Surf Mastery - Surfing Tips and Wisdom for Lifelong Surfers

Michael Frampton
  • 4.8 (247)
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Are you finding it hard to get better at surfing, struggling to catch waves, negotiate the line up and understand surf culture? This podcast that helps passionate lifelong surfers to catch more waves, surf with more speed, style, grace and to gain wisdom and confidence in the water Discover why you aren't getting the most out of your surfing, the exact steps to take to improve, so you can develop not only your surfing, but also your relationship to surfing and the ocean. The podcast shares lessons of my transformation from frustrated, below-average adult-surfer, to a confident, competent and respected surfer. The podcast is a mix of long form interviews with the best surfers, surf coaches and industry leaders, and focused, shorter episodes with specific surfing tips. Episodes 100, 108 and 111 are a great place to start.

  1. 12/23/2025

    132 The Only Way to Get Better at Surfing: Obsess Over It

    Are you ready to transform your surfing in 2026 by going all in - completely obsessed, fully immersed, and totally committed? This is the ONLY way to truly improve. If you're feeling stuck in your surf progression or yearning to break through to the next level, this solo episode with host Michael Frampton dives deep into the one mindset shift that separates average surfers from true masters. It's not just about passion, it's about short-term obsession to create long-term transformation. Learn why a temporary period of full-blown surfing obsession could be the key to lasting surf progression. Discover practical ways to build your life around surfing without giving up your responsibilities. Get inspired with a clear roadmap for turning 2026 into the year you finally identify not just as someone who surfs, but as a true surfer. Press play now to find out how to make 2026 your breakthrough year of total surf immersion and mastery. www.surfmastery.com The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer - whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer - this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more - so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    8 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    131 Why You're Missing Waves (and What the Pros See That You Don't)

    Are you truly reading the wave, or just watching water move? Discover how paying attention to the ocean's smallest details could completely transform your surfing. If you've ever felt stuck in your surf progression, unsure why better technique isn't getting better results, this episode is your wake-up call. It's not just about turning sharper or paddling harder, it's about changing how you see the ocean. Whether you're an intermediate surfer or decades in, understanding how to focus and read the wave can be the game-changer you've been missing. Learn how world-class surfers like Tom Carroll gain a massive edge by spotting secondary swells, backwashes, and subtle refractions that most surfers miss. Discover why your technique won't matter if you can't focus and how mindfulness and meditation off the board can level up your performance on it. Shift your entire relationship with surfing by embracing a personal surfing philosophy rooted in joy, longevity, and self-defined progression - not surf industry hype. Press play to learn how changing your mindset and mastering wave reading can unlock deeper flow, better waves, and more fulfilling sessions in any surf condition. www.surfmastery.com Michael Frampton and Van Vu (Originallly published on the Surf Basis Podcast) The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer - whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer - this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more - so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    59 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    130 How Details Transform Surfing, Self-Talk & Relationships with Kyle Thiermann

    What if the key to mastering any craft - surfing, storytelling, relationships, or even table tennis - lies in simply slowing down and noticing the smallest details? In a fast-paced world that often rewards intensity and output, we easily overlook the quiet power of presence and reflection. Whether you're navigating the chaos of Mavericks or confronting inner narratives, this episode reveals how attention to detail can reshape not just your performance, but your perspective on life itself. Discover why focusing on one small detail - like the placement of your back foot - can dramatically improve your surf sessions and silence self-doubt. Learn how table tennis taught Kyle Thiermann a life-altering lesson about humility, ego, and mastery that spills over into his big wave surfing. Explore how interviewing his parents not only led to his new book but also transformed his relationships and deepened his empathy through the art of asking better questions. Listen now to uncover how Kyle Thiermann's philosophy of detail and reflection can elevate not just your surfing, but your entire approach to growth and connection. Kyles' - Book:  https://geni.us/onelastqbeforeyougo Website: https://www.kylethiermann.com Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kyle_tman/ Kyle was first on the show in 2018 - episode 27 Kyle Thiermann is a surfer, podcast host, and author of One Last Question Before You Go, a book about why you should interview your parents. www.surfmastery.com Music: Leo Meizoso - Soul Elegance  The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer - whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfe - this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more - so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    1h 8m

  4. 11/11/2025

    129 Lineup Strategy, Surfing Technique and Reading the Ocean with Surf Coach Matt Scorringe

    What if the key to unlocking your best surfing isn't how you ride a wave - but how you read the ocean before you even paddle for it? Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just stepping up to steeper waves, too many of us overlook the 99% of surfing that happens off the board. In this eye-opening episode, elite surf coach Matt Scorringe shares why ocean knowledge - not tricks or turns - is the hidden edge that separates good surfers from great ones. If you've ever felt lost in the lineup, struggled with wave selection, or wondered how top surfers always seem to be in the right spot, this conversation is for you. Discover the missing piece in most surf coaching: how reading the ocean gives you faster decision-making, greater confidence, and better waves. Learn how to turn crowded lineups into a game of strategy, not frustration, using Matt's unique "first line of defense" approach. Explore how treating the ocean like a playground—not a proving ground - can unlock more joy, progression, and long-term success in your surfing journey. Hit play now to learn how rethinking your approach to wave reading and lineup dynamics can instantly elevate your surfing experience. https://www.theartofsurfing.com Use Discount Code: "surfmastery25" for 25% discount on Matts Academy and Remote coaching program. Matts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattyscorringe/?hl=en For more visit www.surfmastery.com Music: "Fernweh" by Nachur The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    59 min

  5. 10/14/2025

    128 Surfing Etiquette and the Evolution of Surf Culture with Holly Beck

    Is the surfer catching the most waves always the best surfer in the lineup - or just the loudest? Surfing is more crowded than ever, and the line between etiquette and entitlement in the lineup is getting blurry. Whether you're new to surfing or a seasoned local, understanding the evolving ethics of surf culture can make or break your session - and everyone else's. Hear Holly Beck share how her transformation from competitive surfer to retreat leader changed her perspective on surf etiquette. Learn why the unspoken "rules" of the lineup are more complex than just "who's deepest," and how understanding nuance can lead to a better surf experience. Discover how surf culture can shift towards empathy and inclusivity without sacrificing skill, tradition, or respect.  Tune in to hear a refreshingly real and nuanced conversation that will challenge how you think about surfing, sharing waves, and what it truly means to be the best surfer in the water. https://surfwithamigas.com www.surfmastery.com   The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    1h 23m

  6. 09/17/2025

    127 See Feel Do - The 3 Pillars of Good Surfing - (Best of Episode)

    Are you truly seeing the wave - or are you missing the subtle signals that could transform your surfing forever? Many surfers hit a performance plateau because they focus only on big maneuvers and ignore the foundational skills that unlock flow, control, and wave mastery. In this "Best of" episode, discover the overlooked mental and physical shifts that elite surfers use to elevate their performance - without needing better waves or a new board.   Learn how to "read" the ocean and see opportunities in every wave, just like world champion Tom Carroll. Discover why the best surfers don't think balance - they feel it, and how you can train your instincts to surf with more fluidity. Get a simple yet powerful breakdown of how waves and surfboards work, and why leaning - not forcing - is the secret to rail surfing. Hit play now to uncover the three timeless surf insights that will sharpen your focus, deepen your feel, and transform how you approach every session. www.surfmastery.com  Quotes from Episodes 2,3 and 14. Music: "make a smile" Anthony Mea

    12 min

  7. 08/14/2025

    126 Why Paddling is 90% of Surfing - And How to Master It with Rob Case

    Are you wasting energy every time you paddle out - and missing waves because of it? Most surfers spend 99% of their time in the water not actually riding waves. They're paddling, positioning, sitting, or struggling to get back out - and often doing it inefficiently. If you're tired of burning out in the lineup and still not catching the waves you want, this episode is for you.   Discover the three most common ways surfers waste energy - and how to fix them to catch more waves with less effort. Learn why your pop-up is the most important move in surfing - and how improving it could change everything. Explore how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset will fast-track your progression and elevate your surfing experience. Listen now to learn how to become a "lazy surfer" - and start catching more waves with far less effort. www.surfmastery.com Rob's Website: https://www.surfingpaddling.com   Episode Summary: In this episode, Michael Frampton welcomes back surf paddling expert Rob Case to dive deep into the often-overlooked side of surfing: everything that happens before you stand up. They explore the massive role paddling technique plays in wave-catching, the evolution of surf coaching, and the mindset shift needed for adult learners to truly progress. Rob discusses insights from his new book, shares practical ways to reduce energy waste in the water, and explains why becoming a "lazy surfer" might be the smartest thing you can do. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, this conversation will change the way you look at the ocean and your time in it. Key Points: Paddling is Most of Surfing: Rob highlights that around 99% of surfing is not standing on a wave - it's paddling, positioning, and ocean awareness. The Three Biggest Energy Wasters: Most surfers waste energy in paddling, wave-catching, and getting back out after a ride. Rob explains how improving technique in each area leads to more waves and less burnout. Why Pop-Ups Matter Most: The takeoff is surfing's most dynamic and demanding move. Mastering it is key to consistent, confident wave-riding. The Art vs. Sport Debate: Surfing is both art and sport. Treating it like an art form invites deeper curiosity and long-term progression. The Growth Mindset Advantage: Adult learners can progress quickly by being deliberate and focused and by embracing the role of student. Becoming a "Lazy Surfer": Rob's coaching philosophy is about helping surfers do more with less: catch more waves, waste less energy, and surf with more efficiency and grace. The Value of Observation & Ocean Reading: Watching the ocean with purpose, understanding swell periods, currents, and timing are vital skills to develop. Behind the Book: Rob shares the challenges and revelations of writing his new book and why it's designed to give every surfer access to paddling mastery, regardless of budget. The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer - whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer - this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    58 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    125 Master the Pop-up: Dry-Land Drills for Faster, Smoother Take-offs

    Struggling to stand up quickly and smoothly on your surfboard? Your popup might be the one skill holding your surfing back. The popup—your transition from paddling to riding—is the hardest maneuver in surfing and the foundation of every great ride. If yours is slow, clumsy, or inconsistent, it's costing you waves, confidence, and how others see you in the lineup. But with the right approach, you can build a fast, stable popup even if you started surfing later in life. Learn why a smooth, athletic popup sets the tone for your entire ride. Discover dry-land exercises that develop the exact strength, mobility, and control needed for a flawless takeoff. Get a step-by-step reverse training method to make your popup faster, more stable, and more consistent. Press play now to unlock the techniques and training drills that will transform your popup—and every wave you catch. www.surfmastery.com  Summary: Your popup is the foundation of every great ride—and one of the hardest skills to master in surfing. In this episode of the Surf Mastery Podcast, host Michael Frampton breaks down why the popup is so critical, what's really happening during the movement, and how to train it effectively on land. You'll learn the common mistakes that slow surfers down, how to build the strength and mobility needed for a lightning-fast takeoff, and the reverse training method that can transform your consistency in the water. Whether you're a late starter or looking to sharpen your fundamentals, these practical drills will help you catch more waves and surf with greater confidence. The Surf Mastery Podcast:  For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced

    8 min
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4.8
out of 5
247 Ratings

About

Are you finding it hard to get better at surfing, struggling to catch waves, negotiate the line up and understand surf culture? This podcast that helps passionate lifelong surfers to catch more waves, surf with more speed, style, grace and to gain wisdom and confidence in the water Discover why you aren't getting the most out of your surfing, the exact steps to take to improve, so you can develop not only your surfing, but also your relationship to surfing and the ocean. The podcast shares lessons of my transformation from frustrated, below-average adult-surfer, to a confident, competent and respected surfer. The podcast is a mix of long form interviews with the best surfers, surf coaches and industry leaders, and focused, shorter episodes with specific surfing tips. Episodes 100, 108 and 111 are a great place to start.

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