Basis Surf Podcast

Matt Pagan: On The Most Important Principle In Surfing - Holding and Releasing

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Matt Pagan (@matt_pagan), a former pro surfer, impressive shaper, and surf coach who runs his own surf school. In the podcast, Matt highlights the significance of paddling and weight distribution in catching waves, along with tips on turning midlengths. So tune in and don’t miss this episode as we discuss the importance of finding the right board size and volume for your skill level!
 
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Finding the Right Board Size
09:38 Mastering Paddling Technique
19:19 Understanding Volume and Lift
26:15 Balancing Technique and Wave Count
28:13 The Importance of Mentors and Coaches
28:42 Choosing the Right Surfboard
31:36 Riding Larger Boards in Big Waves
34:58 The Advantage of Being a Shaper and Surfer
38:18 Insights into Turning on Mid-Length Boards
50:40 The Significance of Paddling in Surfing
 
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Board Porn: Inside One of The World’s Most Insane Surfboard Collections

In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, Ron Shine (@boardporn) joins me to guide you through choosing your next surfboard. With a collection of over 100+ surfboards, Ron’s collection has it all—from see-through 3D printed designs to asymmetricals and high-performance shortboards. Whether you're looking to add a new piece to your quiver or just curious about the latest trends, you won't want to miss this episode.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Trying Different Surfboards
13:05 The Art of Collecting and Experimenting with Surfboards
21:04 Exploring New Technologies in Surfboard Construction
25:21 The Influence of Top Surfers on Board Technology Acceptance
27:38 Introduction and Discussion on Alternative Board Designs
31:23 Recommendation: Dan Mann's Unique Board Designs
35:41 Exploring Different Board Designs and Innovations
48:34 Favorite Surfers to Watch
52:06 Dream Surf Spot and Ideal Surfboard
 
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Parker Coffin: Developing Style and Power in Surfing

In this episode, I interview Parker Coffin (@parkercoffin), one of my favorite free surfers. He’s a goofy footer that shreds in big waves and small waves, and hucks crazy airs. Stab called him one of the best free surfers in the world. In this episode, Parker gives us insight into what makes his surfing so good, from how to surf with more power, tips to surfing backside, and how to get your bottom turn dialed. If you want to take your surfing to the next level, you’re not going to want to miss this episode.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Harnessing the Power of the Wave
05:26 Growing Up with a Surfing Sibling
13:45 The Analytical Approach to Surfing
19:39 The Challenges and Opportunities of Being a Goofy Footer
25:42 Passion and Dedication: Keys to Improvement
32:25 Exploring the Differences Between Frontside and Backside Surfing
34:23 Tips for Generating Speed and Making Turns on the Backhand
44:30 The Development of the CI Pro Board: Iterations and Adjustments
48:21 Adapting to Conditions and Finding the Right Equipment
58:45 The Endless Possibilities of Surfing at Cloudbreak
 
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Dane Gudauskas: On how to find flow and rhythm surfing

Dane Gudauskas (@danedamus), a pro surfer from South California and one of the makers of the famous Rocket Wide and G Skate surfboards by Channel Islands (@cisurfboards), joins me in this week’s episode of Basis Surf Podcast. Dane discusses how to make your surfing flow, body positioning and how to perfect your cutback. We also talked about Positive Vibe Warriors, a foundation that Dane and his brother started to give back to youth and make surfing accessible for all. If you’re looking for valuable tips on how to improve your style and technique, make sure to check out the whole episode!
 
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Chapters
00:00 Growing Up Surfing with Brothers
08:44 The Journey of a Shaper
13:24 The RocketWide: User-Friendly Performance
19:10 The G-Skate: Blending Tradition and Innovation
25:05 Surfing Style and Stance: Finding the Right Balance
30:42 Mastering Backhand Carves and Timing
42:29 Thrills and Challenges of Big Wave Surfing
50:43 Innovative Board Shapes with Donald Brink
55:04 Promoting Accessibility and Safety in Surfing
59:28 Finding Harmony and Immersion in Surfing
 
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Devon Howard: How to unlock surfing midlengths

Devon Howard (@devon_howard), a pioneer of midlength surfing and the designer of the Channel Islands Mid (aka CI Mid), joins us on this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast. Devon shares his approach to riding midlengths and offers tips on how to better position yourself on a wave and execute better bottom turns and cutbacks. Whether you're new to midlengths or a seasoned egg rider, this episode offers valuable insights on improving your style, enhancing your technique, and selecting the right midlength for you. Don't miss this deep dive into midlength surfing with one of the best in the game!
 
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mid-Length Surfing
13:02 Technique: Staying Committed to the Rail
28:49 The Importance of Style in Surfing
34:11 Weight Distribution and Shifting
45:17 Style: Making the Difficult Look Easy
46:43 Achieving Good Style: Body Positioning and Hand Placement
57:29 Choosing the Right Mid-Length Board and Fin Setup
01:17:47 The Art of Catching Waves: Positioning and Timing
01:26:51 Favorite Surf Spots: A Personal Perspective
 
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Zeke Lau: On how CT level pros train and think about technique

Zeke Lau (@zekelau), a native Hawaiian pro surfer joined me in this week’s episode of Basis Surf Podcast to share his journey and approach to training and competing on the championship tour. Tag along as we dive deep into his training process, the importance of paddling, and the role of technique and mindset in his surfing.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Mastering Technique and Shifting Weight
04:50 The Unconventional Approach to Surfing
12:49 Adapting to Different Types of Waves
24:33 The Importance of Paddling
29:34 The Psychological Edge of Paddling Training
30:58 Paddling Endurance and Training
33:53 Riding Bigger Waves at Pipeline
38:24 The Significance of Equipment and Working with a Local Shaper
48:09 The Technical Aspects of Surfing
53:07 The Experience of Fatherhood
55:26 Working with a Local Surf Brand
 
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Pilgrim Surf + Supply: A Guide to Alternative Surfboards

Chris Gentille, the owner of Pilgrim Surf + Supply (@pilgrimsurfsupply), joined me in this week’s episode of Basis Surf Podcast to talk about the importance of choosing the right board, the concept of edge boards, his background as an artist and how he directed the film “Self Discovery For Social Survival,” and the connection between skateboarding and surfing.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Community at Pilgrim Surf Supply
02:24 Chris's Introduction to Surfing and Skateboarding
05:17 The Scarcity and Desirability of Surfing in the Northeast
10:24 The Origin and Meaning of the Name 'Pilgrim'
16:38 From Florida to Owning a Surf Shop in Brooklyn
28:33 The Versatility of Gliders: Riding Small Waves at High Speeds
35:10 Exploring Edge Boards: A Unique Surfing Experience
43:17 The Importance of Bottom Contours and Rail Design
44:43 The Resurgence of George Green's Designs
49:06 The Diverse Community of Shapers and Surfers at Surf Supply
56:17 The Creative Process Behind 'Self Discovery for Social Survival'
01:09:12 The Significance of Style in Surfing
01:18:42 The Benefits of Riding Different Types of Surfboards
 
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Eric Arakawa: On Shaping Surfboards for Jack Robinson, Andy Irons, and the Hos

Eric Arakawa (@arakawasurfboards), the shaper for over ten World Champions, including Andy Irons, Jack Robinsons, and Michael and Derek Ho, joined me in this week’s Basis Surf Podcast episode to share his insights on shaping boards for these world-class surfers and to discuss how each board was crafted to help them perform at their best.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Small Changes in Surfboard Design
03:02 The Importance of Balance in Board Performance
05:27 Refining Board Designs Based on Surfer Feedback
09:08 Analyzing Performance and Making Improvements
12:04 The Joy of Seeing Surfers Excel on Arakawa Boards
30:10 The Art of Last-Minute Board Changes
33:23 Shaping Boards for Pros
39:37 The Challenges and Rewards of Shaping Boards for Surfers
45:27 Building a Quiver: Considerations for Everyday Surfers
48:58 Delivering an Experience: Tailoring Boards to Customer Needs
55:31 The Importance of Teamwork in Shaping Boards
 
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Surfer: @father._.sean
📸: @john_hook

Philippe Malvaux: On improving Kanoa Igarashi's carve and working with Julian WIlson

Philippe Malvaux ( @philippemalvaux_surfcoaching ) is a former ASP judge, coach, and the team manager for Hurley and during his time has worked with and coached an incredible list of pro surfers including Kanoa Igarashi, Julian Wilson, Carissa Moore and John John Florence to name a few. In this week’s episode of Basis Surf Podcast, we delve into what he does with the big names to get them surfing so good, his adventures as a team manager for Hurley, his tips and tricks to better carves, and how to efficiently generate speed on a wave.
 
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
13:37 The Importance of Building Relationships and Creating Good Memories
25:26 Improving the Forehand Carving Turn: Philippe's Work with Kanoa Igarashi
30:23 Analyzing Footage and Going Backward: Finding the Root Cause of Technical Issues
32:23 The Importance of Speed in Surfing
35:49 Generating Speed through Intention and Wave Usage
39:15 Body Positioning for Speed and Power
46:56 Coaching Approach: Video Analysis and Personalized Feedback
01:03:51 The Value of Sharing Knowledge in Surfing
 
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Hunter Jones: How to score surf in LA to Iceland

Surfing with icebergs in Iceland, dodging sharks at Trestles, and scoring double overhead waves at Manhattan Beach - in this episode of the Basis Podcast, pro surfer and filmmaker, Hunter Jones (@hunterjones), discusses all this and shares his experience with oxygen deprivation training with big wave legend Laird Hamilton.
 
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Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Pro Surfer: From South Bay to the World
03:54 Transitioning from Longboarding to Shortboarding: A Surfer's Story
07:05 Inside the World of Surfing: Hunter Jones' Career and Experiences
23:12 From WSL to Branching Out: A Surfer's Journey
29:37 Unique Surfing Experiences: Iceland, Sharks, and More
42:30 The Power of Intentions: Catching Waves with Purpose
44:27 Inspiring Others: Sharing the Passion for Surfing
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