Basis Surf Podcast

Rafael Kroeff: On Mind Body Reactivity Training for Surfing

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In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Rafael Kroeff a.k.a. RK (@rktraininghawaii) who’s a big-wave surfer/surf coach on the north shore of Hawaii. He has trained athletes like Rio Waida, Erin Brooks, and Shino Matsuda and other big-wave surfers like Jack Robinson and Ian Gentile. Tune in as we talk about his innovative surf training methods—combining physical conditioning, cognitive drills, and breathing techniques—to help elite and everyday surfers improve reactivity, creativity, and performance in unpredictable surf conditions.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Reactivity and Surfing Performance
02:01 The Purpose of Reactive Drills
03:31 Stability as the Foundation
05:18 Overloading the Brain to Unlock Creativity
08:07 Innovative Tools: Body Blade & Muscle Activation
12:19 Skate Balance vs. Indoboard
18:31 Mini BOSU Ball Plyometrics
21:22 Surfing’s Resistance to Innovation
26:01 General vs. Maneuver-Specific Training
28:54 The Full Training Protocol
31:52 Advice for the Everyday Surfer
35:33 Foundational Plyometric Progressions
36:34 Lightbulb Moments & Training Insights
42:06 A Fins Revelation at Jaws
45:30 The Role of Paddling in Big Wave Surfing
50:12 Surfing as a Spiritual Experience
52:16 Where to Find Rafael Kroeff
 
Cover Image Credits:
@yusurf
 
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How Getting Fit was a Game Changer w/ Alistair Bramley

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In this episode, we dive into Alistair’s experience as one of the original beta testers for the Basis Trainer. He breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and why common training methods like elastic bands don’t always translate to better paddling. We also explore how the Basis Trainer transformed his wave count, positioning, and overall performance in the water.
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Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Surf Fitness
03:13 Challenges of Surfing as an Adult
09:28 The Importance of Paddle Fitness
12:24 Training Techniques for Surf Fitness
16:02 Understanding Energy Systems in Surfing
22:40 Training Techniques for Optimal Performance with the Basis Paddle Trainer
24:36 The Limitations of Elastic Bands and Swimming in Paddle Training
26:31 Understanding the Specificity Principle in Sports Training
30:43 The Importance of Recovery and Wave Count
33:38 Basis Paddle Trainer Results
40:12 Maximizing Joy Through Paddle Power
 
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Paul Godette: Guide to fixing dings on your surfboard

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In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, Paul Godette ( @gaul_p ) and I talk all about ding repairs, the dos and don’ts for wet foam, delaminated boards, snapped boards, etc. We also talk about how important it is to stay paddle-fit for inconsistent surf spots like Rockaway and how the Basis Paddle Trainer is able to help you get there through cold wintery flat spells.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:06 Ding Repair Basics
04:48 Temporary Fixes vs. Professional Repairs
06:34 Understanding Ding Repair Kits
11:05 Common Mistakes in Ding Repair
16:01 Dealing with Wet Foam
21:02 Repairing Dings and Delaminations
25:25 Repairing a Snapped Board
27:20 Fin Box Repairs
28:15 Repairing Concaves on Surfboards
29:17 Understanding Ding Repair
30:27 The Journey of Shaping a Surfboard
33:51 Lessons Learned from Shaping
36:12 The Art and Science of Surfboard Design
40:14 Tips for Surfing Cold and Tricky Beach Breaks
42:52 Choosing the Right Equipment for Rockaway
45:47 The Importance of Paddle Fitness
50:11 Light Bulb Moments in Surfing Technique
53:01 Finding Your Perfect Surfboard
Cover Image Credits:
@zane.elias @__moaj_ 
Yury Tsednov
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Accelerate Your Surf Progression w/ Clancy Dawson from Surfing Australia

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In this week’s episode of Basis Surf Podcast, I’m joined by Clancy Dawson ( @clancydawson ), one of the coaches at @surfingaus who’s focused on preparing elite Australian surfers for the world stage. We dive deep into the importance of training in the gym, getting paddle fit, ways to improve your cutback, and more importantly, how to stop caring about what other people think and start focusing on improving your techniques. 
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Chapters
00:00 Embracing Failure in Surfing
06:02 Innovative Training Techniques for Surfers
14:53 The Role of Gymnastics in Surf Training
12:06 Balancing Strength and Surfing
15:04 Preparing for Surf Trips and Competitions
16:24 Training Power Surfing in the Gym
25:26 The Importance of Paddling in Surfing
33:20 Mental Aspects of Surfing and Paddling
39:25 Tactical Approaches to Competitive Surfing
46:02 Intention and Focus in Surfing
50:10 Dream Waves and Ideal Surfboards
 
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Lakey Peterson: Developing Elite Technique & Mindset

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In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Lakey Peterson ( @lakeypeterson ), the first ever woman to land an air in NSSA. She was also recently featured in a movie with @805beer called “Making Waves: The Lakey Peterson Story” documenting her surfing journey as a competitor on the Championship Tour. Don’t miss out on this episode as we talk about her rollercoaster ride of joining the tour, working on wraps, setting intentions on a wave, and working on head positioning for snaps.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Breaking Barriers in Surfing
01:56 The Journey of the Film “Making Waves”
04:50 The Rollercoaster Ride of Joining the Tour
08:41 Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt
14:13 Training and Technique for Success
20:48 Consistency in Performance
24:13 Working with a Sport Psychologist and Techniques for Staying Present
28:11 Preparation for Upcoming Events
29:47 Equipment Evolution and Board Choices
33:57 Coaching Insights and Technical Adjustments
36:15 The Importance of Head Positioning
41:01 Intention Behind Surfing
 
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Masatoshi Ohno: The Japanese Godfather of Surfing Shares his Secrets

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In this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Masatoshi Ohno ( @masatoshiohno ), pro surfer and coach for Japan’s surfing team in the 2025 Olympics, chairman of the S League, and known as the "Japanese Occy" for his powerful style. Don’t miss out on this episode as he talks about the art of surfing and becoming one with the waves, how alternative boards change the way you surf, and the importance of paddle training.
 
今週の Basis Surf Podcast では、プロサーファーであり、2025年オリンピック日本代表チームのコーチ、Sリーグの会長、そしてパワフルなスタイルから「日本のオッキー」と称される Masatoshi Ohno ( @masatoshiohno ) を迎えます。
今回のエピソードでは、サーフィンの技術と波と一体になることの重要性、オルタナティブボードがサーフィンのスタイルをどう変えるのか、そしてパドルトレーニングの大切さについて語ってくれます。お見逃しなく！
 
Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Surfing
01:55 Cultural Perspectives: Competing in Different Environments
07:44 Self-Exploration Through Surfing: Understanding Emotions
13:23 The Role of Mental Preparation in Surfing
14:31 Team Dynamics: Training for the Olympics
22:46 Resetting: The Importance of Taking Breaks
27:49 The Surfing Journey: Personal Experiences and Inspirations
32:18 Breaking Through Plateaus: Training and Mental Strategies
35:19 The Importance of Paddling
36:37 The Art of Surfing: Balancing Competition and Expression
42:47 Finding Joy in Every Wave: Mindset and Equipment Choices
 
チャプター
00:00 サーフィンの本質
01:55 文化的視点：異なる環境での競技
07:44 サーフィンを通じた自己探求：感情を理解する
13:23 サーフィンにおけるメンタル準備の役割
14:31 チームダイナミクス：オリンピックに向けたトレーニング
22:46 リセットすること：休息の重要性
27:49 サーフィンの旅：個人的な経験とインスピレーション
32:18 停滞を突破する：トレーニングとメンタル戦略
35:19 パドリングの重要性
36:37 サーフィンの芸術：競技と表現のバランス
42:47 すべての波を楽しむ：マインドセットと道具の選択
 
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Ridge Lenny: Innovative Ways to Accelerate your Surf Progression

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I’m stoked to have Ridge Lenny (@ridgelenny) in this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast! A pro surfer who's constantly pushing the limits of surfing from small waves to some of the heaviest surf at Jaws. Brother and tow partner to Kai Lenny, Ridge shares what it’s like surfing Jaws, how to practice airs, and his secret to progressing in both small and big waves.
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Chapters
00:00 The Challenge of Surfing: Small vs. Big Waves
01:34 Innovative Training Techniques for Surfing
5:44 The Joy of Experimentation in Surfing
9:19 Cross-Training: The Benefits of Diverse Water Sports
11:22 Foiling: A Game Changer for Surfing Technique
14:36 Physical Conditioning and Breath Training for Big Waves
18:08 Memorable Waves: Stories from Jaws
25:18 Paddle Training for Jaws
26:44 The Art of Commitment in Big Wave Surfing
29:23 Rethinking Technique in Surfing
35:41 The Mental Challenges of Surfing
37:38 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Talent
39:44 Rebuilding Technique for Better Performance
41:43 The Pursuit of Perfection: Small Waves to Big Waves
44:07 Having Kai Lenny as a Tow Partner 
46:45 Milestones in Surfing: The Waves of Ridge’s Life
49:48 Setting Intentions on a Wave 
51:08 Best Surf Break in the World for Ridge Lenny
 
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iSurfMex: How to Score the Best Wave of Your Life in Salina Cruz, Mexico

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In this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Miguel of iSurfMex (@isurfmex). The go-to guy for organizing trips to Salina Cruz, Mexico, he’s guided the Snapt5 team, the Album team, the Parker Brothers, Steph Gilmore, Lakey Peterson, and many more.Tune in as we discuss how to score one of the best right-hand point breaks on the planet,  which board to bring, avoiding common mistakes, and how to get paddle-fit for your next trip to one of Mexico’s top surf destinations.
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Chapters00:00 Introduction to Salina Cruz Surfing02:53 The Allure of Getting Barreled05:48 Navigating the Challenges of Surfing09:02 The Importance of Local Knowledge11:55 Understanding Surf Conditions15:13 The Role of Guides in Surfing18:10 Community and Surf Etiquette21:04 Building Relationships with Locals24:01 Choosing the Right Surf Guide32:06 Connecting with Local Communities35:20 The Thrill of Surfing in Mexico40:05 Navigating Surf Conditions45:20 Preparing for Surfing Adventures51:02 Choosing the Right Equipment01:01:10 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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Mateus Herdy: Rail Surfing & the Road to the CT

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In this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Mateus Herdy (@mateusherdy)—pro surfer, one of the best aerialists in the world according to Stab, and Brazil’s next superstar according to the WSL. You won’t want to miss this episode as he talks about improving his turns and barrels in heavy waves like Pipe, his preparation for the CT, and why Brazil produces so many pro surfers.
 
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:10 Brazilian Culture and Competition
06:18 Diversity in Brazil
09:02 Competitor vs Free Surfer
11:49 Preparing for the Challenger Series
14:35 Navigating the Challenges of Pipe
23:25 Working on Power Surfing
26:47 On Surf Progression
30:15 Surf Coach Leandro Dora
33:16 Continuous Improvement in Surfing
36:50 Improving Your Top Turn
39:10 Learning from Peers
39:47 The Brazilian Surfing Community
43:14 Board Selection
49:22 What’s Your Intention When You’re Surfing?
52:35 Twin Fins
55:23 If You Had to Surf The Same Wave for the Rest of Your Life
 
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Tom Carroll & Marcus Hamil: Overcoming Fear and Breathwork for Surfers

In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have two-time world champion and three-time Pipe Masters champion, the surfing legend Tom Carroll together with breathwork expert, meditation teacher, and surfer, Marcus Hamil. Together, they’ve created Breathwork for Surfers, a program designed to help surfers improve mental clarity, breath control, and overall performance in the water. You definitely don’t want to miss this episode as we discuss how to stay calm while the set of the day holds you down, the training techniques they use to prepare for challenging conditions, and the importance of paddle fitness.
 
Use discount code "GOSURF99" to get AU$50 off their Breathwork for Surfers course at https://breathworkforsurfers.com.au/
 
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:14 Tom Carroll’s Freak Injury
06:25 Calming the Mind for Performance
09:45 Breathwork Techniques for Surfers
13:50 Understanding Flow State in Surfing
15:55 Breath Control Lets You Stay in the Flow State
17:46 Practical Breath Exercises
21:08 Breathe Through Your Nose, Not Your Mouth
23:15 Breath of Fire Demo to Activate the System
28:20 How to Stay Calm During Wipeouts
38:50 Transforming Fear into Fun
41:45 Understanding Fear and Risk Management in Surfing
46:28 The Mental Game: Overcoming Negative Thoughts
51:32 The Importance of Paddle Fitness for Surfers
57:57 What’s Your Intention When You’re Surfing?
58:45 If You Had to Surf The Same Wave for the Rest of Your Life
59:43 Your Ideal Surfboard for that Same Wave
 
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