Alessandro Piu 🇮🇹🌊🏄‍♂️ – The Power of Passion, Waves, and Mediterranean Grit - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast
Release Date: 06/28/2025
The Temple of Surf Podcast
This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a truly unique voice in surf culture: Japanese surf photographer Tatsuo Takei, whose eye for authenticity has inspired and preserved the soul of surfing for decades. Known for his celebrated book Authentic Wave, Tatsuo has carved his own path as an artist, blending timeless craftsmanship with a deep love for the ocean and the communities that revolve around it. Tatsuo’s story is one of passion, patience, and devotion. Born in Osaka, Japan, he grew up far from the breaks of California and Hawaii, yet the pull of the surf lifestyle was...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a truly innovative guest: Taylor Lane, the creative mind and environmental advocate best known for building the now legendary Cigarette Surfboard, a surfboard made entirely from discarded cigarette butts collected from beaches and streets. What started as a student project has since become a global statement, sparking awareness about the devastating impact of cigarette waste on our oceans. Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet. Trillions of them are discarded every year, and the majority end up leaching toxic chemicals and...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a guest whose life and mission revolve around one of the ocean’s most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures: the shark. Our guest is Madison Stewart, known worldwide as Shark Girl, a fearless advocate, filmmaker, and diver who has spent most of her life swimming with sharks and fighting for their survival. But in this conversation, we explore something very close to the heart of our listeners: the unique, complex, and often misunderstood relationship between sharks and surfers. For decades, sharks have been portrayed as villains in surf...
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🌊 From Point Break to Beyond: The Surf & Screen Story of Bojesse Christopher 🌊 In this week’s episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Bojesse Christopher, actor, surfer, and iconic member of the legendary Point Break cast. Known worldwide for his role in Kathryn Bigelow’s 1991 cult classic Point Break, Bojesse shares the untold stories of filming alongside Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, and Lori Petty, and how the film became a cultural touchstone for surfers and movie fans alike. But Bojesse’s story doesn’t stop at Hollywood. A lifelong surfer...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, where we celebrate the legends, innovators, and unsung heroes of surfing , the people shaping the past, present, and future of our beloved culture. Today’s episode takes us to the heart of surfboard craftsmanship and performance design, as we sit down with two incredibly talented Australians: Josh and Anna Constable, the dynamic duo behind Creative Army Surfboards. For many in the surf world, the name Josh Constable is synonymous with excellence. A multiple Australian champion, longboard maestro, and the 2006 ASP World...
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Welcome to a new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, where we dive deep into the lives, stories, and legacies of the individuals who shaped surf culture. This week, we're honored to be joined by author Douglas Cavanaugh, who takes us on an unforgettable journey into the life of one of surfing’s most fearless, enigmatic, and often misunderstood figures, Butch Van Artsdalen. In an age before Instagram and sponsorship deals, before the spotlight found Pipeline, there were a few raw, rebellious souls who pushed surfing into uncharted territory. Among them stood Butch, sun-bleached,...
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In this week’s episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a special guest whose name carries deep resonance in the world of surfboard shaping: Joshua Martin. Son of legendary shaper Terry Martin, Joshua has not only inherited a profound legacy, he’s forged his own path with authenticity, humility, and a deep respect for the craft. Our conversation begins by tracing his early years growing up in Capistrano Beach, California, where the shaping bay was his playground and the scent of resin and foam filled the air. Joshua reflects on his father’s influence, not just in terms of...
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This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with master surfboard shaper Dan Mann, a creative force in modern board design and a driving influence behind some of the most innovative shapes in surfing today. In this episode, Dan takes us on a journey through his shaping career, from humble beginnings in backyard workshops to building performance-driven boards that have reshaped the way surfers approach the waves. With decades of hands-on experience and a deep passion for the craft, Dan shares how curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to break the mold have defined his...
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This Week on The Temple of Surf Podcast: Surf Legends Dick Metz & Richard Yelland Share the Untold Story That Changed Surf Culture Forever This week’s episode is truly something special. We’re joined by two remarkable guests whose lives and work have shaped how the world sees surfing: surf legend Dick Metz and award-winning filmmaker Richard Yelland. Dick Metz isn’t just a name in the history of surfing, he is surf history. From riding Waikiki waves in the 1940s to traveling the globe with nothing but a surfboard and a dream, Metz’s life reads like an adventure novel. His...
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🎙️ THE TEMPLE OF SURF PODCAST – THIS WEEK’S EPISODE FEATURING JOHN PHILBIN From Hollywood Classic Roles to Real Waves: The Untold Surf Story of Turtle and Nathanial This week, we’re beyond stoked to welcome a true icon of surf cinema and authentic wave-rider to The Temple of Surf Podcast — John Philbin. You might know him as the unforgettable Turtle from North Shore or the intense and unpredictable Nathanial from Point Break, but behind the silver screen, John Philbin is not just an actor, he’s a committed surfer, a passionate teacher, and someone whose life has been deeply...
info_outlineThe 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.