Basis Surf Podcast

Designing Edge Boards for Speed and Control w/ Saint Christopher Edgeboards

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New York–based shaper, Saint Christoper is pushing the envelope on Edge board design. We discuss how and why his boards create such a noticeable difference in performance. We start with the core question, “What is the Edge?” and break down the design principles behind concaves, reduced planing surfaces, and dual rockers that lead to effortless speed generation and the ability to hold a higher line for longer. We get into how to harness and design for speed through fin innovation, tail rocker, and experimental asymmetrical outlines. We also discuss Christopher’s experience not surfing for months before a trip to Nicaragua, used only the Basis Paddle Trainer in preparation, was able to surf for 5-6 hrs a day, and why building your ‘engine’ is just as important as dialing in your equipment. Tune in to learn about design, speed, and how to manipulate these elements to make the most out of your time in the water. 
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Chapters02:05 Meet Edge Board Shaper Saint Christopher03:01 The First Time Seeing an Edge Board Fly04:38 The Origin of Edge Boards George Greenough06:21 Convex vs Concave Surfboard Bottoms Explained09:22 Why Edge Boards Are So Fast11:36 How Edge Boards Hold a Higher Line13:12 ASYM Edge Boards Toe vs Heel Design16:15 Why Edge Boards Work in Fast Beach Breaks18:53 Surface Area Drag and Speed21:03 What Riding an Edge Board Feels Like24:42 How to Control Edge Board Speed27:04 New Fin Designs That Change Everything31:09 Outline Design Short Boards Fish and Simmons37:10 Designing Surfboards Around Your Stance41:05 Training Paddle Power for Surf Trips 
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Skeptical Landlocked Surfer 4Xs his Wavecount w/ Aaron Buckner

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In this episode, 52-year-old Aaron Buckner shares how he went from 365 pounds, morbidly obese, and barely able to surf, to logging two-hour sessions in overhead waves and quadrupling his wave count. A few years ago at Kaisers in Waikiki, he paddled out, caught one wave, and was so gassed he couldn’t surf again for two days. Landlocked in Idaho and frustrated by “one wave and done” sessions, he was skeptical when he first saw the Basis Paddle Trainer. But after finally giving it a shot, and barely lasting five minutes on his first workout, he committed to structured training three to four days a week. Eight months later, he’s surfing seven days straight, holding his own in overhead C-Street, double-overhead South Bay, and even the North Shore, catching 2–4x more waves per session. By improving his paddle power and positioning, he’s getting into waves earlier, fixing his pop-up timing, and progressing again instead of just surviving sessions, proving that with the right foundation, decline isn’t inevitable.
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Chapters01:39 Introduction to Aaron Buckner02:17 Aaron’s Background and Move to Idaho02:27 From 365 Pounds to a New Surfing Goal04:25 Why Paddle Training Became Essential06:21 The Hawaii Paddle Out Wake Up Call08:02 Returning to Kaisers With Real Paddle Power09:39 Initial Skepticism About the Paddle Trainer11:04 The Moment He Decided to Buy12:10 First Workout Reality Check14:18 Building a Paddle Training Routine15:13 From 5 Minutes to 30 Minute Paddle Sessions17:45 Surfing Bigger Waves With Confidence19:27 Surf Trips That Were Once Impossible22:36 Technique Feedback and Community
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I PISSED OFF THE CORELORD (HE WALKED OUT ME) w/ That Surf Guy John West

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This episode features John West, also known as @thatsurfguy_ , the surfer behind the Corelord character and the @citypro.app . We dig into what makes someone kook or core, blending satire with serious insight. John breaks down how localism works, why regulation still has a place in some lineups, and shares his own story of getting regulated. We also get into common mistakes beginners make, how surf culture has changed, and what it really takes to improve. He also explains how his CitiPro app is making pro-level video feedback accessible to everyday surfers.
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Chapters01:22 Meet the Core Lord01:47 Kook or Core Rapid Fire02:30 The Champion Mentality03:21 Earning Respect in the Lineup03:58 Practice and Sending It04:16 Born Core04:44 Why is the Core Lord So Angry06:01 Enter John West07:31 Localism Then vs Now09:34 Beginner Spot Selection11:04 Chaos vs Order in the Lineup15:27 Kook Stories and Getting Burned18:01 Social Media and Real Life Confrontations21:37 Keys to Surf Progression29:58 Building the CitiPro App and Surf Entrepreneur Journey
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How a Landlocked Beginner-Intermediate Surfer 10X'd His Wavecount w/ Benjamin Golding-Webb

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In this episode, we have Benjamin Golding-Webb, a landlocked surfer based in the UK who juggles family life, running a business, and a 3-hour drive just to surf. He shares his journey from struggling to catch more than a few waves to now consistently surfing 2-3 sessions in the wave pool and 10Xing his wavecount - all from paddle training. We covered how landlocked surfers can really benefit from the Basis Paddle Trainer, and how it can dramatically increase your wavecount and confidence in the water. Benjamin also shares how it helped him build paddle endurance. The online resources gave him tools to improve his paddling and pop-up technique and stay motivated to surf, even with the effort it takes to get there.
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Chapters01:40 Introducing Ben02:23 Surfing in Liverpool03:09 First Surf in Portugal03:53 Madeira Wipeouts05:52 Watching a CT Pro08:44 Surfing Once a Month10:20 Family Work and Time Limits12:36 Three Hour Drives for Waves14:17 Exhausted at the Wave Pool16:19 Pool Training Fails24:42 Early Paddle Trainer Results31:13 Paddling from 90 Seconds to 30 Minutes36:18 From 3 Waves to 50 Waves
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Deep Dive on Take Off and Pop Up w/ Pepijn Tigges

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2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer www.surfbasis.com
In this episode we have Pepijn Tigges, a former competitive surfer turned surf coach based in the Netherlands. He dives deep into the fundamentals of pop-ups, takeoffs, and turns. He shares a fresh take on the takeoff, comparing it to a seesaw and showing how nose angle controls your speed into the wave. We also break down pop-up mechanics, including front foot vs. back foot timing and how to train movement on land that realistically transfers to the water. Pepijn also explains what happens under your board when you turn, and why this is such a crucial aspect to progression and technique. Lastly, we discuss paddling and why improving this one element of surfing can upgrade every part of the sport. 
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Chapters02:02 Pepijn’s Background and Dutch Surfing Roots03:19 Surfing in the Netherlands08:45 How Bad Waves Shape Good Surfers11:11 Why Small Waves Expose Technical Gaps12:51 The Seesaw Takeoff Explained15:58 Chin Down vs Chin Up18:55 Controlling Speed on Entry23:12 The Viral Pop-Up Debate27:25 Back Foot vs Front Foot in Critical Waves31:15 Building a Controlled Pop-Up36:32 Slow Practice vs Explosive Movement42:33 How Boards Actually Turn46:05 Rotation and Kinetic Energy in Turns50:54 Paddling as the Foundation58:16 Coaching Trips and Online Programs
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How This Northwest Surf Explorer Doubled his Surf Output w/ Jeremy Diasio

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ 
In this episode, surfboard shaper and Pacific Northwest surf explorer Jeremy Diasio shares how he’s been able to double his time in the water by focusing on paddle training even though he lives nearly 4-6 hours from most of the waves that he surfs at. Jeremy discusses the limits of certain exercises like pull-ups, and why they don’t fully prepare you for paddling in the prone position. He also explains how building paddle strength and endurance gave him the explosiveness, speed, and confidence to handle heavy conditions. Lastly, he breaks down how physical fatigue triggers mental fatigue, and how fixing that chain reaction made a big difference in his surfing and doubled his fun.
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Chapters00:32 Paddle Power as the Key Limiting Factor01:07 Jeremy’s Transformation: Quadrupling Wave Count01:42 Surfing in the Pacific Northwest03:12 Hidden Barrels and Heavy Conditions05:23 Six-Hour Strike Missions06:53 Surfing, Superstition, and Backcountry Exploration09:17 Consistency, Commitment, and Finding Treasure10:22 Why Jeremy Got the Paddle Trainer11:29 Paddle Training Routine and Muscle-Ups13:32 Why Pull-Ups Alone Aren’t Enough16:09 Cold Before Tired: Paddle Endurance in Action17:39 Fatigue, Mindset, and the Physical Exhaustion Domino Effect21:07 Land Drills, Pop-Ups, and Improving Backside Surfing25:12 Learning Through Failure and the Long Road to Progress36:41 Shaping Surfboards on a Sailboat and the DIY Journey
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How Elite Surfers Dial in Mindset, Technique, & Boards w/ Kei Kobayashi

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ 
In this episode of the Basis Surf podcast, Kei Kobayashi shares what helped him level up his competitive surfing over the past year. He talks about how having a clear and positive mindset played a big role in his results. Kei also breaks down his technique—especially his backside bottom turn, where he grabs the rail to stay low and go vertical. We also talk about how small changes to his board made a big difference, and why training your paddling is so important for contests.
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Chapters02:25 Kei’s origin story: A Japanese family and San Clemente roots04:14 Early signs of ocean connection and childhood surfing06:22 How San Clemente and local surfers shaped Kei’s style08:44 Asking for help and learning from the best10:49 Mental health: The underrated key to competitive success13:47 Surfing as chess: Strategy, priority, and heat management19:03 Sports psychology and his breakthrough at the Korea wave pool event31:28 Physical training, early mornings, ice baths, and discipline42:44 Paddle power and realizing the need for targeted training47:18 Coaching with Tepe, drills, pressure tests, and positivity50:24 Technical growth and surfing cues for power surfing57:26 Surfboards, shorter length, tapered rails, and performance gains1:12:25 Fins, the H4 experiment, and sticking with what works1:22:30 Intentions before surfing, mini goals, and perspective1:26:07 Reflecting on growth and what's next for Kei
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Why Most Surfers Plateau And How to Fix It w/ Adam Knox

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ 
On this episode we have returning guest Adam Knox, a former pro surfer turned high-level coach who works closely with adult surfers to help them break through performance plateaus and surf with more power, control, and confidence. We talk about his coaching approach and how he emphasizes the importance of letting go of ego when surfing, and encourages surfers to embrace what he calls “dirty days” where progression comes from falling, experimenting, and getting uncomfortable. He explains how many adult learners skip the playful stage of surfing and end up lacking basic board control. Adam also talks about the value of paddle training, surf skates, and surfing mid-face to build real speed and connection with the wave. At the core of his approach is learning how to harness the wave’s energy through better mechanics, positioning, and mindset.
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Chapters02:17 Welcome Back Adam Knox02:36 The Accident: Dirt Bikes, Loss, and Perspective09:17 Recovery, Pain, and Progress12:07 From Prodigies to Adults: Coaching Shift14:50 Individualized Coaching vs. Generic Programs16:45 Surfing Midface & Harnessing Energy18:21 Dirty Days: Playing, Failing & Board Skills26:46 Surf Skates & Carvers: Training Tools30:16 Breaking Down Rail Engagement & Wave Energy34:32 Lineup IQ, Hunting Waves, and Sniper Mindset38:43 Wave Pools for Rapid Progression47:09 Surfboard Selection & Volume Strategy52:54 Final Thoughts: Train, Commit, and Let Go57:06 Upcoming Trips & How to Work with Adam59:09 Recovery, Community, and Rebuilding Through Coaching
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Secrets to Improving as a Beginner w/ The Surf Continuum

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ 
Chris and Evan from @thesurfcontinuum talk about how to progress as a beginner surfer in this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast. We talked about the importance of starting out with a solid foundation and how most people try to move too quickly without putting in consistent time in the water. We also got into board control, on and off the wave, and covered the art of missing waves. We also talked about the value of paddling in every aspect of surfing.
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Chapters00:32 Paddling Is the Foundation of Surfing01:20 Introducing Chris and Evan (The Surf Continuum)02:34 The Kookcast Origin Story04:06 Evan’s Maldives Kook Story06:00 What Surf Schools Get Wrong09:33 Starting Beginners in the Whitewater and on Boogie Boards12:10 The False “Intermediate” and Rethinking the Stand-Up15:38 Why the End of the Wave Matters17:55 Leashless Surfing and Board Control21:32 Surfing With Intention, Not Autopilot26:40 Efficient Paddling and the 50% Rule32:33 The Art of Missing Waves39:05 Board Choice: It’s Not the Arrow50:27 Final Lessons, Intentions, and Desert Island Boards
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Exploring Surfboards & Intentions w/ Cliff Kapono

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ 
In this episode we’ve got Cliff Kapono, a pro surfer and scientist from the Big Island of Hawaii. We speak about his approach to surfing growing up, from riding whatever boards were around to chasing the feeling of freedom and safety in the ocean. We then get into how his relationship with surfing changed over the years, and discuss the concept of chasing waves with inner peace. We also talk about his incredible work studying reef structures and their connection to surf breaks. And finally, Cliff also just came out with an amazing film, Circadian Rhythms, that encapsulates this circular story of his approach and relationship to surfing. 
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Chapters00:48 Paddle Power and Getting More Waves01:31 Introducing Cliff Kapono and Circadian Rhythms02:18 Growing Up Surfing on the Big Island05:23 Boarding School and Weekend Surf Missions10:15 Surf Culture, Boards, and Early Style13:11 Surfing as Stability and Escape16:44 Chasing Feeling Over Performance18:56 Learning 360s, Airs, and Obsession21:42 First Sessions at Pipeline26:01 Stepping Away From Surfing30:06 Boards as Tools for Feeling35:44 Letting Go of Validation and Learning Turns45:07 The Meaning Behind Circadian Rhythms52:39 Surf Science, Reefs, and What’s Next
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