Swell Season Surf Radio

Swell Season Surf Radio
  • 4.6 (33)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Swell Season is surfy related radio station dedicated to covering a wide variety of surf related topics and perspectives. Our show is New York-centric focusing on the local surfers who make up this dedicated community of ocean souls.  Swell Season radio shows are recorded at the NewStand Studio in Rockefeller Center. Listen to all our shows on these channels: Soundcloud , Stitcher,  iTunes, Spotify & YouTube. For Inquiries, questions, suggestions and positive congratulations email: swellseasonsurfradio@gmail.com You can follow us on Instagram @swellseasonsurfradio or on Blue Sky @ http://smashsurf.bsky.social/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

  1. How Surfing Ruined My Life with Jason Borte

    MAR 6

    How Surfing Ruined My Life with Jason Borte

    "The day I decided to quit surfing… it just popped in my head like, 'Huh, nobody just quits surfing. Like if I did, what would happen? Who would I be?'" On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we ponder the question of ‘who would we be without surfing’ with our guest for this episode. Jason Borte is one of the true pillars of East Coast surfing — a competitor, storyteller, teacher, and lifelong ambassador of the stoke.  Hailing from Virginia Beach, Jason's journey began with a humbling first session in 1982 and took him all the way to ESA All-Star and ASP East Pro Champion. A Master's-level educator, surf school founder, Hall of Famer, and author of multiple books including Pipe Dreams, Virginia Is for Surfers, and his upcoming memoir How Surfing Ruined My Life, Jason now serves as Director of Surf Coaching at Atlantic Park — home to North America's first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon — where he continues shaping the future of the sport through coaching, community programs, and youth initiatives. We dig into his transition from 15 years in the classroom to the surf world, new competitive formats at Atlantic Park like the man-on-man "Chlorine Clash," and inclusive youth programs bringing swimming and surfing to underserved kids through partnerships with Pharrell and Adidas. Plus, Jason shares the story behind his books and what led him to step away from the ocean for an entire year. Follow Jason on Instagram @jborte & @howsurfingruinedmylifeAnd you can order his books here: Diangelo Publications The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Huge Shoutout to Trey Highton for the connection! Music:  Artist: The Mountain Goats Song: This Year Album: The Sunset Tree 00:00 Guest Introduction 04:05 Kelly Slater Mixup 05:34 Leaving Teaching Behind 06:36 Maker Space Class 12:28 Surf Projects Surprise 13:49 Surf Camp Curriculum 17:07 Atlantic Park Origins 18:13 Typhoon Lagoon Break 22:16 First Wave Moment 24:59 Director Role Daily 26:49 Tom Curren Visit 31:27 Wave Pool Impacts 36:03 New Contest Formats 42:10 Community Access Programs 45:42 Wave Pools With Purpose 46:28 Ebony Beach Club Groms 48:03 Mentorship In The Lineup 49:08 First Surf In 1982 51:29 Virginia Beach Pecking Order 54:39 Early Contests And Drive 58:06 Parents Backing The Dream 01:00:52 Facing Kelly And Going Pro 01:03:23 OP Sponsorship And Rivalries 01:05:26 Bud Tour No Priority Chaos 01:12:26 Wes Laine East Coast Icon 01:16:59 From Pro To Surf Writer 01:21:33 Learning Under Steve Hawk 01:25:55 Writing Pipe Dreams 01:29:56 Research And Kelly Access 01:34:28 Slater Self Awareness 01:35:34 Rivalry And Book Sequel 01:37:33 Kelly Reviews The Manuscript 01:39:35 Press Tour And Career Choices 01:43:04 Self Publishing Kooks Guide 01:45:36 Virginia Is For Surfers 01:51:04 What The Community Revealed 01:57:05 Quitting Surfing For A Year 02:03:33 Withdrawal Compulsion And Perspective 02:08:40 Book Deal And Wrap Up Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    2h 20m
  2. The Cobbler with Jamie Meiselman

    FEB 22

    The Cobbler with Jamie Meiselman

    On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome board industry vet, Jamie Meiselman to the show! We  trace his journey from cold-water surfing in Westfield, New Jersey and the DIY dawn of Northeast snowboarding to a lifetime of innovation across board sports. Jamie reflects on his early roots in skate, surf and competitive snowboarding, pioneering boot technology with Burton and Airwalk, and his years shaping the voice of the industry as Managing Editor of Transworld Snowboarding during its explosive growth in the early 90s. After earning an MBA at Columbia, he pursued an ambitious surf-focused wave pool project that ultimately collapsed, shaping his philosophy on risk, resilience, and iteration. In 2017, Jamie returned to his core passion and founded Solite, introducing the first heat-moldable surf bootie and building a lean, performance-driven brand now respected worldwide. This conversation explores obsession, reinvention, craftsmanship, wave pool evolution, and the mindset behind creating products that truly improve function — closing with reflections on shaping, favorite boards, and the perfect eternity wave. Follow Jamie’s company Solite Boots on Instagram @solitebootsand you can check out the latest selection at https://soliteboots.com/ The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music: Artist: Sure Sure Song: This Must be the Place Album: Sure Sure 00:00 Welcome to the Swell Season Surf Podcast + Jamie Meiselman’s Wild Resume 04:18 Risk, Failure & the Brutal Early Wave Pool Dream (1999–2004) 07:08 Franken-Boots, First Patents & Burton/K2 Innovation Stories 10:47 The Obsession Advantage: How Jamie Thinks, Learns & Gets Distracted (AI Tools) 13:21 Building a Lean Niche Brand: Solite’s Focus, Marketing & Why Performance Wins 19:02 Growing Up in NJ: Skateparks, Hamptons Summers & Learning to Surf 23:32 Early Snowboarding DIY Era: Woodshop Boards, Ski-Shop Roots & Tinkering Mindset 28:07 Solite Origin Story: From Seamless EVA Surf Gloves to Heat-Moldable Boots 32:42 Staying Small on Purpose: Competitors, Core Values & Avoiding the ‘Next Nike’ Trap 35:46 Founder Reality Check: Freedom vs 7-Day Weeks, Support Systems & Family Balance 41:58 Less Is More: Letting Kids Learn With Guardrails 42:53 Balancing Marriage, Work, and Empty-Nester Life43:42 Surf vs Snowboard: Family Interests & Learning Curves 46:17 Living Inland vs Beachside: Staying Hungry for Waves 49:40 Dartmouth Days: Choosing Mountains, Quitting Lacrosse for Snowboarding 52:03 Starting a Snowboard Club + Early Skiers vs Snowboarders Tension 54:41 The ‘Urinal Meeting’ That Launched a Transworld Writing Career 57:09 Why Surfing Stays #1 (and Chasing Feel Over Progression) 01:00:06 From Shaping Curiosity to DIY Boardbuilding as a Step-by-Step Process 01:05:52 Boots, Concave Decks, and Performance-Enhancing Gear Ideas 01:09:17 Inside Transworld’s Boom: Ads, Trade Shows, and Snowboarding’s Explosion 01:13:30 From Airwalk to Burton: Boot Wars, Culture Shock, and the Wave-Pool Seed 01:19:45 From Water Parks to Surf Pools: The Wave Pool Spark01:20:27 Prototyping the Dream: Trade Shows, Engineers & Early Wave Tech 01:21:42 Business School as a Launchpad: Columbia, Seed Money & Raising Capital 01:24:09 The Hard Part: Rejection, Anxiety, and Getting to the First Million 01:26:20 The Fatal Flaw: Adjustable Bottom Contours and Why the Pool Kept Breaking 01:28:11 When It Fell Apart: Boardroom Confidence, Bad Partners & Lessons Learned 01:29:43 The Randall’s Island “What If”: NYC Indoor Surfing That Never Happened 01:32:18 Bouncing Back: Mindset After Failure and Building Smarter at Solight 01:35:48 Solight’s Growth Playbook: DTC vs Wholesale, Dealers, and Global Distribution 01:40:17 Marketing Breakthrough: Pros in Cold Water and the Slater Boots Moment 01:43:19 What’s Next for Solight: New Products, Hats, and “No Me-Too Gear” Philosophy 01:47:57 Surfer Questionnaire + The Perfect Eternal Wave (and Wave Pools Today) 01:54:34 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Surfing, Wave Pool Communities & Sign-Off Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    1h 57m
  3. Saint Christopher Surfboards with Christopher Thomas Campbell

    12/26/2025

    Saint Christopher Surfboards with Christopher Thomas Campbell

    In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, We welcome Christopher Thomas Campbell, artist, architect, and founder of St. Christopher's Surf Craft, to the show. We dive deep into Campbell's unique journey from architecture and fine art to surfboard shaping. Discover the intricacies of edge board design, the influence of New York's surfing conditions, and the evolution of modern backyard shaping. Campbell shares insights on rail engagement, fin setups, and the philosophy behind his craft, culminating in a thought-provoking discussion about whether surfboards can be considered art. Don't miss this engaging conversation about innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of St. Christopher's Surf Craft. Follow Saint Christopher Surfboards on Instagram @saint_christopher_surfcraftand you can find his artwork here: https://christopherthomascampbell.com/ The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music:  Artist: Fairport Convention Song: Genesis Hall Album: Unhallfbricking 00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast 01:09 Meet Christopher Thomas Campbell 02:24 Diving into Edge Board Design 03:27 The Unique Features of Edge Boards 04:49 Exploring Surfboard Design and Innovation 38:05 The Influence of Skateboarding on Surfing 43:45 Art and Architecture in Surfboard Shaping 47:57 Introduction to the Shop Manager 48:16 From Sculpture to Surfboard 49:48 The Veneer Essay and Surfboard Aesthetics 53:11 The Importance of Glassing and Collaboration 57:42 Sustainability and Material Choices in Surfboards 01:03:59 Gender and Surfboard Design 01:12:28 Surfboards as Art vs. Function 01:21:16 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    1h 29m
  4. Madman, Saint or Sinner with Pete 'Luigi' Shaw

    12/12/2025

    Madman, Saint or Sinner with Pete 'Luigi' Shaw

    In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome NYC big wave surfer Pete ‘Luigi’ Shaw. Raised in New York, Pete's journey from local waves to conquering some of the world's biggest breaks, like Nazaré and Teahupo'o, showcases unparalleled grit and determination. Pete shares his experiences paddling out solo, his method of managing fear, and his approach to surfing's evolving culture. We  discuss the highs, the near misses, and the relentless passion that drives Pete to chase monster waves around the globe. we’re diving into big waves, fear, resilience, community, and what drives someone to paddle out with nothing but heart and a helmet that occasionally slips over his eyes.  Follow Pete on Instagram @saltypetv and YouTube for a glimpse into his wild adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@saltypetetv  The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music:  Artist: T.S.O.L Song: It’s Too Late Album: Hit & Run 00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast 01:38 Meet Pete Shaw: The Gritty New York Surfer 03:26 Big Wave Adventures and Solo Surfing 06:43 Early Surfing Days and Inspirations 12:04 Pioneering Big Wave Surfing in New York 22:51 The Journey to Surfing Jaws and YMA 32:52 First Encounters with Nazaré 38:12 Navigating the Lineup 39:04 Catching the Monster Wave 41:32 Challenges of Big Wave Surfing 42:24 Breaking into the Big Wave Community 45:06 Paddle Surfing vs. Tow Surfing 48:20 Building a Team and Trust 59:41 Managing Fear in Big Waves 01:07:07 Surfing in New York and Family Ties 01:13:20 The Evolution of Big Wave Surfing Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    1h 48m
  5. The Williams Pipeline with Matt Gove of Surfrider Foundation

    11/29/2025

    The Williams Pipeline with Matt Gove of Surfrider Foundation

    In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we dive into the controversial revival of the Williams LNG pipeline project off the coast of New York and New Jersey. Joined by Matt Gove from the Surfrider Foundation, we explore the environmental, health, and community impacts of the pipeline, and discuss why it's critical to oppose this project. The conversation also highlights the broader context of climate change and energy politics, the role of data centers, and the importance of renewable energy sources like offshore wind farms. Learn how you can get involved in the fight against the pipeline and make a difference for our coastal communities. Listen here…  Get involved. Go to https://nyc.surfrider.org/stop-the-williams-pipeline to learn more. Become a member of Surfrider: https://nyc.surfrider.org/volunteer  The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music:  Artist: Pato Banton Song: One World (Not three) Album: Universal Love 00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast 01:58 The Williams LNG Pipeline Controversy 02:32 Guest Introduction: Matt Gove from Surf Rider Foundation 04:05 Pipeline Concerns and Environmental Impact 08:45 Safety Issues and Historical Context 11:11 Political and Economic Factors 24:58 Mitigation Measures and Legal Actions 29:49 Bipartisan Opposition to the Pipeline 30:43 Rapid Approval Process 32:22 Economic and Environmental Concerns 35:18 Fracking and Its Consequences 38:41 Actions to Fight the Pipeline 44:20 Hope in Renewable Energy 49:03 Whale Safety and Wind Farms 53:40 Get Involved with Surf Rider Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    57 min
  6. 156 Tricks with Ozzy Wright

    10/10/2025

    156 Tricks with Ozzy Wright

    On the latest  Swell Season Radio Art & Design Series, Design host Chris Labzda sits down with the multifaceted Australian artist, surfer, and musician, Ozzy Wright. Ozzy shares insights into his unique path, transitioning from a passionate young surfer to a versatile creative force in art and music. The conversation dives deep into his inspirations from skate culture, the influence of brands like Volcom, and his approach to creating art that resonates emotionally. Ozzy also reflects on the evolving art scene in Australia and the balancing act of creativity and family life. Ozzy is a legend of the sport and his artistic style both in and out of the water has influenced the culture throughout the 21st century. Definitely an episode not to be missed!  You can find Ozzy Wright’s work here: https://ozzywrong.com/ Or follow him on instagram @ozzywrong The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music:  Artist: Ad Astra Song: Do you Like Me? Album: Consume: Psy-Harmonics, Vol. 6 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ozzy Wright 02:05 From Surfing to Art: Ozzy's Journey 04:00 Influences and Inspirations 09:40 Balancing Art, Music, and Family 19:18 Art Scene in Australia 22:31 Early Art Adventures in London 23:21 Exploring Textile Art 24:30 Sewing as a Medium 28:00 Creative Influences and Volcom 29:36 The Surf and Art Connection 37:26 Music and the Goons of Doom 40:17 Inspiration for Young Creatives Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    42 min
  7. The Duo with Neal Purchase Jr

    09/18/2025

    The Duo with Neal Purchase Jr

    On this  episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer welcomes surfboard shaper and surf legend Neal Purchase Jr. to discuss his incredible journey through the world of surfing. From his early days screenprinting for Billabong and becoming a free surfing pro in the 90’s  to his innovative board designs with deep family roots, Neal shares stories and insights that have defined his career. Joined by  co-host and friend of the show, Paul Colbert, the conversation explores Neal’s pivotal moments in surf cinema, his unique duo fin setups, and his recent shaping residency at Pilgrim Surfing Supply in New York. The episode also touches on the evolution of surfboard preferences, balancing a surf-centric lifestyle with family responsibilities, and advice on fatherhood and surfing longevity. Don’t miss this deep dive into the spirit of surfing and the craft of shaping with one of the industry's most revered figures. You can find Neal and order some incredible shapes at his website: https://www.nealpurchasedesigns.com/ Or follow him on instagram @nealpurchasejnr  The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music:  Artist: Concrete Blonde Song: True Album: Concrete Blonde  00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:09 Rewind to 1992: Surf Camp Memories 02:25 Neil Purchase Jr.'s Surfing Legacy 03:41 Welcome Neil Purchase Jr. 04:01 Early Surfing Adventures and Influences 05:20 The Evolution of Surf Culture 06:36 Challenges and Changes in Surfing 18:23 Health and Aging in Surfing 21:50 Backside Tube Riding Techniques 33:50 Shaping and Design Innovations 44:49 Shaping Around the Fin: Techniques and Insights 46:11 Exploring Twin Fins and Surfboard Design Evolution 48:12 The Thrill of Surfing: Swells, Boards, and Trave l48:38 Custom Surfboards: Crafting the Perfect Ride 50:06 The Art of Surfboard Shaping: Techniques and Materials 58:00 Surfing Culture and Community: Reflections and Changes 01:05:45 Balancing Family and Surfing: Personal Insights 01:17:56 Memorable Surfing Experiences and Lessons Learned 01:21:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    1h 28m
  8. East Coast Special with Enrique 'Moose' Huerta

    09/05/2025

    East Coast Special with Enrique 'Moose' Huerta

    In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast , we connect with an old college roommate and long-time friend, Enrique Moose Huerta. We  reminisce about our  time at Flagler College, including our surfing adventures and dorm room antics. Moose shares his journey from college surfer to creative producer and independent consultant, shedding light on his experiences with Vice Media, Nike, and starting his own consultancy, Land Sea. The episode also delves into Moose's latest project, the East Coast Special podcast, which beautifully encapsulates the charm and grit of East Coast surf culture. Moose describes the podcast as a love child of Eastern Surf Magazine and Longboard Magazine, aiming to highlight the unique stories and characters of the East Coast surf scene. Listen in for hilarious stories, reflections on how our paths have evolved over the years, and insights into Moose's creative process and inspirations. You can follow East Coast Special on Instagram @eastcoast.special You can listen to East Coast Special on all podcast platforms. Here is a link to get you started: East Coast Special The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com  Music: Artist: Elliot Smith Song: The Biggest Lie Album: Elliot Smith 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:27 Reconnecting with Moose 05:00 Thoughtfulness and Upbringing 09:05 Surfing Beginnings and High School Experience 16:55 College Days and Roommate Stories 35:50 Single Fin Hoe Down and Surf Community 38:17 Reflecting on the Contest and Moving to California 39:17 The Evolution of Surfing Events 40:46 Influences and Inspirations in Surfing 44:44 Career Beginnings and Moving West 48:37 Working at Nixon and Industry Insights 52:41 Transitioning Out of the Surf Industry 01:06:18 Starting a Podcast and Creative Freedom 01:21:49 The Saxophone Prank 01:22:06 College Memories and Mishaps 01:23:47 Flagler College Experience 01:25:15 Mentorship and Influences 01:29:57 Podcasting Journey and Reflections 01:36:25 Nostalgia and Personal Stories 01:43:57 Final Thoughts and Farewells Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

    2h 9m
See All (299)

4.6
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Swell Season is surfy related radio station dedicated to covering a wide variety of surf related topics and perspectives. Our show is New York-centric focusing on the local surfers who make up this dedicated community of ocean souls.  Swell Season radio shows are recorded at the NewStand Studio in Rockefeller Center. Listen to all our shows on these channels: Soundcloud , Stitcher,  iTunes, Spotify & YouTube. For Inquiries, questions, suggestions and positive congratulations email: swellseasonsurfradio@gmail.com You can follow us on Instagram @swellseasonsurfradio or on Blue Sky @ http://smashsurf.bsky.social/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season-surf-radio--3483504/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Swell Season Surf Radio
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Swell Season Surf Radio Network
  • Show Website
    Swell Season Surf Radio

You Might Also Like