Sebastian Zietz

Co-Founder, Next Wave

Sebastian Zietz is a professional surfer best known for his dynamic style, competitive grit, and infectious energy. A former WSL Championship Tour athlete, Seabass has claimed victories at elite events like the 2016 Margaret River Pro and was crowned the 2012 Vans Triple Crown Champion.

With over a decade spent competing at the highest level, Sebastian brings first-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in sport—along with the insight that true success includes staying grounded, balanced, and connected to joy. Now off tour, he’s passionate about guiding the next generation with tools that go beyond the podium. His greatest joy is raising his two daughters on Kauai along side his wife Krisy.

As the contest director at the Kauai Grom Series, Sebastian helps lead one of Hawaii’s most impactful youth development platforms—one that has carved the path for some of the world’s best surfers.

Krisy Zietz

Co-Founder, Next Wave

With a background in elementary education and years of hands-on experience working with young athletes, Krisy understands the unique balance of building skill, supporting emotional growth, and fostering long-term motivation. Krisy spent her adolescence as an all-star cheer and dance competitor in her home state of Florida and grew into the role of an all-star cheer coach into young adulthood. She has a deep passion for youth development, business and philanthropy.

Now a mom of two girls (ages 4 and 6), Krisy brings the parent perspective to everything she builds. She’s committed to helping kids discover a love of movement—not as an obligation, but as a joy.

As director of the Hawaii Surf Association a non profit organization that hosts programs like the Kauai Grom Series and Hawaii Board Riders Clubs, she helps shape events and initiatives that empower young athletes statewide, combining education, community, and culture in meaningful ways.

Together, Sebastian and Krisy created Next Wave to answer a question they kept asking:

How do we raise kids who succeed in sport—and also stay active, resilient, and happy for life?

Next Wave is their answer: a whole-grom approach that builds confident, capable movers for the long run.