The Buoy Report Podcast

shaun lopez

5.0 (3)
Personal Journals
Updated Biweekly

Documenting Waves of Energy thebuoyreport.substack.com

Feb 19

Annie Rieckert — Where Wave Energy Meets Human Potential

Energy moves through everything — ocean swells, the human body, and the creative mind. In this conversation, elite ocean athlete Annie Rieckert shares how she harnesses that energy across big wave performance, endurance racing, and artistic expression. From the glide of foiling to the discipline of recovery and the flow state of creativity, we explore what happens when power, precision, and awareness converge. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

59 min
Jan 22

David Sellers (Hi Off Grid): Designing Off-Grid Energy Systems in Hawaii

In this episode of The Buoy Report Podcast, Shaun Lopez sits down with David Sellers, founder of Hi Off Grid, to discuss what it takes to design and build reliable off-grid energy systems in Hawaii. David shares practical insights from years of hands-on work — system sizing, battery tradeoffs, maintenance realities, and the common mistakes people make when pursuing energy independence on the islands. As Hawaii faces rising energy costs, grid instability, and climate-driven disruptions, off-grid systems are becoming a critical resilience strategy — not a fringe choice. This conversation looks at what that shift really means in practice, beyond marketing and theory. The conversation explores why Hawaii is a unique testbed for off-grid living, how real-world systems differ from marketing promises, and what resilient energy design actually looks like in practice. Learn more about Hi Off Grid: https://www.hawaiioffgrid.com/ This episode is part of an ongoing series documenting how waves of energy move through people, place, and infrastructure in Hawaii. If you want to follow this series, subscribe to The Buoy Report on Substack for new episodes and essays as they’re published . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 23m
10/11/2025

Mark Sponsler

If you’ve ever checked a swell map before packing your boards, there’s a good chance Mark Sponsler helped you find the right spot. As the founder of Stormsurf, Mark has been forecasting waves for decades — bridging hard data, atmospheric models, and human intuition to help surfers chase the world’s best swells. In this episode, we dive deep into how wave forecasting has evolved, how to read charts like a pro, and what climate shifts mean for the future of surf. 🎧 Listen now:▶️ Watch on YouTube🎙️ Stream on Spotify🍎 Find it on Apple Podcasts “Forecasting isn’t about luck — it’s about patterns, persistence, and intuition.” — Mark Sponsler This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

57 min
10/11/2025

Jojo Roper & Jamie Mitchell

Two of the most respected names in big-wave surfing — Jojo Roper and Jamie Mitchell — join The Buoy Report Podcast to talk story about chasing giants, reading the ocean, and staying calm when the world goes dark behind a 60-foot wall of water. From Jaws to Nazaré, these watermen share raw insights on training, preparation, fear management, and what it really means to dedicate your life to moving water. It’s a deep dive into the mindset, discipline, and quiet confidence that defines true big-wave surfing. 🎧 Listen now:[YouTube link here][Spotify link here][Apple Podcasts link here] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 30m
09/04/2025

Claude Graves: From Surfing Sumba to Building NIHI & The Sumba Foundation

In this episode of The Buoy Report Podcast, I sit down with Claude Graves, the visionary co-founder of NIHI Sumba (formerly Nihiwatu) and The Sumba Foundation. What started as a surf trip to a remote Indonesian island turned into a decades-long mission: building one of the world’s top eco-resorts and launching a foundation that has transformed the lives of thousands on Sumba. Claude shares the journey from pitching tents on the beach to creating a new model of luxury hospitality rooted in community, sustainability, and purpose. We talk about chasing perfect waves, tackling malaria and clean water access, and how adventure can evolve into a lasting movement of impact. This is a story for surfers, travelers, and changemakers alike — proof that the pursuit of passion can ripple far beyond the lineup. Key Themes * Surfing Sumba: discovering perfect waves in the late ’80s * Building NIHI Sumba into one of the world’s leading eco-resorts * Founding The Sumba Foundation and fighting malaria, hunger, and lack of clean water * How luxury travel can fund meaningful community change * Lessons for anyone trying to build projects that give back About The Buoy Report The Buoy Report is where energy, waves, and resilience meet. Hosted by Shaun Lopez, big wave surfer and renewable energy engineer, the podcast explores the forces that move our world — from ocean swells to sustainable systems — and the people who ride them. 👉 Subscribe to get new episodes and field notes delivered directly to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 31m
06/24/2025

Pio Marasco

New episode of The Buoy Report – Listen now Pio Marasco is one of those rare individuals whose work quietly shapes an entire sport. As co-founder of MFC Hawaii, Pio has been behind some of the most innovative fin, foil, and sail designs in the world—trusted by world champions and tested in Maui’s most unforgiving conditions. In this episode, we talk about his journey from Italy to Maui, the art of functional design, the spirit of craftsmanship, and how staying close to the ocean keeps his work grounded. We also reflect on the power of simplicity, iteration, and why performance should always come from a place of soul. 🎧 Listen now on The Buoy Report 🌊 Topics include: * Building MFC Hawaii into a global brand * The intersection of design, materials, and intuition * Windsurfing, foiling, and the evolution of watercraft * Maui as a testing ground and creative muse * Community, resilience, and what’s next 🙏 Support Pio’s Fight Against Colon Cancer Pio is currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer. If his story, craft, or energy has ever impacted you, please consider supporting his healing journey here:➡️ https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-pios-fight-against-colon-cancer 🔗 Learn more about Pio: https://mfchawaii.com/eu/about/team/company/pio-marasco Subscribe for more episodes with ocean minds, makers, and movers at the edge of innovation and flow.#TheBuoyReport #PioMarasco #MFCHawaii #OceanInnovation #Podcast #DesignMatters #WatermanWisdom #SupportPio This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 17m
04/16/2025

Cliff Kapono: Science, Surf, and the Future of Island Resilience

New Podcast Episode: Cliff Kapono on Science, Surf, and the Future of Island Resilience The latest episode of The Buoy Report Podcast is now live. I'm joined by Dr. Cliff Kapono, a Hawaiian bio-scientist, environmental advocate, and big wave surfer whose work lives at the intersection of modern science and indigenous knowledge. Cliff brings a rare perspective—one rooted in the chemistry of ecosystems and the lived experience of island life. In this episode, we dive into: * The molecular science of coral reefs and coastal systems * Indigenous knowledge as a tool for modern sustainability * The energy behind big waves and cultural identity * What resilience means in the face of climate change, especially in Hawai‘i If you're interested in climate, surf, regenerative systems, or cultural science, this one’s for you. Listen now on your platform of choice: * Apple Podcasts * Spotify * YouTube: @thebuoyreport * Right here on Substack To get future episodes, updates, and insight-driven dispatches, sign up for the newsletter at thebuoyreport.com. Thanks for tuning in,Shaun This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 19m
01/16/2025

Ridge Lenny

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 18m
11/25/2024

The Buoy Report Podcast Episode 3: Travis Rice

In this special episode of The Buoy Report Podcast, we’re honored to welcome one of the most influential voices in adventure sports—Travis Rice. Known for his groundbreaking films and redefining what’s possible in snowboarding, Travis brings his unique perspective on life, energy, and the interconnectedness of nature. Together, we explore: Flow State: How Travis taps into it and what it takes to push the limits in high-stakes environments. Big Wave Meets Big Mountain: The fascinating parallels between surfing massive waves and navigating untamed peaks. The Art of Movie Making: Insights into capturing the magic of the elements on film. The Mystery of the 4th Phase of Water: A deep dive into one of science's most intriguing concepts and how it shapes Travis’s worldview. This episode is an epic convergence of philosophy, science, and raw adventure. Whether you’re chasing big waves, big mountains, or simply big ideas, Travis’s story will leave you inspired. 🌊🏔️ Tune in and prepare to expand your horizons. 👉 Listen Now or Subscribe to The Buoy Report Podcast to stay updated on all episodes. #TravisRice #TheBuoyReport #FlowState #AdventurePodcast #BigWave #BigMountain #4thPhaseOfWater #Filmmaking This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 38m
09/17/2024

Albee Layer and Torrey Meister

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 45m
09/10/2024

The Buoy Report Podcast: Garret Lisi

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebuoyreport.substack.com

1h 23m

11 Episodes

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Documenting Waves of Energy thebuoyreport.substack.com

Creator

shaun lopez
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© shaun lopez
Show Website

The Buoy Report Podcast