The Christian Surfers Podcast

Christian Surfers International
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

We share the good news of Jesus with surfers, following him together in community and empowering others to do the same. So that every surfer and every surfing community would have opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

  1. Purpose Through the Process with Cheyne Cottrell | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    1d ago

    Purpose Through the Process with Cheyne Cottrell | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this powerful episode of the Christian Surfers Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with former pro surfer & co-owner of Island Water Sports surf shop, Cheyne Cottrell, for an honest conversation about family legacy, surf culture, ministry, and a life shaped across continents by faith. Cheyne shares his journey growing up in Florida around Island Water Sports, a surf shop founded by his father that later became a platform for ministry and community. What began as a surf business soon became a bridge into church planting and outreach, shaping Cheyne’s early understanding of purpose and calling. As a teenager, his life shifted when his family moved to South Africa to help pioneer Christian Surfers South Africa. There, surfing, church, and mission life became deeply intertwined as his father helped grow a movement connecting surfers to Jesus. The conversation also reflects on Cheyne’s years traveling the world on the QS, living out of suitcases, chasing waves, and eventually stepping back into the family business in Florida. What was meant to be temporary became a long-term calling as he helped steward Island Water Sports into what it is today, now expanded across multiple locations. He also shares the impact of loss after the passing of his father in South Africa, and how his family has continued to live out faith through ministry, education, and service. Through it all, Cheyne reflects on identity, ambition, grief, and what it means to live with an eternal perspective - seeing surfing not as the destination, but as a tool to serve people and share Jesus. This is a story of legacy, faith, surf culture, and learning to trust God through every season. Huge thanks to @almondsurfboards and @trestlespropertymanagement for supporting this episode. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider supporting the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation helps us continue sharing stories of faith and reaching surfers around the world with the hope of Jesus.  Donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook: /csinternational Instagram: @christiansurfers_ #ChristianSurfers #SurfPodcast #JesusAndSurfing #FaithInTheLineup #SurfMinistry #Testimony #SurfCulture #HopeInJesus

    45 min
  2. Prodigal Surfer Kid to Full-Time Missionary with Reed Burr | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    May 28

    Prodigal Surfer Kid to Full-Time Missionary with Reed Burr | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with Reed Burr - missionary kid, surfer, filmmaker, and full-time staff with Christian Surfers - to unpack a story that moves from faith, to rebellion, and back again through radical encounters with God.Reed grew up in a global missionary family, living across Africa and the United States, learning to surf on the coast of Kenya and Ghana while wrestling with identity, belonging, and belief. Though surrounded by faith, he admits he had to reach a place where he personally questioned everything - from the existence of God to the authenticity of his upbringing.What followed was a raw and unfiltered season of rebellion, distance from faith, and searching for meaning in all the wrong places. But even in the midst of chaos, God was not absent. Through unexpected encounters, conviction, and moments that couldn’t be explained away, Reed describes how God slowly pulled him back into relationship with Him in a real and personal way.From there, everything changed.Reed shares how a Christian Surfers Bible given to him years earlier became a turning point — eventually leading him to discover Christian Surfers again, pick up the phone, and step into a full-circle calling that now sees him serving full-time as the media and storytelling lead for CS USA.Today, Reed and his wife Priscilla serve together as a family on mission, using media, photography, and storytelling to share the gospel through surf culture and global ministry - while raising their kids and trusting God for provision along the way.This episode is a reminder that faith isn’t inherited - it’s discovered. And sometimes the very thing you run from becomes the thing God uses to bring you home. Whether you’ve wrestled with belief, walked away from faith, or are trying to figure out what’s real, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to trust that God is still writing your story.Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook: / csinternational Instagram: / @christiansurfers_#ChristianSurfers #SurfAndFaith #JesusAndSurfing #FaithJourney #SurfTestimony #ProdigalSonStory #ChristianPodcast #SurfCulture #FaithInTheLineup #KingdomStory

    47 min
  3. Purpose Over Profit with John Cobian | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    May 22

    Purpose Over Profit with John Cobian | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this inspiring and faith-filled episode of Christian Surfers Talk Story, host Mark Story Chu sits down with Pastor John Cobian, founder of Cobian Footwear, to talk about surfing, business, ministry, and what it means to boldly follow Jesus in the surf industry.John shares the incredible story behind the launch of Cobian in 1995, from stepping out in faith after losing both his job and relationship, to watching God open unexpected doors through the global surf community. What began with little more than prayer, perseverance, and trust in the Lord grew into a brand that has impacted surfers, kids, families, ministries, and communities around the world.Throughout the conversation, Mark and John reflect on decades of partnership between Cobian and Christian Surfers, the importance of Christian fellowship within the surf industry, and the calling to be “salt and light” wherever God places us. John also opens up about prison outreach, serving orphanages in Mexico, supporting missions through surfing, and how Cobian continues to use its platform to share the hope of Jesus through business and community. From trade shows and surf trips to worship nights and ministry events, this episode is packed with powerful stories of faith, generosity, and God’s faithfulness over the last 30 years.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, surfer, ministry leader, or someone searching for purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust God fully and use your gifts to serve others and glorify Him. Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook: csinternational Instagram: @christiansurfers_

    38 min
  4. Pinned Down By The Love Of God with Kirk Beyer | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    Apr 3

    Pinned Down By The Love Of God with Kirk Beyer | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this inspiring episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu chats with Kirk, the Asia Pacific Area Director for Christian Surfers, to discuss his transformative journey from local church ministry to leading a thriving international organization. Kirk shares his personal faith story, a powerful spiritual encounter that deepened his relationship with Jesus, and the vision that drives Christian Surfers' exponential growth across the Asia Pacific region.  With a core philosophy of "equipping leaders to equip leaders," Kirk reveals how the ministry is not just growing, but multiplying across nations, from Hong Kong to Japan and beyond. Tune in to hear about God’s provision, the heart behind the mission, and how you can support the movement.Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.  You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook:   / csinternational    Instagram:   / @christiansurfers_    #ChristianSurfers #LeadershipDevelopment #FaithJourney #AsiaPacificMinistry #SurfingForJesus #ChurchLeadership #GodsProvision #SurfersCall #MultiplyingImpact #GlobalMinistry

    26 min
  5. CS Taiwan & The Buck Shot with Chris Chon | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    Apr 2

    CS Taiwan & The Buck Shot with Chris Chon | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this episode of the Christian Surfers Talk Story, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with longtime friend and surf missionary Chris Chon at the 2025 Christian Surfers International Gathering in Bali last year.  Chris shares his powerful testimony - from growing up in Southern California with a troubled family background to finding Jesus in Alaska of all places, and eventually pioneering Christian Surfers Taiwan. He opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs of surf ministry in Asia, the early days of planting a team in Taiwan, and his new role as East Asia Coordinator for Christian Surfers International. Ironically, Mark is of Taiwanese descent. You’ll hear stories of surfing next to temples, building grassroots movements with just a few people, and the vision for raising up national leaders across Asia. Chris also shares prayer requests, future plans, and how others can get involved in this exciting kingdom work. Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.  As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook:   / csinternational    Instagram:   / @christiansurfers_     #TalkStoryPodcast

    33 min
  6. Jessie Van Niekerk on Faith, Loss & Life on Tour| The Christian Surfers Podcast

    Feb 19

    Jessie Van Niekerk on Faith, Loss & Life on Tour| The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this inspiring episode, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with professional surfer Jessie Van Niekerk as she opens up about the realities of life on the Challenger Series, the mental and emotional toll of elite competition, and how she stays grounded in faith through it all. Jessie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at navigating the surf world’s pressures, the importance of surrounding yourself with a solid support system, and why losing more than winning is part of the journey. We also dive into her entrepreneurial side - how she founded her plant-based protein bar brand, Bubble Out, born from a need for healthy fuel on the road - and her role on the Amazon Prime reality show "Surf Girls." Jessie shares how she uses every platform, including TV, to authentically share her values and glorify God. Whether you’re a young athlete, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a purpose, Jessie’s story will challenge and encourage you to stay true to who you are - even in the spotlight. Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook: / csinternational Instagram: / @christiansuurfers_

    37 min
  7. A New Wave of Sports Ministry with Hannah Leary

    Jan 22

    A New Wave of Sports Ministry with Hannah Leary

    This week on the Christian Surfers Podcast, your host, Mark Sawyer-Chu, sits down with Hannah Leary from FCA Action Sports. Hannah serves as an Area Representative in the Carolinas, stepping into a role FCA had been praying to fill for over a decade. Her journey to this point is a powerful testament to God’s timing: though she grew up in the church, it wasn’t until a season of personal surrender - praying “send me anywhere” - that she fully committed her life to Jesus. Shortly after, her local church highlighted FCA, and doors swung open for her to bring the Gospel into the action sports world. In this conversation, we explore how FCA - a ministry historically known for football fields, basketball courts, and mainstream stick & ball sports - is now intentionally reaching every athlete, including surfers, skaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Hannah shares how this expansion led to natural, kingdom-minded partnerships with ministries like Christian Surfers, working together to run Surf Church outreaches, serve at contests, and disciple young athletes. Huge thanks to @trestlespropertymanagement and @almondsurfboards for helping make these podcast episodes happen. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

    25 min
  8. The Musician, the Surfer, the Disciple with Tim Foreman | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    Jan 8

    The Musician, the Surfer, the Disciple with Tim Foreman | The Christian Surfers Podcast

    In this special episode of Christian Surfers Talk Story, Tim Foreman - bassist of Grammy-winning rock band Switchfoot - joins host Mark Sawyer-Chu for a powerful, personal conversation on faith, music, surfing, and identity. Tim opens up about his early walk with Jesus, growing up as a pastor’s kid, and how authentic faith shaped his life before fame. Recorded in his vintage gear-filled San Diego studio for the band, this episode journeys through Tim's music career, the origin of the iconic “Bro-Am” surf/music event, and the behind-the-scenes stories of Switchfoot's surf documentary “Fading West.” They dive into: • The balance between tour life and surf life • The heart behind Tim’s solo album “Bongo Chico” • The legacy of Christian Surfers and North Coast Calvary Chapel • Surfing with legends like Rob Machado and Tom Curren • Why belonging before believing matters in surf ministry Whether you're a music lover, surfer, or simply navigating the tension between calling and community, this episode is a rich blend of reflection, laughter, and faith. Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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We share the good news of Jesus with surfers, following him together in community and empowering others to do the same. So that every surfer and every surfing community would have opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

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