Best SURF MASTERY Podcasts (2025)

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128 Surfing Etiquette & the Evolution of Surf Culture with Holly Beck

Play Pause

7d ago

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Is the surfer catching the most waves always the best surfer in the lineup - or just the loudest? Surfing is more crowded than ever, and the line between etiquette and entitlement in the lineup is getting blurry. Whether you're new to surfing or a seasoned local, understanding the evolving ethics of surf culture can make or break your session - and…

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128 Surfing Etiquette and the Evolution of Surf Culture with Holly Beck 1:23:01

8d ago1:23:01

1:23:01

Is the surfer catching the most waves always the best surfer in the lineup - or just the loudest? Surfing is more crowded than ever, and the line between etiquette and entitlement in the lineup is getting blurry. Whether you're new to surfing or a seasoned local, understanding the evolving ethics of surf culture can make or break your session - and…

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Seven Years in a Subaru — From the Deep South to Himalayan Summits: Discipline, Focus, and Not Done Yet at 65 1:50:11

10h ago1:50:11

1:50:11

Imagine growing up in the conservative Deep South, where young women were expected to play it safe Now imagine trading that world for Himalayan storms, frozen walls, and a seven-year stretch of living out of a Subaru to chase something bigger. Kitty Calhoun did exactly that. She became the first North American woman to summit Dhaulagiri and the fir…

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Coach Ryan Croteau: Essential Skills for Surfers 48:30

1d ago48:30

48:30

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer www.surfbasis.com In this episode Coach Ryan Croteau ( @coachcrouton_ ) joins me in talking about the secret of doing the perfect backside snap, the importance of angling your takeoff, why committing on taking off on a wave is safer tha…

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Fuel for the Long Haul — EC Synkowski on Simple, Science-Backed Nutrition (Rebroadcast) 54:05

7d ago54:05

54:05

Nutrition advice is everywhere — and most of it overcomplicates what should be simple. In this replay, EC Synkowski, founder of Optimize Me Nutrition and creator of the 800-Gram Challenge, shares a refreshingly practical approach to fueling performance, recovery, and longevity. She’s coached CrossFit athletes, corporate teams, and everyday movers —…

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The Science of Sunscreen w/ the Inventor of Zinc Oxide from Burnd 54:11

8d ago54:11

54:11

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer www.surfbasis.com In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Malachy and Mark of Burnd Sunscreen. We’ll be talking about the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens, the science behind them, and we are going to dive i…

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Ice Miles, Shark Teeth, and the Longest Battle of Her Life: At 59, Charlotte Brynn Shares Her Path to Flow and Mastery 1:30:56

13d ago1:30:56

1:30:56

At 59, Charlotte Brynn has swum across some of the world’s most punishing channels — in pitch black, in near-freezing water, and even after being bitten by a shark. But her story is more than toughness. It’s about what happens when you don’t reach your goal — not once, but five times. It’s about staying in the fight for 12 years to complete the Eng…

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Michael Gervais: Mastering your mindset for surfing 54:55

15d ago54:55

54:55

By Basis Surf

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The Space Between Breaths: Everest, Whitewater, and Aging Boldly — at 56, Erik Still Trusts the Outdoors as His Greatest Teacher 1:36:03

20d ago1:36:03

1:36:03

What does it take to climb into the unknown — when you can’t see the way forward? Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most accomplished adventure athletes of our time. The first blind person to summit Mount Everest, he has since climbed the Seven Summits, led expeditions around the world, and kayaked the full 277 miles of the Grand Canyon. Now 56, Erik …

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Out of the Box at 75: Joan & Doug Are Ultra-Athletes Rewriting Aging — with Smarter Training, Adaptive Nutrition, and Bold Reinvention — Together 1:43:07

28d ago1:43:07

1:43:07

What does it look like to age curiously, train smarter, and build a life of meaning—together? Meet Joan Weisberg-Beyerlein and Doug Beyerlein: partners in life, love, and adventure. At 75, Joan is training for a 10-mile open water swim in Vermont. Doug is still running ultramarathons and logging 3-hour trail runs for fun. Between them, they’ve over…

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Barton Lynch: Surfing as a Journey of Self-discovery 1:10:32

29d ago1:10:32

1:10:32

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Barton Lynch—former world champ, Pipe Master, WSL commentator, and coach. He’s worked with pros like Sally Fitzgibbons, Kolohe Andin…

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Sonnie Trotter Goes All In: Risk Demands Conviction, Balancing Family Doesn’t Mean Dimming the Fire, And, Reverse-Engineering Goals Turns Dreams Into Reality 1:28:40

1M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

What does it take to bet everything on a dream? To live out of a van before it was fashionable, to commit to hard lines with no guarantee of success, and to walk away from risk when the stakes are too high? For Canadian climber Sonnie Trotter, it has always come down to conviction. From iconic ascents like Cobra Crack and The Path to bold multi-pit…

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127 See Feel Do - The 3 Pillars of Good Surfing - (Best of Episode)

1M ago

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Are you truly seeing the wave - or are you missing the subtle signals that could transform your surfing forever? Many surfers hit a performance plateau because they focus only on big maneuvers and ignore the foundational skills that unlock flow, control, and wave mastery. In this “Best of” episode, discover the overlooked mental and physical shifts…

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127 See Feel Do - The 3 Pillars of Good Surfing - (Best of Episode) 11:59

1M ago11:59

11:59

Are you truly seeing the wave - or are you missing the subtle signals that could transform your surfing forever? Many surfers hit a performance plateau because they focus only on big maneuvers and ignore the foundational skills that unlock flow, control, and wave mastery. In this “Best of” episode, discover the overlooked mental and physical shifts…

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"That's Good Advice" Featuring Fordie 45:10

1M ago45:10

45:10

Send us a text Welcome to the Damn Dude Podcast, hosted by California Cal! This is Season 5, Episode 4! We've got a very very very special guest in the house today! In the midst of all the chaos in this country and world, we need a breath of fresh air and some wholesomeness! So we brought on my kiddo, 8 year old Fordie!! Ford has such a kind and pu…

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Mike of Surf Mastery: Fundamentals of Surfing 56:56

1M ago56:56

56:56

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Michael Frampton of the Surf Mastery Podcast talk about the fundamentals of surfing, mastering how to read waves, his philosophy on …

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16 Knee Surgeries to Warren Miller Stardom: The Real Secrets to Healing, Purpose, and "Never Giving Up" 1:51:10

1M ago1:51:10

1:51:10

What does it take to come back after a body-breaker of an injury—not once, but sixteen times? Chris Anthony is a legendary ski athlete, filmmaker, and adventurer who has stared down more than his fair share of wipeouts, surgeries, and life-altering setbacks. But instead of fading quietly from the spotlight, Chris rebuilt. Physically. Mentally. Spir…

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Daniel “Tomo” Thomson: The Future of Surfboard Design 50:37

1M ago50:37

50:37

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer www.surfbasis.com In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have one of the most forward-thinking board designers in surfing, Daniel Thomson (@tomo_surfboards). We talk about how his planing hull designs are flipping traditional sur…

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#90 Survival Is Not Assured (Part II): Partnerships, Loss, and the Human Cost of Bold Alpinism 1:15:30

2M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Last week in Part I, we began our journey with legendary alpinist Jim Donini — exploring his surprise cancer diagnosis, his early days in Yosemite, and the philosophy that has defined his career: “Getting to the top is optional. Getting back down is mandatory.” In this second part of our conversation, we turn from the mountains themselves to the hu…

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Paddling: Your Cheatcode to Surf Progression w/ Van Vu 52:44

2M ago52:44

52:44

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode, Van Vu—founder of the Basis Surf Podcast and the Basis Paddle Trainer—talks about his journey as a surfer obsessed with improving his surfing in this interview with M…

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#89 Survival Is Not Assured: An 82-Year-Old Alpinist on Choosing the Hardest Lines, Why Summits Are Optional, and Why You Must Look Ahead Despite All Odds 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

For more than five decades, Jim Donini has defined what it means to be an alpinist. Not by chasing the tallest mountains or summit glory, but by seeking out the hardest lines in the world’s most remote ranges — places where storms, hunger, and survival itself are never guaranteed. Now at 82, Jim is still climbing, still dreaming, and still teaching…

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#88 Whales, Bears, and the Will to Return: What Two Solo Voyages Through Alaska Taught Her About Risk, Resilience, and a Fragile Wild 1:47:44

2M ago1:47:44

1:47:44

At age 49, Susan Marie Conrad paddled 1,200 miles—alone—through the remote, storm-swept waters of the Alaskan Inside Passage. Twelve years later, at 61, she went back and did it again. In this powerful conversation, Susan shares what it means to return—not just to the same wild coastline, but as a different person. We unpack what changes when you c…

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126 Why Paddling is 90% of Surfing - And How to Master It

2M ago

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Are you wasting energy every time you paddle out — and missing waves because of it? Most surfers spend 99% of their time in the water not actually riding waves. They're paddling, positioning, sitting, or struggling to get back out — and often doing it inefficiently. If you're tired of burning out in the lineup and still not catching the waves you w…

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126 Why Paddling is 90% of Surfing - And How to Master It with Rob Case 57:33

2M ago57:33

57:33

Are you wasting energy every time you paddle out - and missing waves because of it? Most surfers spend 99% of their time in the water not actually riding waves. They're paddling, positioning, sitting, or struggling to get back out - and often doing it inefficiently. If you're tired of burning out in the lineup and still not catching the waves you w…

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125 Master the Pop-up: Dry-Land Drills for Faster, Smoother Take-offs

2M ago

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Struggling to stand up quickly and smoothly on your surfboard? Your popup might be the one skill holding your surfing back. The popup—your transition from paddling to riding—is the hardest maneuver in surfing and the foundation of every great ride. If yours is slow, clumsy, or inconsistent, it’s costing you waves, confidence, and how others see you…

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125 Master the Pop-up: Dry-Land Drills for Faster, Smoother Take-offs 8:14

2M ago8:14

8:14

Struggling to stand up quickly and smoothly on your surfboard? Your popup might be the one skill holding your surfing back. The popup—your transition from paddling to riding—is the hardest maneuver in surfing and the foundation of every great ride. If yours is slow, clumsy, or inconsistent, it’s costing you waves, confidence, and how others see you…

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#87 Be Badass Every Day: From 1970s Skate Rebel to World Champion at 65 — How Judi Oyama Outlasts Everybody 1:09:30

2M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

At 65, Judi Oyama is still lining up at the start gate — not in a “Masters” category, but shoulder-to-shoulder with athletes half, or even a quarter her age. She’s a World Champion slalom skateboarder, a Guiness record holder, a Hall of Fame inductee, and a pioneer who’s been breaking barriers since she first picked up a board in Santa Cruz in the …

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Nica Time: Guide to Beach Break Barrels 29:03

2M ago29:03

29:03

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer www.surfbasis.com In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Matteo Blevins of Nica Time (@nicatime) at Playa Colorados, Nicaragua. We get into wave positioning, paddling at the apex, and angling your takeoff. He breaks down his…

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#86 The Movement Optimist Returns: Strong Hips, Stable Ankles, Happy Feet—Extending Performance and Moving Without Fear 1:28:59

3M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Physiotherapist, coach, and lifelong climber Andy McVittie is back for the final chapter of our three-part deep dive into aging well, moving well, and living without fear of injury. If you haven’t listened to Part I (The Movement Optimist: Knees, Shoulders, Elbows, Hips, Bulletproof Yourself! Never Late to Get Strong!) or Part II (Aging Joints & Gr…

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Underwave Training: Train This or Panic in Big Waves 45:20

3M ago45:20

45:20

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Augusto Carrara, founder of Underwave Training (@underwave.training). A breath and apnea coach specializing in land and water-based …

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#85 No Finish Line in Sight: On Pain, Joy, and the Lifelong Pursuit of What Matters Most - Best of Q2, 2025 1:36:54

3M ago1:36:54

1:36:54

Every few months, I pause to reflect on the conversations that left a mark—ones I keep thinking about long after the recording stops. This episode is a curated collection of those moments from Spring 2025. You’ll hear stories that go beyond performance. These are reflections on resilience, identity, aging, and the human drive to keep exploring what…

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German Olympic Coach Didier Piter on Technique vs Plasticity 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Didier Piter (@didierpitersurfcoach), who was the head coach for Germany in the 2024 Olympics, a 4 time European champion, and a sem…

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#84 The Deep End: What Cold Oceans, Swollen Throats, and the Edge of the Map Reveal About Endurance, Identity, and the Mind’s Breaking Point 1:07:49

3M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

In Part II of our deep conversation, Andy Donaldson takes us into the heart of open water swimming—where the body aches, the mind wanders, and sometimes… things go wrong. We pick up the story after his return to the sport. But this time, it's different. Andy isn’t chasing medals—he’s chasing meaning. And the path leads him through shark-infested wa…

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124 Surfing: Art or Sport? with Devon Howard

3M ago

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Is surfing a sport, an art, or something in between - and does it really matter? If you've ever felt pressure to "perform" in the water or questioned your progress as a surfer, this episode will shift your mindset. Michael Frampton and Devon Howard unpack how redefining surfing as an art form - not just a competitive sport, it can transform both yo…

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124 Surfing: Art or Sport? with Devon Howard 1:18:02

3M ago1:18:02

1:18:02

Is surfing a sport, an art, or something in between - and does it really matter? If you've ever felt pressure to "perform" in the water or questioned your progress as a surfer, this episode will shift your mindset. Michael Frampton and Devon Howard unpack how redefining surfing as an art form - not just a competitive sport - can transform both your…

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#83 The Comeback: A Former Accountant’s Journey Back to The Water- And to The Pinnacle of the World of Open Water Swimming 1:11:00

3M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

What does it take to walk away from something you’ve trained for your entire life… and then find your way back — stronger, wiser, and with a whole new purpose? In this two-part conversation, we sit down with world-record-holding swimmer Andy Donaldson. But Part One isn’t about records. It’s about the reset — the season of burnout, career shifts, me…

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123 Wave Count Wins: How Paddle Training Transforms Surfing with Van Vu of Basis Surf 57:43

3M ago57:43

57:43

If you've ever struggled with wave count, paddle fatigue, or felt stuck in your surfing despite hours in the water, this episode is a game-changer. Van Vu — host of the Basis Surf Podcast and creator of the Basis Surf Paddle Trainer — unpacks the core reason most surfers plateau: poor paddle fitness and a rushed approach to board progression... + m…

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Tai Buddha: Guide to Indo Surf Strike Missions 57:31

3M ago57:31

57:31

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Tai Buddha (@taibuddha), a pro surfer of Maori descent, spent his years surfing between Australia and Bali. He’s a master of the Ind…

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#82 Climbing the World’s Hardest Big Wall by Sailboat — How Living Your Values Elevates the Goal, and Why the Right Partner Makes It Possible 1:43:54

3M ago1:43:54

1:43:54

Seb Berthe isn't your average elite climber. He doesn’t just send 5.14s—he sails to them. Literally. When he set his sights on the Dawn Wall—the hardest big wall climb in the world—he refused to fly, instead making three ocean crossings by sailboat, living simply and training creatively along the way. In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we …

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#81 How a World Champion Found New Strength—And the Habits That Help Jamie Whitmore Stay Fast, Focused, and Fired Up at 49 1:48:07

4M ago1:48:07

1:48:07

What happens when your life as an elite athlete is stripped away—and you’re forced to rebuild, not just your body, but your identity? In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jamie Whitmore—a world-class endurance athlete whose story is less about podiums and more about persistence. Jamie was once one of the most dominant XTERRA race…

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122 Surfing - Art or Sport - with Donald Brink

4M ago

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Is surfing just a sport—or is it something much deeper, a form of art that mirrors your soul? Whether you're a weekend warrior or a lifelong wave chaser, you've likely felt that indescribable magic in the water. This episode dives into that very feeling, exploring how surfing transcends competition and becomes a deeply personal, creative expression…

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Rafael Kroeff: On Mind Body Reactivity Training for Surfing 53:52

4M ago53:52

53:52

Shipping globally now! Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at www.surfbasis.com In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Rafael Kroeff a.k.a. RK (@rktraininghawaii) who’s a big-wave surfer/surf coach on the north shore of Hawaii. He has tr…

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122 Surfing’s Soul: Is It Art, Sport, or Something More? - with Donald Brink 1:21:18

4M ago1:21:18

1:21:18

Is surfing just a sport—or is it something much deeper, a form of art that mirrors your soul? Whether you're a weekend warrior or a lifelong wave chaser, you've likely felt that indescribable magic in the water. This episode dives into that very feeling, exploring how surfing transcends competition and becomes a deeply personal, creative expression…

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#80 Lexicon, Boldness, and the Long Game: Training Smarter, Climbing Harder, Peaking Late—Because Age Doesn’t Matter 1:54:19

4M ago1:54:19

1:54:19

What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further? For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon, a bold and beautiful E11 route he developed and climbed later in life. In this conversation, Neil shares the full story—from discovering the line in the Lake District to the…

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#79 From Olympian to Freeskiing Pioneer to DJ: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Identity—and What It Reveals About Inner Strength, Transformation, and Living with Wonder 1:44:22

4M ago1:44:22

1:44:22

Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity and disordered eating, and quietly unraveling inside a system that prized performance over well-being. This could’ve been the …

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121 Exploring Surfboards as Tools for Self-Discovery with Donald Brink

4M ago

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Is your surfboard truly helping you become a better surfer—or just keeping you comfortable? In this episode, we explore a question that many surfers overlook: are you riding the board that suits your potential or simply what the surf industry has marketed to you? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, learning how equipment shapes performa…

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How Getting Fit was a Game Changer w/ Alistair Bramley 44:58

4M ago44:58

44:58

Shipping globally now! Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer https://www.surfbasis.com/ . In this episode, we dive into Alistair’s experience as one of the original beta testers for the Basis Trainer. He breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and why common training methods …

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121 Exploring Surfboards as Tools for Self-Discovery with Donald Brink 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

Is your surfboard truly helping you become a better surfer—or just keeping you comfortable? In this episode, we explore a question that many surfers overlook: are you riding the board that suits your potential or simply what the surf industry has marketed to you? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, learning how equipment shapes performa…

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#78 When the Gear Might Not Hold: Cutting-Edge Rock Climbing at 74, Mentorship Across Generations, and Why Boldness and Growth Don’t Have an Age Limit 1:52:21

4M ago1:52:21

1:52:21

What does it mean to stay bold — not in your 20s or 30s, but in your 70s? What does it take to trust your body, your judgment, and your preparation when the stakes are high — and there’s no one left to impress but yourself? In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we meet Rob Matheson, a climber who recently completed one of the UK’s most legendary and …

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120 Still Ripping at 60: Tony Roberts on Surfing Performance and Longevity

5M ago

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What if your best surfing is still ahead of you—even in your sixties? Many surfers fear they’ll lose their edge with age, but Tony Roberts proves that it’s possible to surf better than ever through intentional lifestyle choices, foundational training, and a lifelong commitment to progression. In this episode, we explore how rethinking surfing as a …