Basis Surf Podcast

Basis Surf
  • 4.7 (33)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Interviews with pros, coaches, and shapers to help the everyday surfer get better at the thing they love. @Gosurfbasis on IG, TikTok, FB, and YT Train your paddling anytime, anywhere, with the Basis paddle trainer. www.surfbasis.com

  1. How Elite Surfers Dial in Mindset, Technique, & Boards w/ Kei Kobayashi

    6D AGO

    How Elite Surfers Dial in Mindset, Technique, & Boards w/ Kei Kobayashi

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  In this episode of the Basis Surf podcast, Kei Kobayashi shares what helped him level up his competitive surfing over the past year. He talks about how having a clear and positive mindset played a big role in his results. Kei also breaks down his technique—especially his backside bottom turn, where he grabs the rail to stay low and go vertical. We also talk about how small changes to his board made a big difference, and why training your paddling is so important for contests. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 02:25 Kei’s origin story: A Japanese family and San Clemente roots 04:14 Early signs of ocean connection and childhood surfing 06:22 How San Clemente and local surfers shaped Kei’s style 08:44 Asking for help and learning from the best 10:49 Mental health: The underrated key to competitive success 13:47 Surfing as chess: Strategy, priority, and heat management 19:03 Sports psychology and his breakthrough at the Korea wave pool event 31:28 Physical training, early mornings, ice baths, and discipline 42:44 Paddle power and realizing the need for targeted training 47:18 Coaching with Tepe, drills, pressure tests, and positivity 50:24 Technical growth and surfing cues for power surfing 57:26 Surfboards, shorter length, tapered rails, and performance gains 1:12:25 Fins, the H4 experiment, and sticking with what works 1:22:30 Intentions before surfing, mini goals, and perspective 1:26:07 Reflecting on growth and what's next for Kei Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    1h 26m
  2. Why Most Surfers Plateau And How to Fix It w/ Adam Knox

    FEB 2

    Why Most Surfers Plateau And How to Fix It w/ Adam Knox

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  On this episode we have returning guest Adam Knox, a former pro surfer turned high-level coach who works closely with adult surfers to help them break through performance plateaus and surf with more power, control, and confidence. We talk about his coaching approach and how he emphasizes the importance of letting go of ego when surfing, and encourages surfers to embrace what he calls “dirty days” where progression comes from falling, experimenting, and getting uncomfortable. He explains how many adult learners skip the playful stage of surfing and end up lacking basic board control. Adam also talks about the value of paddle training, surf skates, and surfing mid-face to build real speed and connection with the wave. At the core of his approach is learning how to harness the wave’s energy through better mechanics, positioning, and mindset. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 02:17 Welcome Back Adam Knox 02:36 The Accident: Dirt Bikes, Loss, and Perspective 09:17 Recovery, Pain, and Progress 12:07 From Prodigies to Adults: Coaching Shift 14:50 Individualized Coaching vs. Generic Programs 16:45 Surfing Midface & Harnessing Energy 18:21 Dirty Days: Playing, Failing & Board Skills 26:46 Surf Skates & Carvers: Training Tools 30:16 Breaking Down Rail Engagement & Wave Energy 34:32 Lineup IQ, Hunting Waves, and Sniper Mindset 38:43 Wave Pools for Rapid Progression 47:09 Surfboard Selection & Volume Strategy 52:54 Final Thoughts: Train, Commit, and Let Go 57:06 Upcoming Trips & How to Work with Adam 59:09 Recovery, Community, and Rebuilding Through Coaching Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    1h 2m
  3. Secrets to Improving as a Beginner w/ The Surf Continuum

    JAN 26

    Secrets to Improving as a Beginner w/ The Surf Continuum

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  Chris and Evan from @thesurfcontinuum talk about how to progress as a beginner surfer in this week’s episode of the Basis Surf Podcast. We talked about the importance of starting out with a solid foundation and how most people try to move too quickly without putting in consistent time in the water. We also got into board control, on and off the wave, and covered the art of missing waves. We also talked about the value of paddling in every aspect of surfing. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:32 Paddling Is the Foundation of Surfing 01:20 Introducing Chris and Evan (The Surf Continuum) 02:34 The Kookcast Origin Story 04:06 Evan’s Maldives Kook Story 06:00 What Surf Schools Get Wrong 09:33 Starting Beginners in the Whitewater and on Boogie Boards 12:10 The False “Intermediate” and Rethinking the Stand-Up 15:38 Why the End of the Wave Matters 17:55 Leashless Surfing and Board Control 21:32 Surfing With Intention, Not Autopilot 26:40 Efficient Paddling and the 50% Rule 32:33 The Art of Missing Waves 39:05 Board Choice: It’s Not the Arrow 50:27 Final Lessons, Intentions, and Desert Island Boards Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    1h 8m
  4. Exploring Surfboards & Intentions w/ Cliff Kapono

    JAN 19

    Exploring Surfboards & Intentions w/ Cliff Kapono

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  In this episode we’ve got Cliff Kapono, a pro surfer and scientist from the Big Island of Hawaii. We speak about his approach to surfing growing up, from riding whatever boards were around to chasing the feeling of freedom and safety in the ocean. We then get into how his relationship with surfing changed over the years, and discuss the concept of chasing waves with inner peace. We also talk about his incredible work studying reef structures and their connection to surf breaks. And finally, Cliff also just came out with an amazing film, Circadian Rhythms, that encapsulates this circular story of his approach and relationship to surfing.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:48 Paddle Power and Getting More Waves 01:31 Introducing Cliff Kapono and Circadian Rhythms 02:18 Growing Up Surfing on the Big Island 05:23 Boarding School and Weekend Surf Missions 10:15 Surf Culture, Boards, and Early Style 13:11 Surfing as Stability and Escape 16:44 Chasing Feeling Over Performance 18:56 Learning 360s, Airs, and Obsession 21:42 First Sessions at Pipeline 26:01 Stepping Away From Surfing 30:06 Boards as Tools for Feeling 35:44 Letting Go of Validation and Learning Turns 45:07 The Meaning Behind Circadian Rhythms 52:39 Surf Science, Reefs, and What’s Next Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok

    1h 11m
  5. Breaking Through Walls w/ Jonas Bohemian Surf Bum

    JAN 12

    Breaking Through Walls w/ Jonas Bohemian Surf Bum

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  Jonas a.k.a. Bohemian Surf Bum is a German surfer and content creator who’s in the process of making a surf film titled Coastal Cowboy. In this episode, we talk about the problems that arise when you try to force surfing before you’re ready. He shares stories of frustration and ego and the many walls he hit while learning the basics of surfing. We also discuss why flow, comfort, and endurance in surfing isn’t built on power or repetition alone, but also on intention and time in the water.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:29 Introducing the Coastal Cowboy Film 00:46 Paddle Power Is the Limiting Factor 02:24 Prevalence of German Surfers 03:40 Leaving Germany for Surfing 04:44 Reconnecting With Surfing During COVID 07:45 Surfing as Therapy and Emotional Reset 12:22 Flow vs Forcing in Surfing 13:09 The Struggle With Overthinking Progress 14:54 Breaking Through Surfing Plateaus 16:03 The Importance of Humility in the Lineup 18:31 Learning More on S****y Waves 23:47 Training Surf Skills on Dry Land 24:51 Transitioning to Longboarding 27:05 Surf Trips Without Forecasts or Phones 28:09 The Surf-Horse Adventure Begins Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    33 min
  6. Surfing Smarter: Technique, Equipment, and Longevity w/ Magnum Martinez

    12/29/2025

    Surfing Smarter: Technique, Equipment, and Longevity w/ Magnum Martinez

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  In this episode, we have a returning guest, Olympic coach and ISA World Master Champ, Magnum Martinez. Having gone through a serious hamstring injury, he talks about the importance of rehabilitation, patience, and adapting surfing techniques, especially when transitioning to bigger boards. Magnum also highlights the significance of paddle fitness and the keys to a good pop up. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:00  Paddle Training & Staying Surf‑Ready   01:36  Podcast Intro & Magnum’s Background   03:57  The Injury: How It Happened   07:22  Immediate Aftermath & Realizing the Severity   09:59  Mental Challenge of Recovery   13:51  Rehab Mindset: Patience, Healing, and Discipline   20:15  Physical Therapy, Massage, and Long‑Term Commitment   25:33  Injury Prevention, Flexibility, and Aging as an Athlete   29:26  Returning to Surfing & Pop‑Up Limitations   34:17  Footwork, Range of Motion, and Technique Adjustments   37:15  Riding Bigger Boards After Injury   44:14  Training Harder After 50   50:11  Board Size, Rail Engagement, and Progression   56:54  Single Fins, Longer Lines, and Surf Technique Development   01:04:23  Paddle Technique, Fitness, and Basis Trainer Insights   Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    1h 19m
  7. Finding Flow and Keeping Surfing Simple w/ Micah Margieson

    12/22/2025

    Finding Flow and Keeping Surfing Simple w/ Micah Margieson

    Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/  In this episode, @micahmargieson talks about his evolution as a surfer, from growing up on the Gold Coast with his dad Brendan “Margo” Margieson, to finding his own approach to surfboards, style, and mindset. Micah shared what it was like growing up with his dad, and how that helped him stay grounded during his junior comp years. We also got into his surfboard sponsorship journey, starting with STCY, then moving through Chilli, Sharp Eye, Album, Arakawa, and eventually landing on JS, with specific mention of the Golden Child surfboard. He breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and how trying different designs and fin set ups has shaped his surfing. We also talked about how he trains and how he keeps his flow.  Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:48 Micah’s Paddle Power Transformation 02:58 Growing Up with Margo 04:19 Lessons from Dad: Pressure, Style & Mental Game 05:13 Learning to Surf the Right Way 08:16 Micah’s Influences & Style Evolution 12:39 Flow State and No Intention Surfing 15:08 Training Philosophy & Balance 17:40 Paddle Fitness in Europe 21:00 Board Journey: From Stacey to Sharp Eye 23:25 Riding Maurice Coles & Board Feel 27:09 Transition to Album Surfboards 30:56 Finding the Golden Child (JS Industries) 33:07 Step-Ups, Big Waves & the Big Horse 35:29 Fins, Small Wave Boards, and What’s Next Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    41 min
  8. Preventing Surf Injuries w/ Alister Cran of Surf Rehab

    12/15/2025

    Preventing Surf Injuries w/ Alister Cran of Surf Rehab

    2-4X your wavecount with the Basis Paddle Trainer and accelerate your progression and fun. Shipping globally. www.surfbasis.com Get free resources to upgrade your paddle power https://linktr.ee/gosurfbasis Join hundreds of other surfers who have dramatically boosted their wave count and progression.  For many surfers, paddle power is their biggest limiting constraint, so paddle training is the highest returning investment you can make in your surfing. Alister Cran (@surf_rehab) is a surf rehab specialist who helps professional and everyday surfers overcome surfing related injuries. He talks about the most common injuries he sees, particularly knee, neck, back and hip injuries, and mentions some simple but effective ways to prevent them. Throughout our chat, Alister continues to emphasize the importance of strength training, mobility, and mental health in injury recovery and performance enhancement. We also touch on the significance of deliberate practice in improving surf and paddle technique, the impact of surf-specific training equipment, and finally close off with Alister’s upcoming surf physiotherapy and wellness retreats. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 02:08 Intro: Basis Surf x Surf Rehab 02:44 How Alister Became a Surf Physio 03:51 Nitro Circus, X Games & Rock Tours 06:13 Moving to Bali & Treating Pros 07:24 The Top 4 Surf Injuries 09:23 Acute vs Overuse Injuries 11:11 Best Knee Prehab: Heavy Lifting 14:51 Strength vs Mobility for Surfers 17:50 When Mobility Fails: Hip Structure Issues 22:08 Your Body as a System  26:19 Neck Wipeouts, Disc Bulges & Rehab 31:54 Simple Neck Training for Desk Surfers 34:27 Leg Strength, Paddle Trainer & Performance Gains Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more! Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook

    54 min
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4.7
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Interviews with pros, coaches, and shapers to help the everyday surfer get better at the thing they love. @Gosurfbasis on IG, TikTok, FB, and YT Train your paddling anytime, anywhere, with the Basis paddle trainer. www.surfbasis.com

Information

  • Creator
    Basis Surf
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Basis Surf Podcast

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