Basis Surf Podcast

Basis Surf

Interviews with pros, coaches, and shapers to help the everyday surfer get better at the thing they love.

@Gosurfbasis on IG, TikTok, FB, and YT

Train your paddling anytime, anywhere, with the Basis paddle trainer.

www.surfbasis.com

Play

Open in

20 episodes
Avg 51 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

#109
August 17 · 1 hr 21 min
Inside the Mind of a World Champion's Surf Coach w/ Matt Grainger
🔥 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 Chapters 01:07 Welcome & Meet Matt Grainger 02:32 Coaching Nathan Hedge's Comeback 04:53 Hedge’s Winning Trials & Facing Kelly Slater 06:51 Teahupo'o 2014: Facing Adriano de Souza 10:06 The Perfect Barrel & Board Rescue Drama 15:18 Reading Athletes: Mindset vs. Technique 16:46 Margaret River Prep & Wave Selection 21:01 Foot Pressure & Rail Engagement Explained 26:32 How John John Florence Redefined Surfing 33:49 Style, Personality & "Surfing Is Dancing" 40:12 Teaching Progression: Why Less Is More 47:12 Prepping for Teahupo’o & the Power of Paddling 59:47 Rapid Fire: Favorite Surfers, Fins & Boards 1:13:46 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
#108
August 10 · 53 min
The Key to Power Surfing w/ Robbie Rickard
🔥 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 Chapters 02:07 Growing Up in Fingal Head 03:23 First Heat Against Soli Bailey 08:41 Mentors: Jay Phillips & Poncho Sullivan 09:15 Riding a 6'3" for 3 Months Straight 13:02 Grinding Through the QS 17:25 Meeting Chippa Wilson at Caba 18:33 The Secret to a Good Carve 23:26 Experimenting with Panda Surfboards 27:57 Designing the 6'5" Rob Model with Kobe 33:12 Sizing Longer Boards & Tail Shapes 40:17 Building Machines with Surf Shaper 49:23 Rapid Fire: Favorite Surfer & Fin Setups 51:22 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
#107
August 3 · 1 hr 1 min
Shaping the Best Surfboard in the World w/ Hayden Cox
🔥 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 Chapters 02:15 Introduction to Hayden Cox 02:24 Short Notice Before Stab in the Dark 04:12 From Taj's Board to Ethan's DarkNoize 06:09 Rocker Line & FutureFlex Feel 10:45 What Sets Hayden's Boards Apart 13:35 Center Line vs Rail Line Rocker 17:35 Subtle Millimeters & the F1 Analogy 20:00 Watching Ethan's Winning Waves 24:50 Construction: The Featherlight Poly Build 27:13 The Call That Changed Everything 32:40 Origins of FutureFlex Technology 46:11 Building the Perfect 3-Board Quiver & the Psychedelic Germ 54:28 Rapid Fire: Favorite Surfer & Fin Setups 57:54 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
#104
July 21 · 7 min
How to progress SO Fast in Surfing it feels like Cheating (Part 2)
🔥 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 Chapters 0:00 Recap & Building on Part One 0:39 Why Pros Look Like They're Playing a Different Sport 1:24 The Limited Opportunity Problem in Surfing (vs. Basketball) 2:03 How the Skill Gap Compounds Over Time 2:39 Building Your Wave-Reading Memory Bank 3:21 Surfer A: Taking Waves & Expanding Opportunity 3:56 Surfer B: Tentative Choices, Slower Growth 4:45 The Compounding Results After Weeks of Training 5:37 Beginners: Why You Should Prioritize Wave Count 6:17 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
#106
July 20 · 1 hr 1 min
What Most Surfers Get Wrong About Surfboard Design w/ Shea Somma
🔥 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 Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:13 Shea's Central Coast Waves & Shaping Origins 04:13 Sharks, Colors, and Surfboard Superstitions 05:59 The Mini Super: A Mini Simmons Evolution 12:26 Fins, Concaves, and Hydrodynamics Explained 16:35 How the Simmons Design Spread Across Surfing 19:21 Winning Best in Show with a Bonzer 25:04 Building the Panza: Groveler to Step-Up 30:10 Twin vs. Twinzer: What It Actually Feels Like 36:19 Ocean Beach Guns: The OBG and the Judah 40:02 Biggest Mistakes Surfers Make Buying Boards 44:21 The Truth About Volume 47:04 Good and Bad Trends in Surfboard Design 48:59 Shea's Current Quiver, Board by Board 54:38 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
#105
July 14 · 8 min
How to progress SO Fast in Surfing it feels like Cheating
🔥 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 Chapters 00:00 How to 10X your surf progression 00:45 Elite pros secretly train their paddling 01:30 The surf progression funnel explained 02:13 Ocean knowledge & reading waves 02:50 Paddling: the highest-leverage skill 03:32 Why paddling is trainable on land 04:11 Pop-up: train it before you need it 04:49 Speed, line, and the turn 05:33 Surfer A vs. Surfer B: the numbers behind 10X 07:54 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
#103
June 29 · 48 min
How a 4-Month Surf Break Led to 7-Hour Sessions in the Mentawais w/ Moose Huerta
🔥 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 Chapters 2:01 Meet Moose Huerta — Northeast longboarder 2:11 Growing up surfing in Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida 3:21 Competitive surfing through the ESA and living 100 yards from the break 4:25 Flagler College, the surf team, and surfing on a budget 5:18 Traveling the contest circuit and life as a semi-pro surfer 7:36 Moving to California, Nixon Watches, and the film Sprout 8:46 Discovering the Northeast and landing in New York City 11:04 Traditional vs. high-performance longboarding and the Sprout era 13:09 CJ Nelson, gliders, and evolving surf style with age 14:17 Plateaus, equipment access, and lessons from competing young 17:53 Gliders, pigs, and the 6'8" egg — finding the right board 21:52 Why Moose got the paddle trainer before the Mentawais trip 27:55 First impressions of the trainer — skeptic to believer 38:29 The Mentawais trip — 10 days of 3–7 hours of surfing a day 46:27 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
#102
June 15 · 1 hr 3 min
From Nearly Drowning to Helping Surfers Overcome Their Fears w/ Alex Novoa of Surfing Your Fears
🔥 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 Chapters 2:33 Alex's Background & 38 Years of Surfing in El Salvador 3:48 Still Surfing 8 Hours a Day at 50 - The Secret to Longevity 5:22 The Reverse Liters Strategy: Staying in Shape as You Age 6:36 Surfboard Evolution: From Boogie Boards to Shortboards to Longboards 9:28 Does Board Sequencing Matter for Learning? 11:34 Embracing Being a "Kook" - Why Starting Over is Valuable 12:59 How Trying New Boards Keeps the Love for Surfing Alive 16:36 Why the Program Is Called "Surfing Your Fears" 20:21 How Alex Defines a Beginner Surfer 26:39 Overcoming Fear: Internalizing What You're Actually Afraid Of 31:21 Wave Positioning Tips for Independent Surfers 36:02 Reading the Ocean: Sets, Intervals, and Wave Size 39:42 Time in the Water Is Everything - Why Fitness Matters 47:10 Alex's Near-Drowning Experience & How It Shapes His Coaching 57:34 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
#101
June 8 · 1 hr 5 min
Dan Mann Tells All on Kelly Slater, Stab in the Dark, and the DRK Surfboard
🔥 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 Chapters 0:01:46 Welcome & Stab in the Dark X Introduction 0:02:10 Was Winning Bittersweet? Dan's Honest Take 0:03:44 Stab as Entertainment vs. Competition 0:05:43 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
#100
May 25 · 41 min
How A Skeptical Lifelong Surfer 4x’d his Wavecount w/ Adam Sime
🔥 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 Chapters 02:34 Welcome & Introduction to Adam Sime 02:48 Adam's Life: Family, Work, and Surfing in Seaford 04:30 Chasing Waves Across Europe with a Motorhome 06:10 Growing Up Surfing in Western Australia 08:22 Charging Big Waves in Morocco 09:26 Why Adam Started Thinking About Paddle Training 11:29 The Wake-Up Call: Getting Fit After a Wipeout 12:40 The Hebrides Trip That Broke Him 13:14 Discovering the Basis Paddle Trainer 15:00 Early Struggles with the Trainer 17:10 Was He Skeptical at First? 19:23 The Results: Four-Hour Sessions in Cornwall 23:07 Quadrupling Wave Count in the Pool 28:12 How Technique Changed His Paddling 32:14 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
#99
May 18 · 1 hr 1 min
How to Improve at Surfing Working 80 Hours a Week w/ Lucas Hildreth
🔥 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 Chapters 0:02:06 Introducing Lucas: ER Resident & Big Wave Surfer 0:02:52 ER Doctors and Extreme Sports 0:03:31 Growing Up Surfing in New York 0:05:34 Getting Serious: Driving to Montauk 0:07:36 Choosing College Away from the Coast 0:09:29 Learning Without Coaching: Uncle's One Rule 0:11:25 Watching Surf Clips to Improve 0:14:07 How Filming Himself Transformed His Surfing 0:18:33 Going Vertical: The Hardest Skill in Surfing 0:25:06 Life as an ER Resident: The Real Schedule 0:27:18 Surfing the World Between Shifts 0:33:14 Paddle Training: What Actually Works 0:41:32 Navigating Crowds in Santa Cruz 0:50:40 Adventure Surfing: Iceland, Chile & Beyond 0:59:49 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
#98
May 4 · 44 min
The Key to Turning Midlengths w/ Taylor Jensen
🔥 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 Chapters 01:23 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
#97
April 27 · 58 min
Lessons from Competitive to Creative Surfing w/ Garazi Sánchez
🔥 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 Chapters 00:01:20 Introduction: Meet Garazi Sánchez 00:02:13 Growing Up Surfing in the Basque Country 00:03:30 How the Basque Culture Shaped Her Surfing 00:05:10 The Adventure Mindset: Surfing in Unlikely Places 00:08:04 The Joy of Watching Beginners Fall in Love with Surfing 00:08:52 Competition as a Path to Self-Knowledge 00:11:17 Starting Out: Competing in the Basque Country 00:16:36 Plateaus, Confidence & Finding Her Footing Internationally 00:18:35 Overcoming the Fear of Not Belonging in the Lineup 00:22:40 The Back Injury That Changed Everything 00:27:39 Training on Land: How It Unlocked Her Best Results 00:31:10 The Overlooked Fundamentals: Positioning, Paddling & Pop-Up 00:39:28 Coaching Maneuvers: Reading Wave Energy 00:45:25 The Shift to Twin Fins & Rediscovering Joy 00:52:22 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
#96
April 13 · 56 min
Learning the Details and Big Picture of Surfing w/ Kuio Young
🔥 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 Chapters 02:05: Introduction: Who Is Kuio Young? 02:26: The Secret Behind Throwing Massive Spray 03:24: How Riding Longer Boards Changed Everything 04:17: Board Design Deep Dive: Knifey Outlines & Low Volume 08:15: Short Boards vs. Long Boards: Sensation & Creative Freedom 11:22: How Kuio Broke Through as a Surfer 13:25: Hip Surgery, Physical Limitations & the Road to Recovery 17:32: Foundation Training & Taking Care of Your Body 19:43: Coaching Philosophy: Compartmentalization vs. the Full Dance 21:40: How to Read the Ocean & Build a Better Bottom Turn 26:01: Coaching Carlos Munoz & Imai: What Elite Surfers Actually Need 34:15: Common Mistakes & Instant Game-Changers for Developing Surfers 36:42: The Doug Silva Relationship: Coaching Styles Compared 44:07: Style, Watching Old Surf Footage & Finding Your Glide 47:36: 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
#95
March 23 · 1 hr 2 min
Designing Edge Boards for Speed and Control w/ Saint Christopher Edgeboards
🔥 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 Chapters 02:05 Meet Edge Board Shaper Saint Christopher 03:01 The First Time Seeing an Edge Board Fly 04:38 The Origin of Edge Boards George Greenough 06:21 Convex vs Concave Surfboard Bottoms Explained 09:22 Why Edge Boards Are So Fast 11:36 How Edge Boards Hold a Higher Line 13:12 ASYM Edge Boards Toe vs Heel Design 16:15 Why Edge Boards Work in Fast Beach Breaks 18:53 Surface Area Drag and Speed 21:03 What Riding an Edge Board Feels Like 24:42 How to Control Edge Board Speed 27:04 New Fin Designs That Change Everything 31:09 Outline Design Short Boards Fish and Simmons 37:10 Designing Surfboards Around Your Stance 41:05 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
#94
March 16 · 39 min
Skeptical Landlocked Surfer 4Xs his Wavecount w/ Aaron Buckner
🔥 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 Chapters 01:39 Introduction to Aaron Buckner 02:17 Aaron’s Background and Move to Idaho 02:27 From 365 Pounds to a New Surfing Goal 04:25 Why Paddle Training Became Essential 06:21 The Hawaii Paddle Out Wake Up Call 08:02 Returning to Kaisers With Real Paddle Power 09:39 Initial Skepticism About the Paddle Trainer 11:04 The Moment He Decided to Buy 12:10 First Workout Reality Check 14:18 Building a Paddle Training Routine 15:13 From 5 Minutes to 30 Minute Paddle Sessions 17:45 Surfing Bigger Waves With Confidence 19:27 Surf Trips That Were Once Impossible 22:36 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
#93
March 9 · 36 min
I PISSED OFF THE CORELORD (HE WALKED OUT ME) w/ That Surf Guy John West
🔥 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 Chapters 01:22 Meet the Core Lord 01:47 Kook or Core Rapid Fire 02:30 The Champion Mentality 03:21 Earning Respect in the Lineup 03:58 Practice and Sending It 04:16 Born Core 04:44 Why is the Core Lord So Angry 06:01 Enter John West 07:31 Localism Then vs Now 09:34 Beginner Spot Selection 11:04 Chaos vs Order in the Lineup 15:27 Kook Stories and Getting Burned 18:01 Social Media and Real Life Confrontations 21:37 Keys to Surf Progression 29:58 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
#92
March 2 · 1 hr 3 min
How a Landlocked Beginner-Intermediate Surfer 10X'd His Wavecount w/ Benjamin Golding-Webb
🔥 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 Chapters 01:40 Introducing Ben 02:23 Surfing in Liverpool 03:09 First Surf in Portugal 03:53 Madeira Wipeouts 05:52 Watching a CT Pro 08:44 Surfing Once a Month 10:20 Family Work and Time Limits 12:36 Three Hour Drives for Waves 14:17 Exhausted at the Wave Pool 16:19 Pool Training Fails 24:42 Early Paddle Trainer Results 31:13 Paddling from 90 Seconds to 30 Minutes 36:18 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
#91
February 23 · 1 hr
Deep Dive on Take Off and Pop Up w/ Pepijn Tigges
🔥 Get your FREE personalized 2-4X wavecount training plan in under 30 seconds. https://surfbasis.com/pages/trainingplan 2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer www.surfbasis.com In this episode we have Pepijn Tigges, a former competitive surfer turned surf coach based in the Netherlands. He dives deep into the fundamentals of pop-ups, takeoffs, and turns. He shares a fresh take on the takeoff, comparing it to a seesaw and showing how nose angle controls your speed into the wave. We also break down pop-up mechanics, including front foot vs. back foot timing and how to train movement on land that realistically transfers to the water. Pepijn also explains what happens under your board when you turn, and why this is such a crucial aspect to progression and technique. Lastly, we discuss paddling and why improving this one element of surfing can upgrade every part of the sport. Get 5% (€34) discount on sign up for "5 years of unlimited online surfcoaching including 100+ video course" at https://www.surfacademypro.com/home?amid=vanvu6278 with the discount code: “BASIS5” Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 02:02 Pepijn’s Background and Dutch Surfing Roots 03:19 Surfing in the Netherlands 08:45 How Bad Waves Shape Good Surfers 11:11 Why Small Waves Expose Technical Gaps 12:51 The Seesaw Takeoff Explained 15:58 Chin Down vs Chin Up 18:55 Controlling Speed on Entry 23:12 The Viral Pop-Up Debate 27:25 Back Foot vs Front Foot in Critical Waves 31:15 Building a Controlled Pop-Up 36:32 Slow Practice vs Explosive Movement 42:33 How Boards Actually Turn 46:05 Rotation and Kinetic Energy in Turns 50:54 Paddling as the Foundation 58:16 Coaching Trips and Online Programs 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
#90
February 16 · 44 min
How This Northwest Surf Explorer Doubled his Surf Output w/ Jeremy Diasio
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, surfboard shaper and Pacific Northwest surf explorer Jeremy Diasio shares how he’s been able to double his time in the water by focusing on paddle training even though he lives nearly 4-6 hours from most of the waves that he surfs at. Jeremy discusses the limits of certain exercises like pull-ups, and why they don’t fully prepare you for paddling in the prone position. He also explains how building paddle strength and endurance gave him the explosiveness, speed, and confidence to handle heavy conditions. Lastly, he breaks down how physical fatigue triggers mental fatigue, and how fixing that chain reaction made a big difference in his surfing and doubled his fun. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:32 Paddle Power as the Key Limiting Factor 01:07 Jeremy’s Transformation: Quadrupling Wave Count 01:42 Surfing in the Pacific Northwest 03:12 Hidden Barrels and Heavy Conditions 05:23 Six-Hour Strike Missions 06:53 Surfing, Superstition, and Backcountry Exploration 09:17 Consistency, Commitment, and Finding Treasure 10:22 Why Jeremy Got the Paddle Trainer 11:29 Paddle Training Routine and Muscle-Ups 13:32 Why Pull-Ups Alone Aren’t Enough 16:09 Cold Before Tired: Paddle Endurance in Action 17:39 Fatigue, Mindset, and the Physical Exhaustion Domino Effect 21:07 Land Drills, Pop-Ups, and Improving Backside Surfing 25:12 Learning Through Failure and the Long Road to Progress 36:41 Shaping Surfboards on a Sailboat and the DIY 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

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes