We can’t always be out in the water, so when we’re not, why not listen to conversations about surfing? These days, whether I’m working out, working on the house, gardening or just driving over to check the waves, I find myself throwing on one of many surf-themed podcasts out there. Here are five that have helped me become a more stoked and informed surfer.
Best Overall: Basis Surf
Basis Surf is run by Van, a self-described “everyday surfer” from New York who hosts laid-back chats with surf coaches, surf pros, shapers and more. The diverse guests tell unique stories about lives spent in the water, making for an intriguing listen. In one episode, Matt Parker of Album Surfboards packs a lot in as he talks about the benefits of asymmetrical boards, the joys of riding a single fin, shaping for Josh Kerr, Asher Pacey, Margo, Coco Ho and more. Leah Dawson also offers some fantastic stories and advice on longboarding in her episode; I loved the part about finding “magic spots” on boards.
While some of Van’s content feels geared towards beginner surfers, there are so many different coaches, pros and shapers here (Magnum Martinez, Adam Knox, Ryan Lovelace) that I always pick up a few tips on anything from choosing a next board to throwing an air. I sometimes find myself hoping that Van would vary his questions more, but he does a great job of inviting people to break down the way surfers approach different maneuvers, and there is also a lot of emphasis on shaping and unique types surf craft here, as heard in the interview with Noah Salas from Surf n Show.
Best for Beginners: Kook Cast
The Kook Cast pod is a slice of the Surf Continuum, a surf coaching project by Coach Chris, from New York, and Coach Evan, a shaper from Southern California. While most of the topics the guys explore are geared towards beginner surfers; the style is laid-back, funny and self-deprecating, and you can also skip some of that stuff, like the episode on caring for your wetsuit, and pick and choose episodes that appeal to you.
For example, I threw on a random episode while jogging one morning and was able to learn a few paddling tips from Alek Rockrise from the California Surf Academy that suddenly and fundamentally changed the way I paddle. Plus, there are some really insightful, renowned guests here, from former Encyclopedia of Surf’s Matt Warshaw to surf writer Matt George, and it’s always cool to hear from experts like Adam Davenport of Hobie dish about his “Kookiest” moment.
Best for Quick Tips: In-Depth, A Surfing Podcast from OMBE
Luke Hardacre’s quick episodes provide direct advice and coaching, and his goal is that listeners come away with “small, actionable changes” they can directly apply to their surfing in real time. Again, you might want to pick and choose episodes depending on your interests and ability level, but I dig Hardacre’s brief takes on topics like surfing bigger waves, managing fear, the mental side of surfing, surf training options, having more fun in the water and more. For example, when I moved to California a few years ago and suddenly had to deal with more crowded conditions, I was able to glean a few tips from the pod on crowded lineups.
Some of the OMBE stuff, at least for me, comes off as a little preachy and beginner-oriented; but overall this podcast has something to offer for all wave riders who want to keep improving.
Best for Content That Goes Deeper: The Surf Mastery Podcast
As opposed to Hardacre’s quick clips, surf coach Michael Frampton hosts a varied list of experts such as surfer Shane Beschen, photographer Oscar Hetherington, and Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist. There is a ton of variety here, and Frampton quickly dives into the weeds in these slow-paced but uber-informative takes on surfing techniques, etiquette, nutrition, and even comedy. In these illuminating conversations, Frampton shares his own experiences and philosophy as well.
The key here is that you have to ready up for a detailed, nuanced listen and put some time aside. For example, Kassia Meador’s frank discussion of the ups and downs of her surfing life, injuries, and recoveries runs over an hour, but is super interesting and will stretch through a workout or drive. Devon Howard has grabbed the mic three times to discuss longboards, mid-lengths and twin fins, and all three of these make for mind-expanding listens.
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Best for Chill Laughs: The Monday M.A.S.S.
Hailing from downtown Encinitas, World Surf League announcer and action sports aficionado Chris Cote teams up with longtime snowboarding commentator Todd Richards to dish about not only surfing, but skateboarding, snow, “nerd news” and more. The self-proclaimed “world’s greatest action sports podcast” has the loose and fast feel of two old buddies breaking down their dawn patrol session over coffee, and I’m here for it.
A quick look at a recent episode grapples with a gamut of topics from Stab High, the tragic death of Tamayo Perry, the J-Bay Classic, the documentary film Water Brother, Go Skateboarding Day and more. While this pod expands outside the world of surfing, it’s a fun mishmash of bright ideas and cynical sarcasm that, unlike some of the other podcasts on this list, never takes itself too seriously. So if you miss a few minutes, you won’t be too lost.
