Wood, Foam, and Passion: Inside Joshua Martin’s Workshop - The Temple of Surf - The Podcast

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 technical knowledge, but in the values Terry instilled, integrity, patience, and a relentless dedication to quality. He shares beautiful memories of watching his dad shape thousands of boards for Hobie Surfboards, and how shaping wasn’t just a job in the Martin household, it was a way of life.

But this episode is far from a nostalgic glance backward. Joshua brings us into the present, offering insight into his own shaping philosophy. He speaks passionately about handcrafting each board with intention, ensuring that every rail, rocker, and line serves both performance and personal expression. For Joshua, a surfboard isn’t just equipment, it’s a functional piece of art, a tool for joy, and sometimes even a spiritual object. His deep respect for the natural elements — from sustainably sourced wood to the rhythm of the waves,guides his approach to design.

We also explore the evolving role of craftsmanship in the era of machine-made boards and mass production. Joshua doesn’t shy away from technology, but he stands firm in the belief that hand shaping offers something irreplaceable, a human connection. Whether he’s creating a custom single fin or a modern fish, each of his boards is infused with the soul of the craftsman. It's a process he describes as “listening to the blank,” allowing the shape to emerge through collaboration with the material and the surfer.

Throughout the episode, Joshua also touches on his collaborations with other artists, his love for woodwork, and the deep cultural history that shapes his work, from Hawaiian traditions to California counterculture. He opens up about the challenges of carrying a family name with such weight, and how he’s learned to honor it without being confined by it.

For anyone passionate about surf culture, this episode is a reminder of the values that ground the sport,,authenticity, community, respect for nature, and the enduring power of craft. Joshua Martin is not just continuing a legacy; he’s shaping a meaningful future for surfing, one board at a time.

Tune in to this soulful and insightful episode — available now on all major podcast platforms.