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Alessandro Piu 🇮🇹🌊🏄‍♂️ – The Power of Passion, Waves, and Mediterranean Grit - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

Release Date: 06/28/2025

Japan’s Surf Revolution Masatoshi Ohno on Waves Competition and Culture | The Temple of Surf Podcast show art Japan’s Surf Revolution Masatoshi Ohno on Waves Competition and Culture | The Temple of Surf Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

In this powerful new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Japanese surfer Masatoshi Ohno to explore his journey through competitive surfing, the evolution of Japanese surf culture, and the waves that shaped his life. Japan has quietly become one of the most exciting forces in modern surfing. From Olympic recognition to world-class wave pools and a new generation of elite competitors, Japanese surf culture is no longer emerging, it is established. In this deep and inspiring conversation, Masatoshi Ohno shares firsthand insight into what it meant to grow up competing in Japan,...

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The Man Who Shaped Modern Surfing – Rusty Preisendorfer | The Temple of Surf Podcast show art The Man Who Shaped Modern Surfing – Rusty Preisendorfer | The Temple of Surf Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

In this very special episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with one of the most influential surfboard shapers of all time Rusty Preisendorfer. This is a rare interview with a true icon. Rusty almost never does interviews, which makes this conversation not just important, but historic for surf culture. Founder of Rusty Surfboards, Rusty Preisendorfer helped define the modern era of high-performance surfing. From the explosive progression of the 1980s to the power surfing revolution of the 1990s and beyond, his boards have been ridden by world champions, innovators, and free-surf...

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Dave Tourjé | California Locos, Surf & Skate Art That Defined a Generation - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast show art Dave Tourjé | California Locos, Surf & Skate Art That Defined a Generation - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Dave TourjĂ©, the visionary artist and co-founder of California Locos, a collective that helped define the visual language of modern surf, skate, and California counterculture. Dave Tourjé’s work sits at the crossroads of surf culture, skateboarding, fine art, street art, and West Coast rebellion. From board graphics and murals to gallery walls and underground scenes, his influence reaches far beyond aesthetics, it’s about identity, attitude, and freedom of expression. In this conversation, we explore how California...

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Brodi Sale — Pipeline Is Earned, Not Given | Inside the Mind of a North Shore Charger - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast show art Brodi Sale — Pipeline Is Earned, Not Given | Inside the Mind of a North Shore Charger - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Brodi Sale, a North Shore of Oʻahu surfer known for his deep respect of Hawaiian surf culture and his powerful approach to heavy waves like Pipeline and Backdoor. Brodi Sale represents a generation of Hawaiian surfers who prioritize knowledge, patience, and presence in the lineup over visibility and social media hype. Raised on the North Shore, Brodi learned early that surfing Pipeline is not about forcing waves, chasing clips, or proving yourself, it’s about earning respect through consistency, discipline, and understanding the ocean. In...

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From Hossegor to 100-Foot Waves: Laurent Pujol and the Soul of Surf Photography - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast show art From Hossegor to 100-Foot Waves: Laurent Pujol and the Soul of Surf Photography - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Laurent Pujol, an underwater cameraman and surf photographer whose work has helped define how modern surfing is seen, remembered, and felt. Laurent’s career sits at the crossroads of risk, patience, and absolute precision. Shooting from inside the impact zone, often beneath moving mountains of water, he has developed a rare sensitivity to timing and positioning, the kind that only comes from years spent reading the ocean at its most unpredictable. In this conversation, we go beyond the surface of surf photography to explore what it...

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Jerome Sahyoun — Morocco’s Big Wave Charger and the Reality of Heavy Surf - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast show art Jerome Sahyoun — Morocco’s Big Wave Charger and the Reality of Heavy Surf - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Jerome Sahyoun, a Moroccan big-wave surfer whose life has been shaped by powerful oceans, remote coastlines, and a deep respect for waves that demand total commitment. Born and raised in Morocco, Jerome Sahyoun represents a generation of surfers who grew up far from the spotlight, but close to serious water. Morocco’s long Atlantic coastline, exposed to relentless swells, became his training ground, a place where patience, observation, and humility are essential. In this episode, Jerome shares how surfing in Morocco forged both his...

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Surfing, Storytelling, and the Hidden History of Waves | Andy Martin on The Temple of Surf Podcast show art Surfing, Storytelling, and the Hidden History of Waves | Andy Martin on The Temple of Surf Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

In this deep and compelling episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome professor, writer, and one of the most insightful voices in surf literature, Andy Martin. Known for his ability to explore surfing beyond performance and competition, Andy brings a rare blend of academic depth, lived experience, and poetic clarity to the conversation. Andy Martin has spent decades writing about surfing as culture, obsession, language, and way of life. As a professor, lecturer and a lifelong surfer, he bridges the worlds of academia and the lineup, showing how waves can be read like texts and how...

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Chasing Light & Heavy Water 🌊 Vincent Kardasik on Surf Cinematography, Timing & Truth - Interview with The Temple of Surf - The Podcast show art Chasing Light & Heavy Water 🌊 Vincent Kardasik on Surf Cinematography, Timing & Truth - Interview with The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Vincent Kardasik, a director, cinematographer, and visual storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of surf culture, film, and ocean-driven narratives. Vincent is known not only for capturing powerful surf imagery, but for directing and crafting moving stories that go far beyond a single frame. Through film, cinematography, and photography, he explores the emotional depth of surfing, the patience, the tension, the silence, and the moments of release that define life in and around the ocean. In this episode, Vincent shares his creative...

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Joe Blair: The Art of Hand-Shaped Surfboards & the Soul of Surf Design - Interview with The Temple of Surf Podcast show art Joe Blair: The Art of Hand-Shaped Surfboards & the Soul of Surf Design - Interview with The Temple of Surf Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with legendary surfboard shaper Joe Blair, a true craftsman whose influence on modern surfboard design runs deep through decades of wave riding, innovation, and hands-on shaping. Known for his commitment to functionality, flow, and timeless outlines, Joe Blair represents a generation of shapers who learned their craft in dusty bays, under fluorescent lights, driven purely by feel, intuition, and an obsession with waves. In this episode, Joe Blair takes us back to the roots of his shaping journey, how he first fell in love with surfing, the...

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Lines, Curves & Soul: The Art of Shaping with Ian Byrne - Interview with The Temple of Surf - The Podcast show art Lines, Curves & Soul: The Art of Shaping with Ian Byrne - Interview with The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

The Temple of Surf Podcast

In this week’s episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with one of the most quietly influential craftsmen in modern surfing: Ian Byrne, master surfboard shaper, designer, and the visionary behind some of the equipment trusted by surfers around the world. Known for his deep respect for tradition and his relentless drive to refine the feel of a surfboard under the feet of everyday surfers, Ian has built a career grounded in precision, humility, and an authentic love for the craft. Across our conversation, Ian takes us on a journey from his early days learning the fundamentals of...

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The Temple of Surf Podcast – This Week's Guest: Alessandro Piu – Italian Surfing Champion, Waterman, and Global Ambassador of Mediterranean Surf Culture

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we are honored to welcome one of Italy’s finest surfers and a true ambassador of European surfing Alessandro Piu.

Hailing from the sunny shores of Sardinia, Alessandro has carved out a remarkable path in professional surfing, breaking boundaries and making history as one of Italy’s most decorated and recognizable surf athletes. With a fearless approach to the ocean, a deep respect for the environment, and a hunger for powerful waves around the globe, Alessandro embodies the spirit of the modern waterman. From Mediterranean breaks to the hollow reefs of Indonesia, from the rugged coastlines of Ireland to the barrels of Tahiti, he has proven that you don’t need to be born in Hawaii or Australia to be world-class.

Alessandro’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and passion. Growing up in a country where surfing was still a niche sport, he discovered the ocean at a young age and quickly fell in love with the rhythm of the waves. Sardinia’s varied coastline, ranging from wind-swept beach breaks to slabby reefs, became his training ground. With limited resources and exposure compared to surfers in California or Australia, Alessandro pushed himself hard, rising through the ranks with raw talent and tireless dedication.

He quickly caught the attention of the European surf scene, earning titles at both national and international levels. Over the years, he became Italian Champion, represented Italy in ISA World Surfing Games and WSL Qualifying Series events, and participated in prestigious contests. His powerful, expressive style, especially in heavier surf, set him apart. Whether drawing sharp lines on a six-foot point break or charging thick barrels, Alessandro has consistently proven himself as one of the most complete surfers to ever emerge from Italy.

But Alessandro is more than just a competitor, he’s also a true explorer and surf culture storyteller. He has traveled extensively, surfed some of the most remote and challenging waves in the world, and helped shed light on Italy’s unique surf geography. In recent years, he’s taken on a role as an environmental advocate, using his platform to speak out about ocean conservation, pollution, and the preservation of coastal ecosystems. His involvement in sustainable surfboard initiatives and support of grassroots surf communities reflect his deep commitment to the planet and to future generations of surfers.

On social media and in person, Alessandro has become a role model for aspiring surfers across Europe. His down-to-earth character, humility, and passion for wave riding resonate with fans from every background. He regularly collaborates with major surf brands, independent filmmakers, and ocean-focused nonprofits to amplify the message of connection between sport and sustainability.

In this exclusive conversation with The Temple of Surf, Alessandro opens up about his early days surfing in Sardinia, the challenges he faced building a pro career from Italy, and his favorite destinations across the world. We also dive into his mindset during competitions, how he stays motivated during off-seasons, and what it feels like to represent his country on an international stage. Plus, he shares insights on the evolution of the Mediterranean surf scene, the importance of culture in surfing, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Whether you’re a surfer from the coast of Biarritz, in Hawaii, or someone paddling out for the first time in Italy, Alessandro Piu’s story is an inspiration. His journey proves that passion, grit, and respect for the ocean can take you to incredible places, even when you come from a country without a long-standing surf tradition.

Tune in to this week’s episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast for a raw, insightful, and powerful chat with one of Europe’s top surfing voices. Alessandro Piu reminds us all that the soul of surfing knows no borders and that wherever there are waves and a deep love for the ocean, greatness can be found.