguard, and BWRAG Master Instructor with over 17 years of experience in public safety. As BWRAG’s Medical Officer, he helps guide the organization’s emergency medical curriculum and training standards. In addition to his work on land and in the water, Kaipo has served as the medical officer on multiple offshore sailboat racing crossings, bringing his expertise into remote and dynamic ocean environments. Kaipo brings a steady, skillful presence to every setting, driven by a lifelong commitment to protecting others and advancing water safety worldwide.