Speaking from WATER Sean Ruttkay

Join host Sean Ruttkay for an exciting episode of Speaking from Water, where he sits down with renowned big wave slab surfer Zac Haynes from Western Australia. Known for tackling some of the world's most dangerous waves, Zac shares his incredible journey and experiences in the world of extreme surfing. In this episode, Zac dives into his latest surf film "Cold Brew," shot over the winter in Europe with his friend and videographer Cian Salmon.
Hear about the inspiration behind the project, memorable moments from filming, and his epic sessions at Mullaghmore, one of Ireland's greatest big wave slab surf spots. Zac explains the unique challenges and thrill of slab surfing, where waves break on shallow shelves, causing the ocean swell to jack up quickly and go "square." Learn about the safety measures he takes, his mental and physical preparation, and the sheer adrenaline of riding these monstrous waves. Travel with Zac as he reflects on his adventures surfing the famous slabs of Tahiti, Ireland, and his home in Western Australia.
He compares the unique characteristics of these waves and shares standout experiences from his trips. Discover how Zac's early life and influences shaped him into the world-class surfer he is today. From his first memory of surfing to the key mentors who guided him, Zac's journey is filled with passion and determination. Dive into Zac's fitness and training regimen, where he balances intense workouts with recovery to stay in peak condition. Learn his strategies for maintaining endurance and strength, even during the off-season.
Explore Zac's surfing philosophy, his approach to the mental pressures of extreme sports, and his advice for aspiring big-wave surfers. He also shares his future goals and aspirations, including new surf spots and upcoming projects. Tune in for an inspiring and action-packed episode that delves into the heart of big wave slab surfing with one of the best in the world. Don't miss this chance to hear from Zac Haynes as he talks about his incredible journey, thrilling adventures, and the passion that drives him.
Subscribe to Speaking from Water for more episodes featuring fascinating guests from the world of water sports. Follow Zac's adventures and stay updated on his latest projects by tuning in to this must-listen episode!

Welcome to Speaking From Water, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of water sports and exploration. In this episode, titled "Running Water," we have a special guest, Tom Clifford, joining host Sean Ruttkay. Tom Clifford is a renowned coach and fitness enthusiast with a passion for teaching people how to be fit and work hard. With a background in personal training and a focus on running, triathlon, and cycling,
Tom has coached multiple athletes to Olympic Trials qualifications. He credits his work ethic and outlook to God and his family, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. In this episode, Tom shares his insights and experiences from his coaching career, discussing the importance of hard work, dedication, and the mindset of a champion.
He reflects on his early days as a personal trainer in a local gym, highlighting the impact of group training on motivation. Tom also discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of believing in one's potential and working hard to achieve goals. Throughout the episode, Tom shares personal anecdotes and stories from his coaching journey, including memorable experiences with athletes and the joy of watching them grow, both as athletes and as individuals.
He also touches on his diverse taste in music, his guilty pleasures like Cold Stone ice cream, cookie dough, and beer, and his admiration for people who work hard and listen well.
Join us as we explore the world of running, fitness, and the power of water with Tom Clifford on Speaking From Water. Learn from his insights and experiences, and discover how his coaching philosophy and dedication to his athletes can inspire you to achieve your fitness goals and work hard towards success.

In episode 48 of Speaking From Water, join us as we delve into the life and experiences of Kirvan Baldassari, a world-class photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of the ocean and its surroundings. Kirvan shares his journey from growing up in the enchanting islands of French Polynesia to becoming a renowned photographer, specializing in surf photography.
Kirvan takes us through his early life in Tahiti, highlighting the cultural richness of the island and its influence on his work. He then recounts his time in Los Angeles, where he honed his skills in film photography, eventually becoming the official presidential photographer for the president of Tahiti for five years.
With a deep love for surfing and photography, Kirvan has traveled the globe, capturing stunning images from exotic locations such as Thailand, Turkey, Oman, Australia, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Colombia, and Mexico.
He shares his favorite experiences from these travels, painting a vivid picture of the diverse landscapes and waters he has encountered. Kirvan's photography is renowned for its exquisite colors and composition, capturing the essence of each location in a unique and mesmerizing way.
Join us as we explore the world through Kirvan's lens and discover the beauty of the ocean and its surroundings like never before.

In this episode of Speaking From Water, we are honored to host Andrea "Tink" Niebel, a remarkable individual whose journey embodies the spirit of resilience, dedication, and service. Join us as we delve into Tink's early life and her discovery of a passion for swimming, the influences that shaped her love for competition, and the pivotal moments that led her to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
Tink shares heartfelt reflections on her time at UNCW, where she excelled both in the pool as a swimmer and outside as a leader and role model. She provides insights into the challenges of balancing the demands of swimming with academic responsibilities and how she found inspiration and support along the way.
As a member of the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Team, Tink's commitment to serving her community and her dedication to excellence are evident. She discusses the demanding nature of her role and the lessons learned from being part of a team that works tirelessly to ensure the safety of others in challenging ocean conditions. Tink's decision to enlist in the USMC and attend TBS (The Basic School) reflects her unwavering commitment to service and her desire to make a difference. She shares her experiences from basic training and the surprising lessons she learned about herself and the Marine Corps.
Throughout the episode, Tink's passion for swimming, her deep respect for the ocean, and her profound sense of duty to her country shine through. Her story is one of inspiration and serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, courage, and selflessness.
Join us as we honor Andrea "Tink" Niebel's journey and gain valuable insights into the life of a dedicated athlete, student, and marine on Speaking From Water EP47. #SwimmingPassion

Surf into the essence of surfing with our special guest, legendary surfer Gavin Beschen, in this episode of Speaking From Water. Join us as Gavin takes us on a captivating journey through his life in the waves, sharing intimate details of his early inspirations, memorable moments, and profound connection to the ocean.
Gavin begins by recounting his humble beginnings and the pivotal role his parents played in nurturing his passion for surfing. From a young age, he felt drawn to the ocean's allure, and his journey to the North Shore of Hawaii as a teenager only solidified his love for the sport. Listen as Gavin vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of his first encounter with the legendary waves of Hawaii, and the transformative experience of catching his first wave in those sacred waters.
As we delve deeper into Gavin's career, he opens up about his enduring relationship with Volcom, reflecting on their unwavering support throughout his journey as a freesurfer. He shares poignant stories of his best sessions at Rockies Point, revealing the magic of those unforgettable moments on the waves. Gavin also offers insights into his current favorite surfboard and the water aesthetic that fuels his dreams.
But beyond the accolades and achievements, Gavin's true passion for surfing shines through as he discusses what draws him to the sport on a deeper level. Through his words, we gain a profound understanding of the spiritual connection he shares with the ocean and how it has shaped every aspect of his life.
Join us as we immerse ourselves in the spirit of surfing with Gavin Beschen, a true icon of the waves, and discover the timeless wisdom and inspiration that can only be found in the rhythm of the ocean.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Speaking From Water as we dive deep into the world of champion paddleboarder Stewart McLachlan. Stewart, a four-time Australian board champion and a four-time Molokai-Oahu champion, shares his remarkable journey from a young enthusiast racing for his local lifesaving club at Red Head Beach to becoming a dominant force in the world of paddleboarding.
In this episode, Stewart discusses the early days of his career, where he didn't win a single race but learned invaluable lessons about grit and hard work. He also delves into the unique challenges and rewards of the Molokai-2-Oahu (M2O) race, offering insights into his race day mindset, strategic approach, and the physical and mental preparation required for such a demanding event.
Stewart shares his experiences navigating the Kaʻiwi Channel, the importance of pacing and endurance, and the equipment choices that set him up for success. He also reflects on the aesthetic of water, describing his favorite water settings and the feeling of being in 'flow' during a race.
Discover the mindset of a champion and gain valuable insights into the world of competitive paddleboarding with Stewart McLachlan on Speaking From Water EP45 - "The Champion Mindset."
Key Points:
-Stewart's early life and passion for paddleboard racing.
-Lifeguarding and ocean rescue experiences in Red Head Beach, NSW, Australia.
-Insights into Red Head Beach's topography and significance to Stewart.
-The journey to becoming a world champion paddleboarder.
-Preparation and strategy for the Molokai-2-Oahu race.
-Stewart's favorite water aesthetics and the concept of 'flow' in racing.
-The competitive mindset and learning from past races.
-Memorable experiences and defining moments in Stewart's career.
Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from a true champion and explore the world of competitive paddleboarding through Stewart McLachlan's eyes.