The Man Who Shaped Modern Surfing – Rusty Preisendorfer | The Temple of Surf Podcast
Release Date: 02/16/2026
Surf Photography Icon – Tom Servais and the Stories Behind Legendary Images
The Temple of Surf Podcast
Surf photography has played a crucial role in shaping the identity of modern surf culture. Long before social media, iconic images published in magazines defined how surfers around the world experienced waves, style, and progression. In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome legendary surf photographer Tom Servais, whose work has helped document some of the most important moments in surfing history. Based in California, Tom Servais has spent decades capturing the evolution of surfing through his lens. His photography is widely recognized for documenting the rise of professional...
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From Township to Surf Champion – Joshe Faulkner | 2X South African Surf Champion
The Temple of Surf Podcast
Surfing has the power to transform lives. In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Joshe Faulkner, a two-time South African surf champion whose life story is as powerful as the waves he rides. Born and raised in the township of Jeffreys Bay, Joshe Faulkner grew up surrounded by both incredible waves and difficult realities. Jeffreys Bay is known worldwide for its legendary right-hand point break, Supertubes, one of the most perfect waves on the planet. But for many young people growing up in nearby townships, life can be extremely challenging. Joshe’s childhood was shaped by...
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From Switzerland to the World’s Waves – Fantin Habashi Surf Story
The Temple of Surf Podcast
Surfing has become a truly global sport, with athletes emerging from cultures and backgrounds that once seemed far removed from the ocean. In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Fantin Habashi, an inspiring surfer whose life journey reflects resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for waves. Fantin Habashi’s story is unique within the world of surfing. With roots connected to both Switzerland and Egypt, his early life was shaped by movement between different countries and cultures. Although Switzerland is a country surrounded by mountains rather than...
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Michaela Fregonese Makes Big Wave History | Temple of Surf Podcast Interview
The Temple of Surf Podcast
There are moments in surfing that redefine a career. And then there are moments that redefine what is possible. Michaela Fregonese has just claimed Ride of the Year and Biggest Wave at the SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards, a monumental achievement that places her among the elite of big wave surfing worldwide. Two of the most prestigious honors in the sport. One surfer. One fearless commitment. In this powerful new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Michaela to unpack what it truly took to earn this title. Because awards are the surface of the story. Beneath them lies...
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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
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
The Temple of Surf Podcast
In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Dave Tourjé, 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
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
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
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...
info_outlineIn 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 pioneers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a wave.
In this deep and honest conversation, we explore:
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The evolution of surfboard design from classic single fins to modern high-performance shortboards
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The hidden details in shaping that most surfers never see
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How board design influenced competitive surfing at the highest level
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The mindset required to stay relevant in the surf industry for decades
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Stories from the golden era of professional surfing
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What today’s generation of surfers should understand about craft, foam, and rail lines
Rusty shares insights into the art and science of shaping, explaining how subtle adjustments in rocker, volume distribution, and rail configuration can completely transform performance.
For surfers, shapers, and true students of the sport, this episode is a masterclass in surfboard design.
We also talk about longevity. In an industry that constantly shifts with trends, technology, and market cycles, Rusty Preisendorfer built a brand that became globally recognized while maintaining authenticity and performance integrity.
This episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast is not just about surfboards. It’s about vision, resilience, creativity, and evolution. It’s about how one shaper influenced generations of surfers and helped sculpt the direction of modern surfing.
If you are passionate about surf history, surfboard shaping, design innovation, or the roots of high-performance surfing, this conversation is essential listening.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
📲 Follow The Temple of Surf Podcast for more exclusive interviews with surf legends, pioneers, and cultural icons shaping the past, present, and future of surfing.
This is more than an interview.
This is a piece of surf history.