112: Mastering the Hardest Part of Surfing: Surf More Waves with Confidence
Surf Mastery - Surfing Tips and Wisdom for Lifelong Surfers
Release Date: 03/20/2025
Surf Mastery - Surfing Tips and Wisdom for Lifelong Surfers
What if the key to mastering any craft - surfing, storytelling, relationships, or even table tennis - lies in simply slowing down and noticing the smallest details? In a fast-paced world that often rewards intensity and output, we easily overlook the quiet power of presence and reflection. Whether you're navigating the chaos of Mavericks or confronting inner narratives, this episode reveals how attention to detail can reshape not just your performance, but your perspective on life itself. Discover why focusing on one small detail - like the placement of your back foot - can dramatically...
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What if the key to unlocking your best surfing isn’t how you ride a wave - but how you read the ocean before you even paddle for it? Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just stepping up to steeper waves, too many of us overlook the 99% of surfing that happens off the board. In this eye-opening episode, elite surf coach Matt Scorringe shares why ocean knowledge - not tricks or turns - is the hidden edge that separates good surfers from great ones. If you’ve ever felt lost in the lineup, struggled with wave selection, or wondered how top surfers always seem to be in the right spot, this...
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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 everyone else’s. Hear Holly Beck share how her transformation from competitive surfer to retreat leader changed her perspective on surf etiquette. Learn why the unspoken “rules” of the lineup are more complex than just "who's deepest," and...
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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 that elite surfers use to elevate their performance - without needing better waves or a new board. Learn how to “read” the ocean and see opportunities in every wave, just like world champion Tom Carroll. Discover why the best...
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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 want, this episode is for you. Discover the three most common ways surfers waste energy - and how to fix them to catch more waves with less effort. Learn why your pop-up is the most important move in surfing - and how improving it could...
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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 in the lineup. But with the right approach, you can build a fast, stable popup even if you started surfing later in life. Learn why a smooth, athletic popup sets the tone for your entire ride. Discover dry-land exercises that develop the...
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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 - can transform both your approach and enjoyment, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned longboarder. Discover why kids often learn to surf faster and more fearlessly than adults - and what that means for your own surfing journey. Learn how to embrace surfing as...
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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... + more Discover how incremental board volume reduction can dramatically improve your surfing fundamentals and style. Learn why elite surfers catch exponentially more waves — and how you can close the gap without living near a...
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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. If you've ever wondered why your best session had nothing to do with trophies, you're not alone. Discover why Donald Brink believes surfing is more about galleries than stadiums—and how that insight can reshape your approach to every...
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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 performance and self-discovery in the water can revolutionize your approach to surfing. Discover why changing boards regularly—even riding the "wrong" board—can massively accelerate your progression. Learn from Donald Brink’s radical...
info_outlineStruggling to catch more waves and improve your takeoff? The hardest part of surfing isn’t turning or carving—it’s everything that happens before you even stand up. But what if you could master that crucial phase?
Most self-taught surfers hit a frustrating plateau because they don’t fully understand wave reading, efficient paddling, or seamless pop-ups. Without these foundational skills, catching waves feels like a battle. This episode breaks down the real reasons behind your struggles and provides actionable fixes to transform your surfing experience.
- Learn how to develop an obsession with wave reading so you can predict and position yourself perfectly.
- Discover the key to efficient paddling and why a strong sprint paddle makes all the difference.
- Shift your mindset to see surfing as starting from the paddle-in, making your takeoffs smoother and more powerful.
Listen now to gain the skills and knowledge to finally catch more waves with ease and confidence!
For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we’ll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we’re here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.