Basis Surf Podcast

Jaksot

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  How to Actually Get Good at Surfing (Even With Terrible Waves) w/ Adam Tory 14.09.2026 1t 13min

  🔥Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://go.surfbasis.com/pb_freetrainingplan Adam Tory of Hurricane Surf Company (@hurricanesurfcompany) presents a unique perspective shaped by two very different coastlines. He learned to surf in Tofino before relocating to the inconsistent waters of Nova Scotia, and now coaches surfers of every level while competing for the Canadian national longboard team. We get into why river and lake surfers often out-surf people who live right on the coast, how Adam breaks down a backside cutback on a longboard step by step, why he's built his whole approach around surfing bad waves instead of only waiting for good ones, and how the Basis Paddle Trainer helped him stay conditioned through a foot injury heading into a tough contest season. We also talk about what separates top international longboarders from everyone else, how climbing and skateboarding carry over into surfing, and go through a rapid fire round where Adam builds his ideal surfer. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters1:16 Adam Tory of Hurricane Surf Co.2:11 Nova Scotia's Wild Seasonal Swings3:47 From London Skateboarder to Tofino Surfer6:06 What Makes Tofino's Beach Breaks So Consistent9:12 Building Skills on Tofino's Closeout Beach Breaks12:03 Moving to Nova Scotia: Quantity vs. Quality14:58 Competing for Team Canada & the Nationals Barrier16:03 Contest Nerves and a Lesson from a Lake Surfer19:58 "Crappy Waves Make Good Surfers"25:44 Reading Waves & the Hunter Mindset31:03 Paddle Power: The Overlooked Fundamental36:49 Pan Am Games & Lessons from Elite Surfers45:53 The River & Lake Surfer Cheat Code51:58 Longboard Footwork & the Backside Cutback1:00:50 Cross-Training Secrets, Rapid Fire & Wrap-Up Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram  Basis Tiktok Basis Facebook
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  The Mind Behind Dave Rastovich’s Unbreakable Surfboards w/ Gary McNeill 31.08.2026 54min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Gary McNeill is a lifelong surfboard shaper, who focuses on hybrid construction, environmental sustainability, and hand-shaped designs. He has been shaping surfboards for Dave Rastovich for years and in this conversation he breaks down exactly what goes into building boards for one of the most respected surfers in the world. Gary gets into flax construction and why it holds up so much longer than a standard board without adding excess weight. He also talks about what it actually takes to shape for a surfer as dialed in on volume as Rastovich. He describes the channel design behind his twin fins and why it changes how the board holds through a turn. We discuss why most surfboard companies have no interest in building something that lasts, and we also take a rare look into the thinking behind boards that have shown up in some of surfing's most iconic footage. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters3:02 From Thruster Competitor to Shaper5:01 Teaming Up with Dave Rastovich7:03 The "Castles in the Sky" Board Story9:19 The Taurus Channel Explained13:25 RTT & Pip: Sizing the Twin Fin Fish for Any Wave24:42 Developing the Flax Construction27:43 Why Flax Outperforms Other Materials30:50 Mass Adoption & Designed Obsolescence33:43 Dane Reynolds and the Acid Surfboard Test35:27 Advice for Riding Alternative Boards38:48 New Shapes & What's Next with Dave45:24 Quickfire Round: Perfect Surfer & Fin Preferences49:07 Tier Lists: Board Sizing, Cross-Training & Sign Off Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Inside the Mind of a World Champion's Surf Coach w/ Matt Grainger 17.08.2026 1t 21min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Matt Grainger (@surfers-compass) is a former pro-surfer-turned-coach who has worked with world champions and CT event winners. In this episode he walks us through Nathan Hedge's comeback story, including the training and mindset work behind his run to the semis at Teahupo'o, and how paddle training was fundamental preparation - something that most everyday surfers forget. We also get technical about frontside carves in terms of weight distribution and rail engagement, taking examples from John John Florence. Matt also explains why style comes down to keeping your personality in the water instead of copying anyone else's approach, and how slowing down and completing waves builds the muscle memory needed for progression in maneuvers. He also gets into board selection, land training, and the mental side of competing, pulling from decades of coaching everyone from grommets, intermediates, to pro surfers at the highest level. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters01:07 Welcome & Meet Matt Grainger02:32 Coaching Nathan Hedge's Comeback04:53 Hedge’s Winning Trials & Facing Kelly Slater06:51 Teahupo'o 2014: Facing Adriano de Souza10:06 The Perfect Barrel & Board Rescue Drama15:18 Reading Athletes: Mindset vs. Technique16:46 Margaret River Prep & Wave Selection21:01 Foot Pressure & Rail Engagement Explained26:32 How John John Florence Redefined Surfing33:49 Style, Personality & "Surfing Is Dancing"40:12 Teaching Progression: Why Less Is More47:12 Prepping for Teahupo’o & the Power of Paddling59:47 Rapid Fire: Favorite Surfers, Fins & Boards1:13:46 Land Training Tiers & Where to Find Matt Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  The Key to Power Surfing w/ Robbie Rickard 10.08.2026 53min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Robbie Rickard is an Australian free surfer known for his style and incredible power surfing. We start with his early years of competitive surfing, what it was like going up against names like Soli Bailey and Mikey Wright. He breaks down what he looks for in carves, and explains why timing often matters more than raw strength when it comes to powerful turns. We also spoke about the benefits of surfing longer boards, and how it helped him smooth out his own surfing. We discuss his relationship with SYSTM Surfboards, and the process behind creating his own model, the 6’5” Rob. Lastly, we discuss the shaping machines that he and his dad built for some of the biggest brands in the surfing industry (@surf.shaper).   Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters02:07 Growing Up in Fingal Head03:23 First Heat Against Soli Bailey08:41 Mentors: Jay Phillips & Poncho Sullivan09:15 Riding a 6'3" for 3 Months Straight13:02 Grinding Through the QS17:25 Meeting Chippa Wilson at Caba18:33 The Secret to a Good Carve23:26 Experimenting with Panda Surfboards27:57 Designing the 6'5" Rob Model with Kobe33:12 Sizing Longer Boards & Tail Shapes40:17 Building Machines with Surf Shaper49:23 Rapid Fire: Favorite Surfer & Fin Setups51:22 Tier List: Magic Boards & Training Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Shaping the Best Surfboard in the World w/ Hayden Cox 03.08.2026 1t 1min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Hayden Cox (@haydenshapes) is an Australian surfboard shaper, founder of Haydenshapes Surfboards, and the man behind the winning board in the most recent Stab in the Dark. Hayden walks us through exactly what he built for the contest, and what separated his board from other shapers when it came down to the final surf. We also dive deep into the design theory behind his rocker line for the DarkNoiz model, unpack his development of FutureFlex construction technology, and breakdown the shape and story behind the Psychedelic Germ. We close this episode with a rapid-fire round where Hayden builds his favourite surfer, ranks fin setups, rates the best ways to improve your surfing outside of the water, and tiers every method of sizing a board, including a very honest take on the under-arm test. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters02:15 Introduction to Hayden Cox02:24 Short Notice Before Stab in the Dark04:12 From Taj's Board to Ethan's DarkNoize06:09 Rocker Line & FutureFlex Feel10:45 What Sets Hayden's Boards Apart13:35 Center Line vs Rail Line Rocker17:35 Subtle Millimeters & the F1 Analogy20:00 Watching Ethan's Winning Waves24:50 Construction: The Featherlight Poly Build27:13 The Call That Changed Everything32:40 Origins of FutureFlex Technology46:11 Building the Perfect 3-Board Quiver & the Psychedelic Germ54:28 Rapid Fire: Favorite Surfer & Fin Setups57:54 Tier List: Magic Boards & Training Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  How to progress SO Fast in Surfing it feels like Cheating (Part 2) 21.07.2026 7min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan In Part 2 of this series, Van Vu breaks down why some surfers seem to level up so much faster than others. He digs into the compounding relationship between paddle power and wave-reading ability, showing how catching more waves builds a mental "memory bank" that changes what you perceive as a makeable wave. Using a side-by-side comparison of two surfers with different conversion ratios, he reveals how that gap widens dramatically over just a few weeks, and explains the key shift in strategy every surfer needs to make as they progress. If you've ever watched a more advanced surfer effortlessly find speed and power on waves you'd have let pass by, this video explains exactly why, and what to focus on to close that gap yourself. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters0:00 Recap & Building on Part One0:39 Why Pros Look Like They're Playing a Different Sport1:24 The Limited Opportunity Problem in Surfing (vs. Basketball)2:03 How the Skill Gap Compounds Over Time2:39 Building Your Wave-Reading Memory Bank3:21 Surfer A: Taking Waves & Expanding Opportunity3:56 Surfer B: Tentative Choices, Slower Growth4:45 The Compounding Results After Weeks of Training5:37 Beginners: Why You Should Prioritize Wave Count6:17 Advanced Surfers: Shifting From Quantity to Quality Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  What Most Surfers Get Wrong About Surfboard Design w/ Shea Somma 20.07.2026 1t 1min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Central Coast shaper Shea Somma (@sheasomma) is known for surfboards that make the most out of whatever the ocean throws at you. In this episode, we get into the DNA behind his designs like the Mini Super, a Mini Simmons inspired groveler built around an optimal length-to-width ratio that he reverse-engineered into a unique user-friendly board. He also breaks down how he won Best in Show at the 2023 Boardroom with his Bonzer-based Panza shape. We also talk about the most common mistakes surfers make when buying boards, and why the current obsession with surfboard volume might be one of the most misleading trends in the industry right now. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters00:00 Intro02:13 Shea's Central Coast Waves & Shaping Origins04:13 Sharks, Colors, and Surfboard Superstitions05:59 The Mini Super: A Mini Simmons Evolution12:26 Fins, Concaves, and Hydrodynamics Explained16:35 How the Simmons Design Spread Across Surfing19:21 Winning Best in Show with a Bonzer25:04 Building the Panza: Groveler to Step-Up30:10 Twin vs. Twinzer: What It Actually Feels Like36:19 Ocean Beach Guns: The OBG and the Judah40:02 Biggest Mistakes Surfers Make Buying Boards44:21 The Truth About Volume47:04 Good and Bad Trends in Surfboard Design48:59 Shea's Current Quiver, Board by Board54:38 Upcoming Film Project and France Art Show Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  How to progress SO Fast in Surfing it feels like Cheating 14.07.2026 8min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Ever wonder why some surfers seem to improve twice as fast as everyone else, even with the same amount of time in the water? In this video, Basis Surf founder Van Vu breaks down the "surf progression funnel" — the step-by-step system that determines how many real reps you actually get on a wave, from spotting it to completing a turn. Using a simple side-by-side comparison, Van reveals how one overlooked, land-trainable skill can snowball into a dramatically higher wave count per session, per day, and per weekend, explaining why elite surfers like Laird Hamilton and Billy Kemper quietly train this exact thing behind the scenes.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters00:00 How to 10X your surf progression00:45 Elite pros secretly train their paddling01:30 The surf progression funnel explained02:13 Ocean knowledge & reading waves02:50 Paddling: the highest-leverage skill03:32 Why paddling is trainable on land04:11 Pop-up: train it before you need it04:49 Speed, line, and the turn05:33 Surfer A vs. Surfer B: the numbers behind 10X07:54 The Shohei Ohtani lesson: master the fundamentals Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  How a 4-Month Surf Break Led to 7-Hour Sessions in the Mentawais w/ Moose Huerta 29.06.2026 48min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Moose Huerta is a longboarder from the Northeast who took a 4-month break from surfing before heading to the Mentawais. He still managed to surf 3-7 hours a day for 10 days straight all thanks to a month of paddle training beforehand. In this episode, we get into surf trip preparations, what keeps him out of the water in winter, what made him skeptical about the Basis Paddle Trainer at first, and what changed his mind. We also talk about how his longtime surf travel partner quietly got a paddle trainer without being asked, and why Moose believes that identifying the surfer you want to be in 10 years is key.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters2:01 Meet Moose Huerta — Northeast longboarder2:11 Growing up surfing in Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida3:21 Competitive surfing through the ESA and living 100 yards from the break4:25 Flagler College, the surf team, and surfing on a budget5:18 Traveling the contest circuit and life as a semi-pro surfer7:36 Moving to California, Nixon Watches, and the film Sprout8:46 Discovering the Northeast and landing in New York City11:04 Traditional vs. high-performance longboarding and the Sprout era13:09 CJ Nelson, gliders, and evolving surf style with age14:17 Plateaus, equipment access, and lessons from competing young17:53 Gliders, pigs, and the 6'8" egg — finding the right board21:52 Why Moose got the paddle trainer before the Mentawais trip27:55 First impressions of the trainer — skeptic to believer38:29 The Mentawais trip — 10 days of 3–7 hours of surfing a day46:27 Advice for surfers on aging gracefully and keeping the stoke Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  From Nearly Drowning to Helping Surfers Overcome Their Fears w/ Alex Novoa of Surfing Your Fears 15.06.2026 1t 3min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Alex Novoa of Surfing Your Fears has been surfing for 38 years and coaching for nearly two decades. Our conversation goes deep on what actually holds surfers back from becoming independent in the water. Alex breaks down why fear never fully disappears but can be worked through, how smart positioning beats hard paddling every time, why your pop-up habit will either cost or save you hundreds of waves, and why paddle fitness is less about catching waves and more about surviving the ones that hold you down. Beyond the technical side, Alex also shares a perspective that's hard to find; someone who has nearly drowned twice, rebuilt his confidence, and used that experience to shape how he coaches others through the same thing.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters2:33 Alex's Background & 38 Years of Surfing in El Salvador3:48 Still Surfing 8 Hours a Day at 50 - The Secret to Longevity5:22 The Reverse Liters Strategy: Staying in Shape as You Age6:36 Surfboard Evolution: From Boogie Boards to Shortboards to Longboards9:28 Does Board Sequencing Matter for Learning?11:34 Embracing Being a "Kook" - Why Starting Over is Valuable12:59 How Trying New Boards Keeps the Love for Surfing Alive16:36 Why the Program Is Called "Surfing Your Fears"20:21 How Alex Defines a Beginner Surfer26:39 Overcoming Fear: Internalizing What You're Actually Afraid Of31:21 Wave Positioning Tips for Independent Surfers36:02 Reading the Ocean: Sets, Intervals, and Wave Size39:42 Time in the Water Is Everything - Why Fitness Matters47:10 Alex's Near-Drowning Experience & How It Shapes His Coaching57:34 Pop-Up Technique: Why Getting It Right from Day One Is Critical Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Dan Mann Tells All on Kelly Slater, Stab in the Dark, and the DRK Surfboard 08.06.2026 1t 5min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Stab in the Dark X winner and the shaper behind Kelly Slater's boards, Dan Mann joins the Basis Surf podcast. We get into whether Kelly actually knew which board was his during the event, what Dane Reynolds and Zeke Lau noticed when he was riding it, and why Dan sees the whole thing as bittersweet despite coming out on top. From there we dig into the design differences between the DRK and FRK, what changed and why, and how those decisions translate for everyday surfers, not just Kelly. Dan also breaks down his approach to fins and why keeping one constant across every board you ride matters. We also discuss Dan’s different models and I share why the Dominator Pro has genuinely changed my surfing. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters0:01:46 Welcome & Stab in the Dark X Introduction 0:02:10 Was Winning Bittersweet? Dan's Honest Take 0:03:44 Stab as Entertainment vs. Competition0:05:43 Did the Show Manufacture the Drama? 0:07:18 Watching Kelly Surf Other Shapers' Boards 0:08:25 Kelly's Competitive Mind & the "What If" Factor 0:10:20 The FRK's Origin Story & Kelly's Loyalty Since 2017 0:12:15 Did Kelly Know Which Board Was His? 0:12:47 DRK vs FRK: What Actually Changed 0:22:41 Breaking Down the Full FRK Lineup 0:26:16 What Makes Dan Mann Boards Distinct 0:38:01 Fins & How to Tune the DRK 0:44:45 DRK vs Dominator Pro: Which Board is for You? 0:55:48 The Dominator Pro's Impact on Everyday Surfing 0:59:03 What's Next: Spun Honey Groveler & Materials Innovation Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  How A Skeptical Lifelong Surfer 4x’d his Wavecount w/ Adam Sime 25.05.2026 41min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Adam Sime is a 51-year-old nurse, father of three, and lifelong surfer who drives 12+ hours to chase swells across the UK and beyond. In this episode, he opens up about what it actually feels like to blow a hard-earned surf trip because your body gives out after an hour, and what he did about it. We get into the moment that broke him at a firing point break in the Hebrides, his honest skepticism when he first came across the Basis Paddle Trainer, and how his results went from done-after-4-waves to back-to-back-4-hour-sessions in solid Southwest Cornwall swell. He also breaks down how relearning his paddle technique from scratch changed everything, and how getting fit enough to drop board volume opened up a completely different level of surfing for him.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters02:34 Welcome & Introduction to Adam Sime02:48 Adam's Life: Family, Work, and Surfing in Seaford04:30 Chasing Waves Across Europe with a Motorhome06:10 Growing Up Surfing in Western Australia08:22 Charging Big Waves in Morocco09:26 Why Adam Started Thinking About Paddle Training11:29 The Wake-Up Call: Getting Fit After a Wipeout12:40 The Hebrides Trip That Broke Him13:14 Discovering the Basis Paddle Trainer15:00 Early Struggles with the Trainer17:10 Was He Skeptical at First?19:23 The Results: Four-Hour Sessions in Cornwall23:07 Quadrupling Wave Count in the Pool28:12 How Technique Changed His Paddling32:14 Going Down in Board Volume and Surfing Better Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  How to Improve at Surfing Working 80 Hours a Week w/ Lucas Hildreth 18.05.2026 1t 1min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds.https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Lucas Hildreth (@lucashildreth5692) is a second-year E.R. resident and aspiring big wave surfer from New York who has somehow managed to surf Mavericks, Iceland, Chile, and Portugal in between brutal stretches of 80-hour work weeks. In this episode, we get into how he stays strategic with his limited time off, how he approaches improving his surfing technically; from dialing in his cutback to breaking down the mechanics of a proper snap, and what it actually takes to prepare for big surf when you don’t live by the ocean. Beyond the technical stuff, we also talk about crowd navigation, adventure surfing in cold and remote locations, and the mindset that drives someone to chase serious waves while wearing scrubs five days a week.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters0:02:06 Introducing Lucas: ER Resident & Big Wave Surfer0:02:52 ER Doctors and Extreme Sports0:03:31 Growing Up Surfing in New York0:05:34 Getting Serious: Driving to Montauk0:07:36 Choosing College Away from the Coast0:09:29 Learning Without Coaching: Uncle's One Rule0:11:25 Watching Surf Clips to Improve0:14:07 How Filming Himself Transformed His Surfing0:18:33 Going Vertical: The Hardest Skill in Surfing0:25:06 Life as an ER Resident: The Real Schedule0:27:18 Surfing the World Between Shifts0:33:14 Paddle Training: What Actually Works0:41:32 Navigating Crowds in Santa Cruz0:50:40 Adventure Surfing: Iceland, Chile & Beyond0:59:49 Rapid Fire: Advice, Intentions & Deserted Island Board Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  The Key to Turning Midlengths w/ Taylor Jensen 04.05.2026 44min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Taylor Jensen (@taylorjensentj) is a four-time World Longboard Champion who is equally comfortable noseriding as he is throwing down powerful carves. He also collaborates with Firewire Surfboards, making longboards, and more recently, alternative twinzer models. In this episode, we get into what makes a good turn on a longer board, why elite athletes never stop training fundamentals, and how land training can benefit your surfing in ways that surfing alone cannot. We discuss paddling, which Taylor considers one of the most important pillars of surfing, and why neglecting it can stifle your progression. He also gives a detailed breakdown of the twinzer model, why it sits in its own category between a twin and a quad, and what makes it such a fun setup coming off a longboard.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters01:23 Welcome & Intro to Taylor Jensen 02:05 The Secret to Throwing Buckets (Dad Bod & Big Feet) 02:49 Longboard Philosophy & Rail Surfing 04:28 Traditional vs. High Performance Longboarding 06:34 What Makes High Performance Longboarding Look Great 08:39 How to Carve on Longer Boards: Patience, Placement & Rails 11:03 Reading Waves on Mid-Lengths & Longboards 13:31 The Internal Battle: Switching Between Traditional & HP Longboarding 15:58 Training for World Titles: Physical & Mental Game 17:38 Drilling Fundamentals on Dry Land (Cross-Stepping & Footwork) 22:58 Why Paddle Power is Non-Negotiable 28:06 How Longboarding Changes the Way You Read Waves 32:42 The Twinzer Explained 37:27 Board Design Deep Dive: TJ Pro Mid vs. Twinzer Mid-Length 41:44 Closing Advice: Diversify Your Equipment & Surf with Intention Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Lessons from Competitive to Creative Surfing w/ Garazi Sánchez 27.04.2026 58min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Garazi Sánchez (@garazisanchezsurf)  is a two-time Spanish national champion from the Basque Country who built her career competing on the world stage before finding a whole new relationship with surfing through twin fins and board shaping. In this episode, she opens up about what it truly takes to surf at a high level; from how a serious back injury became the turning point that led to her best results, to why paddle fitness is the foundation that most surfers overlook. She breaks down the mental side of competing, what it feels like to lose the joy of surfing and how she got it back, and shares her honest take on riding twin fins including the one mistake most surfers make when they first get on one.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters00:01:20 Introduction: Meet Garazi Sánchez00:02:13 Growing Up Surfing in the Basque Country00:03:30 How the Basque Culture Shaped Her Surfing00:05:10 The Adventure Mindset: Surfing in Unlikely Places00:08:04 The Joy of Watching Beginners Fall in Love with Surfing00:08:52 Competition as a Path to Self-Knowledge00:11:17 Starting Out: Competing in the Basque Country00:16:36 Plateaus, Confidence & Finding Her Footing Internationally00:18:35 Overcoming the Fear of Not Belonging in the Lineup00:22:40 The Back Injury That Changed Everything00:27:39 Training on Land: How It Unlocked Her Best Results00:31:10 The Overlooked Fundamentals: Positioning, Paddling & Pop-Up00:39:28 Coaching Maneuvers: Reading Wave Energy00:45:25 The Shift to Twin Fins & Rediscovering Joy00:52:22 Tips for Riding Twin Fins & Board Design with Lemon Surfboards Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Learning the Details and Big Picture of Surfing w/ Kuio Young 13.04.2026 56min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan Kuio Young is a Hawaiian competitive surfer and coach who works closely with everyday surfers, and professionals like Carlos Muñoz and Imaikalani Devault. His approach to surfing is simple; he sees it as a ‘dance’, where you work on specific pieces without losing the flow of the whole wave. We also get into why paddle strength and wave-reading is essential and how even high-level surfers benefit from guidance especially when it comes to mindset and board selection. Kuio also shares how his own mindset has shifted away from chasing clips, and more toward surfing as a way to feel free and stay connected to that true sense of glide. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters02:05: Introduction: Who Is Kuio Young?02:26: The Secret Behind Throwing Massive Spray03:24: How Riding Longer Boards Changed Everything04:17: Board Design Deep Dive: Knifey Outlines & Low Volume08:15: Short Boards vs. Long Boards: Sensation & Creative Freedom11:22: How Kuio Broke Through as a Surfer13:25: Hip Surgery, Physical Limitations & the Road to Recovery17:32: Foundation Training & Taking Care of Your Body19:43: Coaching Philosophy: Compartmentalization vs. the Full Dance21:40: How to Read the Ocean & Build a Better Bottom Turn26:01: Coaching Carlos Munoz & Imai: What Elite Surfers Actually Need34:15: Common Mistakes & Instant Game-Changers for Developing Surfers36:42: The Doug Silva Relationship: Coaching Styles Compared44:07: Style, Watching Old Surf Footage & Finding Your Glide47:36: Closing Wisdom & Intentions Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Designing Edge Boards for Speed and Control w/ Saint Christopher Edgeboards 23.03.2026 1t 2min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan New York–based shaper, Saint Christoper is pushing the envelope on Edge board design. We discuss how and why his boards create such a noticeable difference in performance. We start with the core question, “What is the Edge?” and break down the design principles behind concaves, reduced planing surfaces, and dual rockers that lead to effortless speed generation and the ability to hold a higher line for longer. We get into how to harness and design for speed through fin innovation, tail rocker, and experimental asymmetrical outlines. We also discuss Christopher’s experience not surfing for months before a trip to Nicaragua, used only the Basis Paddle Trainer in preparation, was able to surf for 5-6 hrs a day, and why building your ‘engine’ is just as important as dialing in your equipment. Tune in to learn about design, speed, and how to manipulate these elements to make the most out of your time in the water.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters02:05 Meet Edge Board Shaper Saint Christopher03:01 The First Time Seeing an Edge Board Fly04:38 The Origin of Edge Boards George Greenough06:21 Convex vs Concave Surfboard Bottoms Explained09:22 Why Edge Boards Are So Fast11:36 How Edge Boards Hold a Higher Line13:12 ASYM Edge Boards Toe vs Heel Design16:15 Why Edge Boards Work in Fast Beach Breaks18:53 Surface Area Drag and Speed21:03 What Riding an Edge Board Feels Like24:42 How to Control Edge Board Speed27:04 New Fin Designs That Change Everything31:09 Outline Design Short Boards Fish and Simmons37:10 Designing Surfboards Around Your Stance41:05 Training Paddle Power for Surf Trips  Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  Skeptical Landlocked Surfer 4Xs his Wavecount w/ Aaron Buckner 16.03.2026 39min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan In this episode, 52-year-old Aaron Buckner shares how he went from 365 pounds, morbidly obese, and barely able to surf, to logging two-hour sessions in overhead waves and quadrupling his wave count. A few years ago at Kaisers in Waikiki, he paddled out, caught one wave, and was so gassed he couldn’t surf again for two days. Landlocked in Idaho and frustrated by “one wave and done” sessions, he was skeptical when he first saw the Basis Paddle Trainer. But after finally giving it a shot, and barely lasting five minutes on his first workout, he committed to structured training three to four days a week. Eight months later, he’s surfing seven days straight, holding his own in overhead C-Street, double-overhead South Bay, and even the North Shore, catching 2–4x more waves per session. By improving his paddle power and positioning, he’s getting into waves earlier, fixing his pop-up timing, and progressing again instead of just surviving sessions, proving that with the right foundation, decline isn’t inevitable. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters01:39 Introduction to Aaron Buckner02:17 Aaron’s Background and Move to Idaho02:27 From 365 Pounds to a New Surfing Goal04:25 Why Paddle Training Became Essential06:21 The Hawaii Paddle Out Wake Up Call08:02 Returning to Kaisers With Real Paddle Power09:39 Initial Skepticism About the Paddle Trainer11:04 The Moment He Decided to Buy12:10 First Workout Reality Check14:18 Building a Paddle Training Routine15:13 From 5 Minutes to 30 Minute Paddle Sessions17:45 Surfing Bigger Waves With Confidence19:27 Surf Trips That Were Once Impossible22:36 Technique Feedback and Community Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 140k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  I PISSED OFF THE CORELORD (HE WALKED OUT ME) w/ That Surf Guy John West 09.03.2026 36min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan This episode features John West, also known as @thatsurfguy_ , the surfer behind the Corelord character and the @citypro.app . We dig into what makes someone kook or core, blending satire with serious insight. John breaks down how localism works, why regulation still has a place in some lineups, and shares his own story of getting regulated. We also get into common mistakes beginners make, how surf culture has changed, and what it really takes to improve. He also explains how his CitiPro app is making pro-level video feedback accessible to everyday surfers. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters01:22 Meet the Core Lord01:47 Kook or Core Rapid Fire02:30 The Champion Mentality03:21 Earning Respect in the Lineup03:58 Practice and Sending It04:16 Born Core04:44 Why is the Core Lord So Angry06:01 Enter John West07:31 Localism Then vs Now09:34 Beginner Spot Selection11:04 Chaos vs Order in the Lineup15:27 Kook Stories and Getting Burned18:01 Social Media and Real Life Confrontations21:37 Keys to Surf Progression29:58 Building the CitiPro App and Surf Entrepreneur Journey Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook
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  How a Landlocked Beginner-Intermediate Surfer 10X'd His Wavecount w/ Benjamin Golding-Webb 02.03.2026 1t 3min

  🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan In this episode, we have Benjamin Golding-Webb, a landlocked surfer based in the UK who juggles family life, running a business, and a 3-hour drive just to surf. He shares his journey from struggling to catch more than a few waves to now consistently surfing 2-3 sessions in the wave pool and 10Xing his wavecount - all from paddle training. We covered how landlocked surfers can really benefit from the Basis Paddle Trainer, and how it can dramatically increase your wavecount and confidence in the water. Benjamin also shares how it helped him build paddle endurance. The online resources gave him tools to improve his paddling and pop-up technique and stay motivated to surf, even with the effort it takes to get there. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters01:40 Introducing Ben02:23 Surfing in Liverpool03:09 First Surf in Portugal03:53 Madeira Wipeouts05:52 Watching a CT Pro08:44 Surfing Once a Month10:20 Family Work and Time Limits12:36 Three Hour Drives for Waves14:17 Exhausted at the Wave Pool16:19 Pool Training Fails24:42 Early Paddle Trainer Results31:13 Paddling from 90 Seconds to 30 Minutes36:18 From 3 Waves to 50 Waves Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook