Surf Splendor Archives - Surf Splendor

Paul Strauch passed away this past weekend, at peace, at home with loved ones, comfortable and with his beloved Hawaiian music playing by his bedside. His daughter Summer said, “I asked my dad recently what he would want to say to everyone when he stepped into eternal life. He smiled and said, ‘ALOHA’.” Today we’re … Continue reading "592 – Paul Strauch" The post 592 – Paul Strauch appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show board builder Eden Saul explains his shifting manufacturing practices in response to erratic US tariffs, injury’s endless travails on a shaper’s livelihood, the blessed gift of finding a committed apprentice, the scary first step of scaling and delegation, how to create a brand aesthetic while still letting you lam team go nuts, … Continue reading "591 – Eden Saul: Dead Kooks" The post 591 – Eden Saul: Dead Kooks appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Legendary pro surfer Rob Machado is widely regarded as one of the most influential and stylish surfers of all time. But Rob’s relationship with and impact on surfing and the ocean run much deeper than his professional career.  In this episode, Rob shares about his deep family roots in Southern California and traces his personal … Continue reading "590 – Rob Machado | The Surfrider Podcast" The post 590 – Rob Machado | The Surfrider Podcast appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Today’s episode features a conversation between Gerry Lopez and early Hawaiian surf pioneer Paul Strauch. Strauch thanks Lopez for preventing crowds at Sunset, discuss the virtues of surfing pre-leash, reflect on the deeply integrated influence of Duke’s spirit still in their lives and the special bond of communicating with him in native Hawaiian, growing up … Continue reading "589 – Gerry Lopez: PodAloha with Paul Strauch" The post 589 – Gerry Lopez: PodAloha with Paul Strauch appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Today’s episode features a conversation between Greg Noll and early Hawaiian surf pioneer Paul Strauch. Noll and Strauch reflect on early lessons hard earned on North Shore in the 1960s, regale with stories of larger than life friends and waves, chart the path of how big wave surfing has developed from their early exploits, and … Continue reading "588 – Greg Noll: PodAloha with Paul Strauch" The post 588 – Greg Noll: PodAloha with Paul Strauch appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Today’s episode features a conversation between Skip Frye and early Hawaiian surf pioneer Paul Strauch. From Strauch, “Skip Frye is a legendary figure in the surfing world, renowned for his exceptional skills and significant contributions to surfboard design. With a career spanning several decades, Skip has been a key innovator, known for his work in … Continue reading "587 – Skip Frye: PodAloha with Paul Strauch" The post 587 – Skip Frye: PodAloha with Paul Strauch appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Genre defining pro freesurfer of the 90s, Margo, joins us to discuss ushering pro surfing from cottage to corporate, humility gleaned while working as a baggage handler, how a passion for bird watching led to his greatest work, and what sparked the revival in his surf career at age 50. Enjoy! Sponsor: DrinkAG1.com/surf Sponsor: WaterwaysTravel.com Presented by: Surfrider.org … Continue reading "586 – Brenden “Margo” Margieson" The post 586 – Brenden “Margo” Margieson appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show board builder Roger Hinds shares strategies to fend off the old man and continue surfing the North Shore into your 70s, offers a lesson in why original board building materials are still relevant and which modern fabrics offer advancement, reveals why the real threat to domestic board building may come from within, … Continue reading "585 – Roger Hinds" The post 585 – Roger Hinds appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Bob McTavish attributes his biggest design epiphanies to the evolution of the surfboard fin, and each of those to a personal relationship that sparked his inspiration. He shares how Dave Rastovich altered his perception on hydrodynamics, reveals the unfathomable generosity of Bill Bahne, the ingenuity of Tom Morey and Carl Pope, explains … Continue reading "584 – Bob McTavish : Part Three" The post 584 – Bob McTavish : Part Three appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show surf biz stalwart Randy Hild details the various false starts at Roxy prior to the inception of their industry-disrupting female boardshort, the tension between scaling and brand authenticity, which parts of the Golden Era were fake and inflated, how a serendipitous Swap Meet discovery led to him becoming an inadvertent surf history … Continue reading "583 – Randy Hild: A Life Built On Boardshorts" The post 583 – Randy Hild: A Life Built On Boardshorts appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode Bob McTavish explains how one of his most iconic designs came to him in a dream and Joey Cabell’s influence in it, he shares the inception of the swallowtail, his afternoon spent with Duke Kahanamoku, the epiphany he had at Rincon in 1967, why he renounced competition for a mortgage and children, … Continue reading "582 – Bob McTavish: Part Two" The post 582 – Bob McTavish: Part Two appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode Bob McTavish shares stories from surfing in an era prior to foam cores and surf wax, charts the path from dropping out of school to surf, to being homeless with only $10 to his name, to stowing away on a ship to Hawaii for the North Shore winter, the jail time that … Continue reading "581 – Bob McTavish: Part One" The post 581 – Bob McTavish: Part One appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Surf photographer and photo editor Jeff Divine’s imagery has largely framed our perspective on North Shore surfing from the 70s and 80s. Today he shares stories from the era defining Expression Session in 1971, reveals that he didn’t befriend Gerry Lopez until a decade after they had helped build one another’s careers, he discusses how … Continue reading "580 – Jeff Divine" The post 580 – Jeff Divine appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show board builder Max Stewart of Eye Symmetry explains the inverse relationship between product quality and business growth, tales from early days at Hayden Shapes, how Tom Carroll has informed how he takes custom orders and why he factors your personality into the order card. Enjoy! Sponsor: Quince.com/surf Sponsor: Rula.com/surf Sponsor: WaterwaysTravel.com Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented … Continue reading "579 – Max Stewart: Eye Symmetry Surfboards" The post 579 – Max Stewart: Eye Symmetry Surfboards appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode the Encyclopedia of Surfing’s Matt Warshaw discusses the risks of having surf history chronicled by a single man, who’s gotten short shrift on the EOS, how much and how little has changed in surf culture since the first magazine, an examination of pioneering female surf photographers, the first surfer to go at … Continue reading "578 – Matt Warshaw" The post 578 – Matt Warshaw appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode Jordan Rodin joins us to chat about life lessons and hazing gleaned from Derek Hynd, make a case for heavier surfboards, explain his 5 year hiatus from getting barreled, why you should be stripping down used boards and reshaping them, what famous sculptors of centuries past can teach us about surfing, why … Continue reading "577 – Jordan Rodin" The post 577 – Jordan Rodin appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show actor John Philbin recounts his life as an escape artist, shares dangers of achieving one’s life goals, the false paradigm of self-confidence, why he is not a good actor, how to reform a bitter and angry disposition, and why he doesn’t trust anyone who isn’t a hypocrite. Enjoy! Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com … Continue reading "576 – John Philbin" The post 576 – John Philbin appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Kyle Thiermann shares the near death experience that altered his life’s perspective, explains the creative fertility nested in boredom, shares how his relationship with psychedelics has changed after nearly a decade of experimentation, reflects on the moment he learned you don’t need to master your hobbies, and discusses his desire to maintain … Continue reading "575 – Kyle Thiermann" The post 575 – Kyle Thiermann appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Vissla CEO Paul Naude joins us to discuss how the consolidation of major surf brands is affecting surf culture, how the licensing operational model can threaten retailer’s long term viability, why now is a fertile opportunity for growth for independent brands and retail, and why the consumer wields influence through the power … Continue reading "574 – Paul Naude: The State Of The Industry" The post 574 – Paul Naude: The State Of The Industry appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show early Peruvian shaping pioneer Rodolfo Klima joins us to discuss Peru as the inception place of surfing and it’s integral role in early surf competitions, learning how to shape by instinct alone, Gordon Clark’s unknown factory in Peru, the challenge of building a business in an unstable economy and democracy, why Peru … Continue reading "573 – Rodolfo Klima" The post 573 – Rodolfo Klima appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show South African pro surfer turned shaper Barry Vandermeulen joins to share stories of early life in the remote but influential Bay of Plenty, his tutelage from Spider to Spyder, Matt Biolos’s springboard into his eponymous label, how to run a business without a website, why he doesn’t put his name on his … Continue reading "572 – Barry Vandermeulen" The post 572 – Barry Vandermeulen appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Thomas Campbell unpacks the 10 year process of making YI-WO, analyzes the value and the cost of asking an audience to be present, shares the experience in Morocco wherein he was dead broke that spring-boarded his painting career, explains how a short skate film for Supreme led him to surf filmmaking, and … Continue reading "571 – Thomas Campbell" The post 571 – Thomas Campbell appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show North Shore icon Eric Arakawa shares insights from 51 years of surfboard shaping, explains the invention of the Nose Guard, why it’s essential to use money and love people but most people do the opposite, how to leverage burnout to fuel inspiration, recounts the chance encounter with one enigmatic shaper that changed … Continue reading "570 – Eric Arakawa" The post 570 – Eric Arakawa appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode Makua Rothman discusses surfing Waimea at age 8, his maternal lineage to King Kamehameha, songwriting as a catharsis to process childhood trauma, how his World Title count was limited by his addition, the freedom in relinquishing the weight of expectation, and how society’s modern embrace of vulnerability can open pathways of communication … Continue reading "569 – Makua Rothman" The post 569 – Makua Rothman appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode early surf icon Joey Cabell talks through transitioning from solid redwood boards (which he purchased from his shoeshine earnings) through Balsa to being the first Polyurethane foam board tester for Clark & Hobie, he share stories of being on the Duke Kahanamoku Surf Team, training for winter Hanalei by swimming the N? … Continue reading "568 – Joey Cabell" The post 568 – Joey Cabell appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Tom Carroll reveals a little known spite that fueled his competitive drive since adolescence, how he’s learned to create a gap between thought and action, why success is intrinsically tied to interpersonal relationships, the immeasurable benefit of doing nothing, and how listening is one of life’s under appreciated superpowers. Enjoy! Sponsor: DrinkAG1.com/surf Presented … Continue reading "567 – Tom Carroll" The post 567 – Tom Carroll appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Nathan Hedge shares tales from joining his heroes at age 13 on The Search for a month in Indo, Derek Hynd’s highly unusual (and effective) methods to prepare him for life on Tour, how the freedom of a nomadic life distanced him from his self-interest, the moment in Mundaka that triggered a … Continue reading "566 – Nathan Hedge" The post 566 – Nathan Hedge appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Steve Hawk shares lessons gleaned from the world’s sweetest mom, explains why justified resentment may be the root of all evil, notes that the past is constantly in the process of being redefined by the future, reminds us to show don’t tell, and he checks in on a prediction piece he wrote … Continue reading "565 – Steve Hawk" The post 565 – Steve Hawk appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Dick Metz is back to discuss the documentary, now streaming, that chronicles his early world travel and the near death experience that was the impetus for the three year sojourn. He recounts early days in Malibu with Matt Kivlin and Nick Gabaldon, why Hobie Alter is the Thomas Edison of surfing, the undertold story of … Continue reading "564 – Dick Metz & Richard Yelland: Birth Of The Endless Summer" The post 564 – Dick Metz & Richard Yelland: Birth Of The Endless Summer appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show, surf photography great Sean Davey shares how his first memory of the ocean was of his mother in the tube, his favorite photo he’s ever taken, the legacy of Lane and her imprint of kindness, and how he’s been able to maintain passion and creativity to further develop the craft he discovered … Continue reading "563 – Sean Davey" The post 563 – Sean Davey appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show aerial and floater pioneer Davey Smith reflects on Greenough’s early influence, how selling ice cream help fund his pro surf career, Russel Short’s hypnotic tube prowess, introducing Channel Islands to the North Shore, how shaping informed his surfing, and the value of taking time away from surfing. Enjoy! Sponsored by: DrinkAG1.com/surf Sponsored … Continue reading "562 – Davey Smith" The post 562 – Davey Smith appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Hall of Famer Ricky Carroll talks about getting punched out in Hawaii, posing as a kneeboarder to make it to the World Championships, being the now longest running surfboard shaper in Florida. And Justin Quintal talks us through 11 Duct Tape wins, 5 US Opens, 1 World Title, and explains why partying … Continue reading "561 – Justin Quintal & Ricky Carroll" The post 561 – Justin Quintal & Ricky Carroll appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Kelly Richards talks about leaving Arkansas at age 13 to chase surf in South Carolina, the rare opportunity to own a historically persevered 50 year old surf shop, raising a surf prodigy in Cam, and Cam explains how Jamie Foxx helped launch his career, his Wave Of The Winter at Pipe, and … Continue reading "560 – Cam and Kelly Richards" The post 560 – Cam and Kelly Richards appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show magazine publisher Chris Thomson discusses the value of taking time away from surfing, the enduring importance of community events, how to grow a UK surf brand to access a global audience, and how rethinking the magazine model can preserve the legacy of print. Enjoy! Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor Join David … Continue reading "559 – Chris Thomson: Wavelength Magazine" The post 559 – Chris Thomson: Wavelength Magazine appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show 1977 World Champ Shaun Tomson explains the source of his resilience, how he improved his surfing up until age 63, why connectivity will cure the plague of modern society, how attitude is your fundamental choice in life, and how surfing breeds hope and purpose. Enjoy! Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor Sponsor: DrinkAG1.com/surf … Continue reading "558 – Shaun Tomson" The post 558 – Shaun Tomson appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode pioneering pro surfer Patti Paniccia reveals which brand suggested “going on a date” as a prize for a surf contest, why she turned down a job with the FBI, how she won a seven-figure lawsuit against CNN and got them to change discriminatory practices, and why a women’s champ wasn’t crowned on … Continue reading "557 – Patti Paniccia" The post 557 – Patti Paniccia appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode Garrett and Nicole McNamara share their how their lives have transformed since 100 Foot Wave, the opportunities they’ve declined, the very real power of pheromones, how opting not to work with surf brands has benefited his career, and producer Joe Lewis details how he’s converted the mainstream into surf fans. Enjoy! Presented … Continue reading "556 – Garrett & Nicole McNamara: 100 Foot Wave" The post 556 – Garrett & Nicole McNamara: 100 Foot Wave appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show musician and surfer Landon McNamara recounts his historic Eddie win, how injury and destitution positioned him for that final wave, divine orchestration, the unassailable spirituality of Waimea, and why music is auditory reflection of the surf experience. Enjoy! Live Shows! June 11th in Jacksonville Beach, FL Tickets HERE and June 12th in … Continue reading "555 – Landon McNamara" The post 555 – Landon McNamara appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Nick and Hannah share tales from a world where everyone surfs, redefine our perception of “core”, find vitality from VALS, attempt to fill the void of women in surf media, and survey data that shows how drastically surf culture has shifted. Enjoy! Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor Sponsor: DrinkAG1.com/surf Join David at … Continue reading "553 – Nick Carroll and Hannah Anderson" The post 553 – Nick Carroll and Hannah Anderson appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show surf media raconteur Sam George explains how a nomadic childhood fostered his spirit of resilience, the “terrible” mistake that led to him leaving Surfer Magazine, why being lost in Casablanca formed his wayfaring lifestyle, the gift to a teenaged Josh Brolin paid dividends decades later, and he reflects on the 695 different … Continue reading "552 – Sam George" The post 552 – Sam George appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show former pro surfer turned writer Jason Borte shares stories from writing Kelly Slater’s autobiography, offers insights into Pharrell’s new wave pool, recalls riding the dot com boom and bust in surf, gives tips to artfully time  an exit, and reveals why Virginia is for lovers. Enjoy! Link to Jason’s Kickstarter HERE Presented … Continue reading "551 – Jason Borte" The post 551 – Jason Borte appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show inventive surfboard shaper Bill “Stretch” Riedel five decades of keystone moments in design revolution, breaking his neck and becoming patient one for a radical life saving procedure, how success can bankrupt a business, and why nostalgia and ego are the antithesis of progression. Enjoy! Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor Sponsor: FanDuel.com/surf CREDITS … Continue reading "550 – William “Stretch” Riedel" The post 550 – William “Stretch” Riedel appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode filmmaker Nathan Oldfield shares why he doesn’t watch this own films, how staying attuned to one’s self requires active work, why melancholy is fuel, silliness is sacred, and how connecting to personal grief has deepened his work as a high-school teacher. Enjoy! Presented by FlorenceMarineX.com/surf for 20% off Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor … Continue reading "549 – Nathan Oldfield" The post 549 – Nathan Oldfield appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show shaper and college professor Gary Larson reveals who he believes is the greatest shaper of all time, the design feature that defines a great surfboard, how looking back provides direction for innovation, and discusses the weight of stewarding a 75 year shaping legacy. Enjoy! Presented by FlorenceMarineX.com/surf for 20% off Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com … Continue reading "548 – Gary Larson: Hobie Surfboards" The post 548 – Gary Larson: Hobie Surfboards appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Snapt filmmaker Logan Dulien shares the details of how he spearheaded the effort to take down the crime syndicate who was targeting SoCal surfers, reveals the wild earnings from his heyday as a tour manager, and discusses the importance of curating a surf film in the modern era of immediacy. Enjoy! Presented … Continue reading "547 – Logan Dulien" The post 547 – Logan Dulien appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s episode Conde Nast’s former visual editor shares how an early experience caddying for Lisa Anderson sparked a career change, a passion to share the transformative experience of surfing with non-surfers, lessons gleaned from twelve writers about twelve iconic surfers, and how time spent in the ocean might be key to whole body restoration. … Continue reading "546 – Claudia Lebenthal: Surfer Stories" The post 546 – Claudia Lebenthal: Surfer Stories appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Rusty shares the flashpoint in his career that defined this shaping. Taylor Knox reveals Rusty’s role in his interest in surfing and later in his wild success on the rail. And Jojo Roper recounts his history run from Peahi, to The Eddie, to Maverick’s and how none of it would have been … Continue reading "545 – LIVE! Rusty, Taylor Knox, Jojo Roper at The Belly Up" The post 545 – LIVE! Rusty, Taylor Knox, Jojo Roper at The Belly Up appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show Kolohe Andino chats about the weight of expectation, why satisfaction can threaten ambition, how having children highlights the absurdity of professional surf pursuits, his idea for a restructured Tour, and why groms will always be the fertile core of surfing’s soul. Enjoy! Presented by FlorenceMarineX.com/surf for 20% off Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor … Continue reading "544 – Kolohe Andino" The post 544 – Kolohe Andino appeared first on Surf Splendor .

In today’s show, the 23 year old who just rode a potential record-breaker at Maverick’s talks us through the wave itself, the prep, the media maelstrom that followed, the unique board that Stretch built for him, how 100’ surf is only accessible via a team of people, and why he didn’t celebrate the historic ride. … Continue reading "543 – Alo Slebir" The post 543 – Alo Slebir appeared first on Surf Splendor .

Today’s episode is hosted by Brad Gerlach with Occy as a guest! Recorded at Niyama Resort in the Maldives, Brad and Occy analyze Occy’s technique to provide basic truths about head and hand placement and body positioning to unlock your next level of surfing. Enjoy! Presented by FlorenceMarineX.com/surf for 20% off Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor … Continue reading "542 – Occy & Gerr" The post 542 – Occy & Gerr appeared first on Surf Splendor .