American · Oahu, Hawaii, USA · Born 15 December 1981Hawaiian professional surfer who retired from the World Surf League by scoring a perfect 10 on his final wave in 2015.
Born in Honolulu on 15 December 1981 and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Fredrick Patacchia Jr. was the U.S. men's amateur champion in 1999 before spending three years grinding through the World Qualifying Series. He finally reached the elite World Championship Tour in 2005, winning the ASP Rookie of the Year award after finishing 14th in the world. Patacchia's highest world ranking was 12th, achieved in both 2006 and 2008. Over an 11-year career on tour, he earned nearly $1 million in prize money and became known as a cheerful, telegenic ambassador for Hawaiian surfing, appearing in a small role in the 2002 film Blue Crush. Patacchia's career ended in one of the sport's most memorable exits. At the 2015 Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles, having already decided it would be his final event, he scored a perfect 10 on his last wave against Gabriel Medina and Bede Durbidge, then paddled in and announced his retirement on the spot, choosing to end his career on the highest possible note rather than fade out gradually. Since retiring, Patacchia has remained connected to the sport in Hawaii, mentoring younger surfers and continuing to compete occasionally in qualifying events.
Scoring a perfect 10 on his very last competitive wave before announcing his retirement
How They Played
Powerful backhand attack with strong air game
Lasting Impact
Remembered for one of the most stylish exits in professional surfing history
American Athletes