Basis Surf Podcast

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

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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
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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Breaking Through Walls w/ Jonas Bohemian Surf Bum

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Jonas a.k.a. Bohemian Surf Bum is a German surfer and content creator who’s in the process of making a surf film titled Coastal Cowboy. In this episode, we talk about the problems that arise when you try to force surfing before you’re ready. He shares stories of frustration and ego and the many walls he hit while learning the basics of surfing. We also discuss why flow, comfort, and endurance in surfing isn’t built on power or repetition alone, but also on intention and time in the water. 
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Chapters
00:29 Introducing the Coastal Cowboy Film
00:46 Paddle Power Is the Limiting Factor
02:24 Prevalence of German Surfers
03:40 Leaving Germany for Surfing
04:44 Reconnecting With Surfing During COVID
07:45 Surfing as Therapy and Emotional Reset
12:22 Flow vs Forcing in Surfing
13:09 The Struggle With Overthinking Progress
14:54 Breaking Through Surfing Plateaus
16:03 The Importance of Humility in the Lineup
18:31 Learning More on Shitty Waves
23:47 Training Surf Skills on Dry Land
24:51 Transitioning to Longboarding
27:05 Surf Trips Without Forecasts or Phones
28:09 The Surf-Horse Adventure Begins
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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Surfing Smarter: Technique, Equipment, and Longevity w/ Magnum Martinez

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 have a returning guest, Olympic coach and ISA World Master Champ, Magnum Martinez. Having gone through a serious hamstring injury, he talks about the importance of rehabilitation, patience, and adapting surfing techniques, especially when transitioning to bigger boards. Magnum also highlights the significance of paddle fitness and the keys to a good pop up.
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Chapters00:00  Paddle Training & Staying Surf‑Ready  01:36  Podcast Intro & Magnum’s Background  03:57  The Injury: How It Happened  07:22  Immediate Aftermath & Realizing the Severity  09:59  Mental Challenge of Recovery  13:51  Rehab Mindset: Patience, Healing, and Discipline  20:15  Physical Therapy, Massage, and Long‑Term Commitment  25:33  Injury Prevention, Flexibility, and Aging as an Athlete  29:26  Returning to Surfing & Pop‑Up Limitations  34:17  Footwork, Range of Motion, and Technique Adjustments  37:15  Riding Bigger Boards After Injury  44:14  Training Harder After 50  50:11  Board Size, Rail Engagement, and Progression  56:54  Single Fins, Longer Lines, and Surf Technique Development  01:04:23  Paddle Technique, Fitness, and Basis Trainer Insights  
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Finding Flow and Keeping Surfing Simple w/ Micah Margieson

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, @micahmargieson talks about his evolution as a surfer, from growing up on the Gold Coast with his dad Brendan “Margo” Margieson, to finding his own approach to surfboards, style, and mindset. Micah shared what it was like growing up with his dad, and how that helped him stay grounded during his junior comp years. We also got into his surfboard sponsorship journey, starting with STCY, then moving through Chilli, Sharp Eye, Album, Arakawa, and eventually landing on JS, with specific mention of the Golden Child surfboard. He breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and how trying different designs and fin set ups has shaped his surfing. We also talked about how he trains and how he keeps his flow. 
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Chapters00:48 Micah’s Paddle Power Transformation02:58 Growing Up with Margo04:19 Lessons from Dad: Pressure, Style & Mental Game05:13 Learning to Surf the Right Way08:16 Micah’s Influences & Style Evolution12:39 Flow State and No Intention Surfing15:08 Training Philosophy & Balance17:40 Paddle Fitness in Europe21:00 Board Journey: From Stacey to Sharp Eye23:25 Riding Maurice Coles & Board Feel27:09 Transition to Album Surfboards30:56 Finding the Golden Child (JS Industries)33:07 Step-Ups, Big Waves & the Big Horse35:29 Fins, Small Wave Boards, and What’s Next
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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Preventing Surf Injuries w/ Alister Cran of Surf Rehab

2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun. Shipping globally. www.surfbasis.com
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Join hundreds of other surfers who have dramatically boosted their wave count and progression. 
For many surfers, paddle power is their biggest limiting constraint, so paddle training is the highest returning investment you can make in your surfing.
Alister Cran (@surf_rehab) is a surf rehab specialist who helps professional and everyday surfers overcome surfing related injuries. He talks about the most common injuries he sees, particularly knee, neck, back and hip injuries, and mentions some simple but effective ways to prevent them. Throughout our chat, Alister continues to emphasize the importance of strength training, mobility, and mental health in injury recovery and performance enhancement. We also touch on the significance of deliberate practice in improving surf and paddle technique, the impact of surf-specific training equipment, and finally close off with Alister’s upcoming surf physiotherapy and wellness retreats.
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Chapters02:08 Intro: Basis Surf x Surf Rehab02:44 How Alister Became a Surf Physio03:51 Nitro Circus, X Games & Rock Tours06:13 Moving to Bali & Treating Pros07:24 The Top 4 Surf Injuries09:23 Acute vs Overuse Injuries11:11 Best Knee Prehab: Heavy Lifting14:51 Strength vs Mobility for Surfers17:50 When Mobility Fails: Hip Structure Issues22:08 Your Body as a System 26:19 Neck Wipeouts, Disc Bulges & Rehab31:54 Simple Neck Training for Desk Surfers34:27 Leg Strength, Paddle Trainer & Performance Gains
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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How a landlocked surfer 4x’d his wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer

2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun. Shipping globally. https://www.surfbasis.com/
Get free resources to upgrade your paddle power https://linktr.ee/gosurfbasis
Join hundreds of other surfers who have dramatically boosted their wave count and progression. 
For many surfers, paddle power is their biggest limiting constraint, so paddle training is the highest returning investment you can make in your surfing.
Pierre Maré grew up surfing in South Africa but is now landlocked living in London. He only surfs only once a month yet still he managed to quadruple his wave count at the wave pool in just three months after incorporating the Basis Paddle Trainer into his training sessions. In this episode, he shares how paddle fitness transformed his wave count, how fixing his paddling fixed his pop up, and why even short, focused sessions made a big difference in his surfing. We also talk about the limits of self-teaching, the impact of structured coaching, and how consistency can lead to substantial progress. 
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Chapters00:32 Black Friday Deal and Podcast Intro01:42 Meet Pierre Mare01:53 Pierre's Surfing Background03:07 Surf Access While Living in London04:09 Pierre’s Training Results05:23 Rehab Journey and Paddle Training Start06:26 Wave Pool Progress and Stats08:43 The Real Paddle Challenge in Wave Pools10:17 Improving Wave Conversion Rates11:27 Paddle Fatigue Affects the Pop-Up13:50 Technique and Recovery Stroke Training15:44 First Time Using the Paddle Trainer16:34 Current Paddle Training Routine19:02 Boost in Confidence and Trip Preparation22:56 Experience With Courses and Community
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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Zeke Lau: Paddling is the Base of Surfing

2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun. Shipping globally. https://surfbasis.com/
Get free resources to upgrade your paddle power https://linktr.ee/gosurfbasis
Join hundreds of other surfers who have dramatically boosted their wave count and progression. 
For many surfers, paddle power is their biggest limiting constraint, so paddle training is the highest returning investment you can make in your surfing.
This week, pro surfer Zeke Lau breaks down how his paddle training has completely transformed his surfing. From improving positioning and catching waves to boosting confidence, Zeke explains why paddle fitness is the foundation of success for surfers of all levels. Watch the full episode to learn how you can improve your paddling and take your surfing to the next level.
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00:00 Paddling Is the Foundation00:17 Why Pros Still Train Paddling00:33 Learning the Importance Late01:35 Tour Experience Changed Everything02:44 Cramping and Fatigue During Events03:26 Starting Paddleboard Training03:34 Balancing Surf and Paddle Hours04:02 Mental Side of Paddling04:17 Learning to Read Open Ocean05:05 From Hating to Loving It05:41 The Psychological Edge06:25 Paddling for Bigger Surf07:41 Winter Surf Wake-Up Call08:15 Boxing Comparison for Paddling
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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Chasing Big Waves w/ Raquel Heckert

2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun. Shipping globally. https://surfbasis.com/
Get free resources to upgrade your paddle power https://linktr.ee/gosurfbasis
Join hundreds of other surfers who have dramatically boosted their wave count and progression.
For many surfers, paddle power is their biggest limiting constraint, so paddle training is the highest returning investment you can make in your surfing.
Brazilian big wave surfer Raquel Heckert shares her inspiring journey from surfing in Brazil to competing in Hawaii's XL waves like Jaws, Waimea, and Pipeline. She discusses her transition to big wave surfing and how to manage fear in heavy waves and hold-downs using positivity, faith, and dedication. Raquel also offers tips for chasing tubes, navigating competitive lineups, and the significance of paddle endurance in big wave surfing. 
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Chapters00:00 Raquel Heckert: A Journey from Brazil to Big Waves02:44 Overcoming Challenges in Surfing05:51 The Evolution of a Big Wave Surfer08:38 Surfing Puerto Escondido: A New Challenge11:41 Navigating Fear in Heavy Waves14:50 The Mental Game of Big Wave Surfing22:11 The Mental Game of Surfing24:27 Navigating Crowded Lineups as a Woman28:22 The Importance of Paddling in Big Wave Surfing30:17 Transitioning from Brazil to Hawaii34:32 Goals and Aspirations in Surfing36:04 Technique Breakthroughs and Learning40:51 Reflections on Dedication and Balance43:18 Intentions Behind Surfing
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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Tom Carroll: How to Read the Ocean

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 have two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll sharing insights on surf technique, wave reading, and building a relationship with the ocean. He talks about the value in surfing different conditions, good and bad, the delicate balance between intuition and analytical thinking, and the benefits of staying physically fit and having proper equipment for maintaining performance, especially as you get older. He also offers advice for younger surfers and shares details on his upcoming retreats focused on breathwork for surfers.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Ocean as a Teacher00:51 Paddle Power and the Basis Trainer01:52 Framing the Conversation: Surfing, Technique and Longevity02:40 Building Wave Knowledge Over a Lifetime05:27 Fear in Surfing and Early Experiences07:58 Surf Everything: Learning in All Conditions10:35 Equipment Evolution and Staying Curious14:24 Wave Reading: Intuition vs Analysis18:47 Developing a Mental Map of Waves23:19 Observing and Learning from Other Surfers25:03 Drills: Finding the Perfect Line29:55 The Roundhouse Cutback Drill32:25 Favorite Boards for Crappy Waves37:22 Training for Longevity and Recovery42:21 Final Reflections and Upcoming Retreats
Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!
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