Best SURF MASTERY Podcasts (2025)

1
123 Wave Count Wins: How Paddle Training Transforms Surfing with Van Vu 57:43

4h ago57:43

57:43

Are you sabotaging your surf progression by riding the wrong board — or paddling with the wrong muscles? 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 th…

1
Surfing - Art or Sport - with Donald Brink

14d ago

—

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…

1
#83 The Comeback: A Former Accountant’s Journey Back to The Water- And to The Pinnacle of the World of Open Water Swimming 1:12:18

3h ago1:12:18

1:12:18

What does it take to walk away from something you’ve trained for your entire life… and then find your way back — stronger, wiser, and with a whole new purpose? In this two-part conversation, we sit down with world-record-holding swimmer Andy Donaldson. But Part One isn’t about records. It’s about the reset — the season of burnout, career shifts, me…

1
#82 Climbing the World’s Hardest Big Wall by Sailboat — How Living Your Values Elevates the Goal, and Why the Right Partner Makes It Possible 1:45:12

7d ago1:45:12

1:45:12

Seb Berthe isn't your average elite climber. He doesn’t just send 5.14s—he sails to them. Literally. When he set his sights on the Dawn Wall—the hardest big wall climb in the world—he refused to fly, instead making three ocean crossings by sailboat, living simply and training creatively along the way. In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we …

1
#81 How a World Champion Found New Strength—And the Habits That Help Jamie Whitmore Stay Fast, Focused, and Fired Up at 49 1:49:24

13d ago1:49:24

1:49:24

What happens when your life as an elite athlete is stripped away—and you’re forced to rebuild, not just your body, but your identity? In this powerful and personal episode, we sit down with Jamie Whitmore—a world-class endurance athlete whose story is less about podiums and more about persistence. Jamie was once one of the most dominant XTERRA race…

1
122 Surfing’s Soul: Is It Art, Sport, or Something More? - with Donald Brink 1:21:18

20d ago1:21:18

1:21:18

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…

1
#80 Lexicon, Boldness, and the Long Game: Training Smarter, Climbing Harder, Peaking Late—Because Age Doesn’t Matter 1:55:37

20d ago1:55:37

1:55:37

What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further? For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon, a bold and beautiful E11 route he developed and climbed later in life. In this conversation, Neil shares the full story—from discovering the line in the Lake District to the…

1
#79 From Olympian to Freeskiing Pioneer to DJ: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Identity—and What It Reveals About Inner Strength, Transformation, and Living with Wonder 1:45:40

1M ago1:45:40

1:45:40

Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity and disordered eating, and quietly unraveling inside a system that prized performance over well-being. This could’ve been the …

1
121 Exploring Surfboards as Tools for Self-Discovery with Donald Brink

1M ago

—

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 performa…

1
121 Exploring Surfboards as Tools for Self-Discovery with Donald Brink 28:22

1M ago28:22

28:22

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 performa…

1
#78 When the Gear Might Not Hold: Cutting-Edge Rock Climbing at 74, Mentorship Across Generations, and Why Boldness and Growth Don’t Have an Age Limit 1:53:39

1M ago1:53:39

1:53:39

What does it mean to stay bold — not in your 20s or 30s, but in your 70s? What does it take to trust your body, your judgment, and your preparation when the stakes are high — and there’s no one left to impress but yourself? In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we meet Rob Matheson, a climber who recently completed one of the UK’s most legendary and …

1
120 Still Ripping at 60: Tony Roberts on Surfing Performance and Longevity

1M ago

—

What if your best surfing is still ahead of you—even in your sixties? Many surfers fear they’ll lose their edge with age, but Tony Roberts proves that it’s possible to surf better than ever through intentional lifestyle choices, foundational training, and a lifelong commitment to progression. In this episode, we explore how rethinking surfing as a …

1
120 Still Ripping at 60: Tony Roberts on Surfing Performance and Longevity 1:05:32

1M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

What if your best surfing is still ahead of you—even in your sixties? Many surfers fear they’ll lose their edge with age, but Tony Roberts proves that it’s possible to surf better than ever through intentional lifestyle choices, foundational training, and a lifelong commitment to progression. In this episode, we explore how rethinking surfing as a …

1
#77 Still Racing at 73: Triathlon’s Wild Origins, Daily Rituals For Recovery, Energy, Clarity, and Why Sport Is the Real Fountain of Youth 1:41:53

2M ago1:41:53

1:41:53

“I call my age group the 70 to death—and we show up early, because we still can. If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.” Bob Babbitt has raced more than 300 triathlons, co-founded Competitor magazine, helped popularize the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, and has spent decades spotlighting athletes of all abil…

1
119: One Wave Is Enough

2M ago

—

Do you walk away from surf sessions frustrated—even when the waves were decent? In this episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift that helps surfers of all levels enjoy every session—no matter the conditions. Whether you're chasing the dream swell or just trying to improve, managing your expectations could be the key to unlocking more joy and …

1
#76 Four Times Across the English Channel: What One Impossible Swim Can Teach You About Identity, Grit, and Starting Over 1:50:27

2M ago1:50:27

1:50:27

At midnight, Sarah Thomas stepped off the coast of England into darkness—swimming into history as the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel, nonstop. That alone would be astonishing. But what makes her story unforgettable is what came before: a breast cancer diagnosis, grueling treatment, and the slow, painful journey …

1
#75 The Thinking Climber: What a Philosopher’s Double Life Reveals About Curiosity, Reinvention, and the Long Arc of Mastery 1:44:48

2M ago1:44:48

1:44:48

What if your best climbing wasn’t behind you—even at 65? This episode is a masterclass in longevity, discipline, and duality. Our guest is a rare figure who has spent decades pushing hard at the edge of two very different worlds: as a tenured philosophy professor and a lifelong climber still sending 5.14s. Bill Ramsey started climbing before sport …

1
#74 Ketones, Fasting, and Flexibility: The Science of Optimizing Your Energy Systems for Endurance and Longevity with Dr Brianna Stubbs 1:47:57

2M ago1:47:57

1:47:57

In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we dive into the metabolic engine room with Dr. Brianna Stubbs—world-class endurance athlete and leading researcher at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Brianna bridges the worlds of elite performance and cutting-edge science, specializing in how ketones, fasting, and metabolic flexibility can shape our a…

1
119 One Wave Is Enough: The Surfer’s Guide to Managing Expectations 5:37

2M ago5:37

5:37

Have you ever let a disappointing surf forecast or wavecount expectations ruin your entire session before even paddling out? We often walk into the surf with expectations shaped by forecasts or past sessions—and when reality doesn't match, it kills the joy. This episode dives into a simple mindset shift that can reduce frustration and increase your…

1
#73 Unstoppable: The 80-Year-Old Who Runs 100+ Mile Ultramarathons—and Reminds Us Why Showing Up Still Matters 1:39:07

2M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Bob Becker didn’t start running until his 50s. Today, at 80, he’s tackling some of the most brutal ultramarathons on the planet—100+ mile races across deserts, through mountains, and far beyond what most of us think is possible. But this isn’t just a story about age-defying endurance. It’s about meaning, resilience, and the unexpected ways we impac…

1
118 Joel Timmons on Surfing, Songwriting, and Soulful Journeys

3M ago

—

Joel Timmons on Surfing, Songwriting, and Soulful Journeys If you’ve ever found yourself seeking balance between creativity and passion, or wondering how to turn life's challenges into powerful art, this episode is your invitation to explore that path. Joel Timmons, musician and lifelong surfer, shares how his emotional songwriting and connection t…

1
#72 Bianca Valenti’s Second Act: How She Won Equal Pay, Redefined Her Sport, and Trains Her Body and Nerves for Big Waves — and for Life 1:59:10

3M ago1:59:10

1:59:10

What does it take to paddle into 50-foot waves — and to paddle back out again after life knocks you down? In this wide-ranging conversation, professional big wave surfer Bianca Valenti joins the Ageless Athlete podcast to talk about what it really means to face fear, rebuild after burnout, and commit to something bigger than yourself. Bianca is bes…

1
118 Joel Timmons on Surfing, Songwriting, and Soulful Journeys 59:18

3M ago59:18

59:18

If you’ve ever found yourself seeking balance between creativity and passion, or wondering how to turn life's challenges into powerful art, this episode is your invitation to explore that path. Joel Timmons, musician and lifelong surfer, shares how his emotional songwriting and connection to the ocean fuel each other—and how vulnerability, self-wor…

1
Boundaries and Workability, Transforming Pure Concentrated Chaos into something Manageable 52:49

3M ago52:49

52:49

Send us a text Welcome to the Damn dude Podcast! This is Season 5, Episode 3! On this episode, we're talking about Boundaries! - Lets define our boundaries. - What is your relationship to your boundaries? - How much flexibility is in your boundaries? - Do your boundaries have layers? - Who is "allowed" past certain boundaries? - How can we create "…

1
#71 When the Body Breaks Through: From Cold Oceans to Chemo Miles — Best of Q1 2025 1:41:28

3M ago1:41:28

1:41:28

In this special highlight reel, we revisit the most unforgettable moments from the past few months of Ageless Athlete. These are stories that stuck with me—narratives that challenged how I think about fear, recovery, aging, and what the human body (and spirit) can do when fully committed. You’ll hear: A nurse in her 50s swimming 30 miles through 43…

1
117 Surf Every Day: How DJ Morris Found Flow in Winter Waves

3M ago

—

What happens when a lifelong connection to the ocean turns into a mission to surf every single day through winter? Whether you're a surfer, an ocean lover, or someone chasing consistency in your passions, this episode dives deep into the transformative power of daily dedication and the personal growth that comes from truly connecting with the ocean…

1
116 Maggie Dent - Parenting Boys with Backbone, Heart and Surfboards.

3M ago

—

Are you raising boys and wondering how to guide them through risk, resilience, and real conversations—without losing your mind or your connection with them? Navigating the journey from boyhood to manhood can feel like walking a tightrope—especially in today’s digital, high-pressure world. This episode offers a refreshing, deeply insightful look int…

1
117 Surf Every Day: How DJ Morris Found Flow in Winter Waves 29:54

3M ago29:54

29:54

What happens when a lifelong connection to the ocean turns into a mission to surf every single day through winter? Whether you're a surfer, an ocean lover, or someone chasing consistency in your passions, this episode dives deep into the transformative power of daily dedication and the personal growth that comes from truly connecting with the ocean…

1
Special Dedication Episode: In Honor of the Mother of Yamamoto Boss 1:36:19

3M ago1:36:19

1:36:19

Send us a text Welcome to the Damn Dude Podcast! This is Season 5, Episode 2, and this is a Very Special Dedication Episode! - We've got Yamamoto Boss in the house, for a special dedication episode to his mother who just passed. - This interview is as real and raw as it gets, anyone birthed from a woman, (so everybody) can appreciate this episode i…

1
#70 Dean Karnazes: Fighting Fit in His 60s, Running Ultras on Weekends, and Tracing the Marathon’s Roots in Greece 1:06:19

3M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Dean Karnazes has been called one of the fittest humans on the planet — and he’s not slowing down. In his 60s, he’s still running ultramarathons on the weekends, living part-time in Greece, and exploring the historical roots of endurance itself. In this episode, Dean takes us through: What running looks like for him today Why Greece has become his …

1
116 Maggie Dent - Parenting Boys With Backbone, Heart And Surfboards 56:31

3M ago56:31

56:31

Are you raising boys and wondering how to guide them through risk, resilience, and real conversations—without losing your mind or your connection with them? Navigating the journey from boyhood to manhood can feel like walking a tightrope—especially in today’s digital, high-pressure world. This episode offers a refreshing, deeply insightful look int…

1
#68 Aging Joints & Grateful Bodies: Elbows, Fingers, Sleep, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves 1:14:49

3M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Physiotherapist and coach Andy McVittie returns to the podcast for a deeper dive into the aging body — what breaks down, why it happens, and how to keep moving through it all. In this episode, we move from big-picture thinking to the specific joints and patterns that affect everyday athletes most: shoulders, elbows, fingers, and knees. Andy shares …

1
115 Handling Aggressive Surfers: Surf Coaching Tactics for Confidence, Respect & More Waves

3M ago

—

Have you ever been snaked, dropped in on, or steamrolled by an aggressive surfer who seems to think they own the ocean? Find it hard to deal with localism? Navigating the lineup isn't just about catching waves—it's about dealing with egos, entitlement, and sometimes flat-out intimidation. If you’ve ever felt powerless or frustrated by alpha surfers…

1
115 Handling Aggressive Surfers: Surf Coaching Tactics for Confidence, Respect & More Waves 8:23

3M ago8:23

8:23

Have you ever been snaked, dropped in on, or steamrolled by an aggressive surfer who seems to think they own the ocean? Find it hard to deal with localism? Navigating the lineup isn't just about catching waves—it's about dealing with egos, entitlement, and sometimes flat-out intimidation. If you’ve ever felt powerless or frustrated by alpha surfers…

1
#67 Jerry Moffatt’s Revelations: Dangerous Free Soloing Before It Was Cool, The Power of Obsession, Letting Go at Your Peak, and His Surprising Key to Success 1:39:51

4M ago1:39:51

1:39:51

Dangerous Free Soloing Before It Was Cool, The Power of Obsession, and Letting Go at Your Peak In this episode of Ageless Athlete, host Kush Khandelwal sits down with one of climbing’s most iconic and introspective figures—Jerry Moffatt. Long before climbing hit the Olympics or Netflix, before Honnold and El Cap, Jerry was free soloing bold routes …

1
114 The Surfing Copywriter: How Passion and Strategy Can Power Your Surf Business

4M ago

—

What happens when a lifelong surfer ditches big-name fashion brands to carve out a niche as the go-to copywriter for the surf industry? If you're a surf business owner juggling content, marketing, and your next session in the water, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how surfer and copywriter Lachlan Campbell turned his passion for surfing int…

1
114 The Surfing Copywriter: How Passion and Strategy Can Power Your Surf Business 41:43

4M ago41:43

41:43

What happens when a lifelong surfer ditches big-name fashion brands to carve out a niche as the go-to copywriter for the surf industry? If you're a surf business owner juggling content, marketing, and your next session in the water, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how surfer and copywriter Lachlan Campbell turned his passion for surfing int…

1
113 How To Surf Bigger Waves + A Guide To Surfing Big Waves

4M ago

—

Are you drawn to bigger waves but unsure how to prepare for them—physically, mentally, and emotionally? In this solo episode, host Michael Frampton takes you behind the scenes of his first big wave experience—a 4.5-meter swell at an outer reef—and breaks down exactly what it took to be ready. If you’ve ever fantasized about chasing bigger sets but …

1
112 Mastering the Hardest Part of Surfing: Surf More Waves with Confidence

4M ago

—

Struggling 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…

1
113 How To Surf Bigger Waves + A Guide To Surfing Big Waves 6:46

4M ago6:46

6:46

Ever wonder what it really takes to paddle into Big waves and come out the other side stronger? If you’ve ever dreamed of pushing your limits in the surf but felt held back by fear, lack of preparation, or not knowing where to start—this episode offers a firsthand roadmap for transforming your surf game. Whether you're stuck at head-high or eyeing …

1
#66 Mastering Momentum: How Ned Overend Still Wins at 70, Avoids Injury, and Trains Like a Student of the Sport 1:53:18

4M ago1:53:18

1:53:18

What does it take to stay at the top of your sport for over four decades—and still be competitive at 70? In this episode, we sit down with Ned Overend, the first-ever UCI Mountain Bike World Champion and six-time national champion, who’s still toeing the line with athletes half his age. But this isn’t just a story about biking—it’s about reinventio…

1
112: Mastering the Hardest Part of Surfing: Surf More Waves with Confidence 6:12

4M ago6:12

6:12

Struggling 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…

1
#65 The Movement Optimist: Knees, Shoulders, Elbows, Hips, Bulletproof Yourself! Never Late to Get Strong! 1:45:48

4M ago1:45:48

1:45:48

Physiotherapist, coach, and lifelong climber Andy McVittie challenge the myths about aging and physical decline. Andy brings decades of hands-on experience, working with outdoor athletes and everyday movers who want to stay active, resilient, and injury-free well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. We discuss why it’s never too late to get strong, how…

1
111 Surfing, Philosophy & the Search for Meaning: Longevity & Adventure with Aaron James

4M ago

—

Has surfing started to feel more like a grind than a joy? What if the answer isn’t better waves or sharper turns—but a new philosophy? In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, philosopher and lifelong surfer Aaron James shares why he abandoned performance-based surfing in favor of adventure surfing—and how that shift brought back the jo…

1
111 Surfing, Philosophy & the Search for Meaning: Longevity & Adventure with Aaron James 1:34:05

4M ago1:34:05

1:34:05

What if the key to how to surf better wasn’t just in technique, but in how you think about the sport? Whether you’re a beginner surfer learning the pop-up on a surfboard, a traveling surfer chasing bigger waves, or a weekend warrior looking to refine your surf positioning, your mindset shapes your experience in the water. In this episode, host Mich…

1
#64 The Ultimate Comeback: At 46, Tara Tulley Transformed Her Life, Lost 130 lbs, Overcame Illness, and, Conquered a 140 Mile Ultra Run 1:54:22

4M ago1:54:22

1:54:22

Tara Tulley’s story is an ode to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. At 45 years old, she stood at the start line of a grueling 140-mile ultra-marathon—not as a runner, but as a spectator. Weighing over 250 pounds, battling the effects of POTS, and having stepped away from running for years, she made a bold promise: One year fr…

1
#63 Beyond Two Guinness Surfing Records: How Shawn Dollar Overcame Traumatic Brain Injury—and Why You Must Advocate for Your Own Health 1:15:57

5M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

“Fear doesn’t have to destroy you—it can become rocket fuel if you learn to harness it. That mindset carried me through big waves and even bigger challenges on land.” In this episode, we dive deep with Shawn Dollar, a big-wave surfer known for paddling into massive 60-foot waves—twice—earning him two Guinness World Records. As awe-inspiring as thos…

1
110: 3 Unconventional Surfing Tips To Catch More Waves and Learn Fast

5M ago

—

Are you still struggling to catch waves—even after months of trying? What if the problem isn’t you, but the technique you were taught? In this episode, surf coach Michael Frampton breaks down the three unconventional, yet game-changing, tips that helped a frustrated beginner surfer finally start catching waves—without paddling, without stress, and …

1
110: 3 Unconventional Surfing Tips To Catch More Waves and Learn Fast 8:16

5M ago8:16

8:16

Surfing Tips for Beginners: The #1 Technique to Catch More Waves Instantly Join the Wave Catching Academy: https://learn.surfmastery.com/wave-catching-academy-1 Jason struggled to catch waves despite three months of experience. Most surf schools overcomplicate the learning process. The key to catching waves is matching their speed, not paddling har…

1
109 How to Catch More Waves and Abolish Surfing Shame

5M ago

—

Do you struggle to catch small waves, feel ashamed in the lineup, or question your surfing ability when no one else seems to miss a wave? In this powerful solo episode, surf coach Michael Frampton shares the humbling (and transformative) story of how missing perfect waist-high waves drove him to uncover the real secrets of wave catching. Whether yo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

SURF MASTERY Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide