Surf Splendor

Welcome to Creators & Innovators. Each month we’ll seek to distill the character traits, motivations, and the daily rituals of creatives in hopes of developing a blueprint for how to disrupt norms and innovate in one’s own space. Today we bring a conversation with professional surfer, journalist, and PhD chemist, Cliff Kapono. Dr. Kapono shares … Continue reading "225 – Introducing Creators & Innovators" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the 5 Minute Recap. A quick, concise overview of each event on the WSL championship tour. Today, a recap of the Corona Open J-Bay. Supported by Finatic.com, use promo code “podcast” to support this show and get your first month free. The 2018 Corona Open J-Bay. Oh my. Occasionally this happens for … Continue reading "224 – 5 Minute Recap: Corona Open J-Bay" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is with Dr. Aaron James. A Harvard PhD, professor and chair of philosophy at UC Irvine, James is a lifelong surfer and the author of the new book “Surfing With Sartre: An Aquatic Inquiry Into A Life of Meaning”. The book examines our current era of leisure, the value of centering one’s … Continue reading "224 – Aaron James, PhD: Surfing with Sartre" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one make a living as a professional free surfer today? Alex Gray unpacks the tribulations and rewards of chasing swell around the world. Do pro surfers pay for photographers travel? Who finances the safety teams? Where can you sell photos nowadays? How do professionals recoup the investment of surf travel? Alex reveals all, … Continue reading "223 – Alex Gray" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whilst we watched these massive waves barreling on our tiny hand held screens around the world, the warrior wrestled his broken heart over the ledge and locked into another lifetime wave. Because bravery was backed by preparation and a spiritual yearning for the big picture within his soul. Dane unwraps his mindset and describes the … Continue reading "222 – Dane Gudauskas Unpacks After Fiji" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Brink is a lead proponent of asymmetrical surfboard design. A designer since youth, Donald paints, makes plywood fins, and as a surfboard shaper he believes that all board designs can be enhanced with asymmetrical adjustments. On today’s show Donald unveils his new collaboration board with Channel Islands and his new podcast venture, Swell … Continue reading "221 – Donald Brink: Swell With My Soul" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the 5 Minute Recap. A quick concise overview of each event on the WSL championship tour. Today, a recap of the Corona Bali Pro-tected. Supported by Finatic.com, use promo code “podcast” to support this show and get your first month free. The 2018 Corona Bali Pro-tected, a new name to a not … Continue reading "220 – 5 Minute Recap: Corona Bali Protected" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Prodan of the WSL weighs-in on the biggest pro surf headlines from this first half of 2018; the reasons behind the Margaret River cancellation, whether Kelly will get an injury wildcard in 2019 despite his freesurf exploits, whether the WSL will mandate a standard in the 360 vs 540 debate, Waco’s affect on Surf … Continue reading "219 – Dave Prodan of the WSL" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Santa Cruz board builder Travis Reynolds is the 2018 winner of the Icons of Foam shaping competition. In today’s episode Travis opens up about the perils of rapid growth, the value of shaping machines, exploring asymmetry, and growing up riding big boards during Santa Cruz’s high-performance heyday. Enjoy! Today’s studio A post shared by David … Continue reading "218 – Travis Reynolds" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the 5 Minute Recap. A quick concise overview of each event on the WSL championship tour. Today, a recap of the Oi Rio Pro. Supported by Finatic.com, use promo code “podcast” to support this show and get your first month free. The 2018 Oi Rio Pro is the single greatest Brazil WCT … Continue reading "217 – 5 Minute Recap: Oi Rio Pro" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple called him “a pioneer with profound impact” and Newsweek magazine said he “changed the public face of graphic design”. In 1991 David Carson redesigned Surfer Magazine and established a now iconic graphic design style seated in raw human emotion. That work led to numerous awards and an expansive client list that includes Audi, … Continue reading "216 – David Carson" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Martz founded The Waterman’s Guild in 1983. In the past 35 years it’s become renowned as one of the world’s leading surfboard glass shops; glassing boards for everyone from Dale Velzy, to Lightning Bolt, to Channel Islands and Rusty. In today’s episode Greg explains how one bad fall on a skimboard led him to … Continue reading "215 – Greg Martz of The Waterman’s Guild" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Chas and David discuss The Year of The Snake and why Jake Patterson is the most disruptive coach in surfing, they critique current hair styles trending on the top 32, analyze potentially racist surf etymology, and discuss how to extort rich tourists. Plus everyone’s favorite game, Barrel or Nah? Enjoy! Follow @ReportsFromHell and @SurfSplendor … Continue reading "019 – The Grit! April 23, 2018" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing the 5 minute contest recap. All the important details (sans the lulls between sets) that transpired during the 2018 Margaret River Pro. Fights, sharks, and a 24-way tie. Bite sized, potent, and straight to the blood stream. Enjoy! The 5 Minute Recap is made possible by Finatic.com. Use promo code “podcast” to support this … Continue reading "214 – 5 Minute Recap: Margaret River Pro" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger Hinds’ 40 year mantra, “Built by One Pair of Hands” was challenged last week when his glass shop closed. In today’s episode we discuss the new economics of board building, why some surfboard brands have outsourced manufacturing, how that has affected the surfboard industry in Southern California, and what’s next for Roger Hinds … Continue reading "213 – Roger Hinds and the State of Board Building" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing the 5 minute contest recap. Today we’ll bring you all the important details (sans the lulls between sets) that transpired during the 2018 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Bite sized, potent, and straight to the blood stream. Enjoy! The 5 Minute Recap is made possible by Finatic.com. Use promo code “podcast” to support … Continue reading "212 – 5 Minute Recap: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s conversation is with San Diego surfboard shaper Josh Hall. Josh discusses starting his career at the very bottom (ding repair), studying Spanish literature, detouring through Europe to import wine, surviving situational depression, rediscovering surfing and he explains why Skip Frye wears a fanny pack. Enjoy! We also chat with Maui shaper Jeff Timpone to … Continue reading "211 – Josh Hall" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is with 4-time kneeboard world champion and WSL commentator Gigs Cellier. Gigs shares stories from his life in South Africa, witnessing Tom Curren’s famous first wave at JBay, participating in Jordy’s ascent to greatness, he was in the commentary booth for Mick Fanning’s shark encounter, and he explains why South Africa is still … Continue reading "210 – WSL Commentator Gigs Celliers" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we catch up with surfboard shaper Josh Martin. Josh is carrying on a family legacy of shaping, started by his father Terry Martin and uncle Mickey Munoz. Terry is credited as having shaped more surfboards than any other human (estimated around 80,000) and built boards for Gerry Lopez, Wayne Bartholomew, Shaun Tomson, … Continue reading "209 – Josh Martin" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, David is in the hot seat. Tyler Breuer from Swell Season was visiting from NYC and took the lead position to interview David about his origin story, his relationships with Scott Bass and Chas Smith, and his 5 year plan for Surf Splendor. David also takes a few minutes to catch with … Continue reading "208 – David on Swell Season and Rob Colby of Need Essentials" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Grit! with Chas Smith is now exclusively available on it’s own podcast feed. Pull up your app, search “The Grit” and click subscribe so that you never miss an episode. This week we console each other about divorce, Chas finds out he has skin cancer, and we solve all of the surf world’s biggest problems. … Continue reading "Get The Grit! on it’s own podcast feed!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Prodan is the SVP of Global Brand Identity for the World Surf League. He’s been with the organization since 2005 and has evolved through various roles and has helped shape the WSL as we experience it today. On today’s show, Prodan provides insights into the changes to the 2018 ‘CT season, addresses rumors, makes … Continue reading "207 – Dave Prodan from the World Surf League" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s salacious episode of The Grit!, Chas and David discuss Ashton’s police report and the fallout involved with sending a Sheriff to the Surfrider Foundation’s offices, backroom deals on the North Shore and its relation to police corruption in Honolulu, plus sexbots, Shaun White, and so much more! Take the candy! Support Surfrider.org and … Continue reading "015 – The Grit! February 19, 2018" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is with master laminator Alex “Superwolf” Villalobos. Superwolf laminates for Ryan Burch, Joel Tudor, Jeff McCallum, and is well renowned as one of surfing’s finest laminators and resin colorists. Superwolf not only shares his origin story, but also illuminates what you should look for when you purchase a surfboard, how to order a … Continue reading "205 – Superwolf" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of The Grit! Chas and David reflect on #DebateGate and ponder the fallacy of bad publicity. They also discuss their experiences at Surf Ranch, analyze the WSL’s $30 million dollar Facebook partnership and their withdrawal from Hawai’i, and Chas pleads for bartending work. Oh, and a round of everyone’s favorite game, Barrel … Continue reading "014 – The Grit! February 5, 2018" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, the secret is out. On November 21st, 2017 I surfed Kelly’s Surf Ranch with 14 friends and members of surf media. In today’s episode I recap the day with two of the attendees, writers Jamie Brisick and Matt Warshaw. We discuss the mechanics of the wave itself, how much we’d pay to surf it … Continue reading "203 – Surf Ranch with Jamie Brisick & Matt Warshaw" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we wax on with superstar photographer, Clark Little. Clark shares his origin story, explains why he gave up surfing, details how he became friends with the prince of Dubai, and how a $200,000 gamble has altered the course of his life. Enjoy! Follow @ClarkLittle and ClarkLittlePhotography.com And watch Clark’s “Shorebreak” series on … Continue reading "202 – Clark Little" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we chat with surfboard shaper Manny Caro. Manny shares his origin story, how nature informs his surfboard design theory, formative experiences with Rich Pavel and Marc Andreini, the importance of sourcing locally made building materials, and how to cultivate sustainable growth in a business. Enjoy! Visit MandalaCustomShapes.com and follow @SwallowTailSociety Twelve years ago … Continue reading "201 – Manny Caro" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is a heated debate between surf media’s Ashton Goggans from Stab Magazine and Chas Smith from BeachGrit. Topics range from the professional to the very personal and tempers flare into a physical altercation (33 minute mark!). Chas’s mudslinging tactics, Stab’s comments section, deleted articles, payment withholdings from advertisers, it’s all covered here. Welcome … Continue reading "013 – Debate: Surf Media, Chas vs. Ashton" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Brisick is a former pro surfer turned writer. He was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 2008. His stories have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Surfer’s Journal. He’s written 3 books, his most recent “Becoming Westerly” tells the true story of Australian surfing champion Peter Drouyn transitioning to Westerly Windina. Jamie … Continue reading "199 – Jamie Brisick" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s John John Day! Join Chas and David as they celebrate JJF’s 2nd World Title, JFlo’s 2nd Pipe Masters win, and Dirty Gabe’s perennial villain status. The boys discuss why God forsaked Gabriel, why the WSL judges need to stay in Santa Monica all year long, the break-up of surfing’s biggest power couple, and why … Continue reading "198 – The Grit! December 19, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we Wax On with Matt Warshaw. Matt tells us his origin story, what compelled him to chronicle surfing’s history, the value of distancing one’s self from the act of surfing, while he gave away all his surfboards, and what’s next for the Encyclopedia of Surfing. Enjoy! Support the Encyclopedia of Surfing by … Continue reading "197 – Matt Warshaw: The Encyclopedia of Surfing" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of The Grit! David and Chas discuss what price would be required for them to sell-out to traditional surf media, why Wade Carmichael will dominate 2018, they implore Joe Turpel to learn how to Omoplata, and discuss the ethics of telling someone to “suck a dick”. Take the candy! FOLLOW UP Surfrider … Continue reading "012 – The Grit! with Chas Smith, December 6, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we Wax On with “the most interesting surfer in the world” (according to Surfing Magazine), Dave Parmenter. Dave responds to the public’s perception of him being a curmudgeon, he recounts the time he rode a longboard in the OP Pro, he explains his current exploration of foil surfing, dissects fin design and set-up, and … Continue reading "195 – Dave Parmenter" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most important detail about today’s episode of The Grit! is that David and Chas solve of all surfing’s race relations. You’re welcome. Additionally, Chas explains his falling out with Morgan Maassen and why he wants to buy an SUP. David then shares the joys of surfing naked and novelty waves. Take the candy! FOLLOW … Continue reading "011 – The Grit! November 21, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The release of The Seawolf marks the debut of a very talented artist. As a musician, a cinematographer, a director, and as a storyteller, Ben Gulliver delivers one of the best surf films of 2017. In today’s episode of Wax On, we chat about how Ben journeyed from the Canadian skate scene into surfing, how to … Continue reading "193 – The Seawolf, Ben Gulliver" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode of The Grit! is brought to you by you, the listener! The entire episode was crafted from user submitted comments, emails, and DMs. What starts as lighthearted quickly devolves into a therapy session where both David and Chas question their surfing abilities, their reasons for surfing, and their entire life’s path. It’s a … Continue reading "010 – The Grit! November 6, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is engineered with auditory sensitization systems with hollow fiber ear canal mapping designed to enhance inner cochlea stimulation! Don’t miss it! Oh, and David and Chas discuss Zach Weisberg’s hurt feelings, JJF’s secret power, and which style of tattoo is the new Tramp Stamp. Enjoy! TURMOIL IN SURF MEDIA! Stab punks The Inertia Click … Continue reading "009 – The Grit! with Chas Smith, October 27, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Calvani is the owner and head shaper of Bing Surfboards. Bing Surfboards is one of very few remaining California legacy surfboard brands. Founded in 1959 by Bing Copeland, Calvani officially partnered in the business in 2007. In today’s episode of Shaping Surfing, Calvani discusses the responsibility of fostering a legacy, the challenges of keeping … Continue reading "190 – Matt Calvani" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of The Grit! Chas and David pay homage to the fabulous wordsmiths who market wetsuits (Technobutter!), then discuss the cancelation of The Eddie, which surf media outlet employs the finest surfers, why we’re boycotting the WSL, and why you should never put a sticker on your surfboard. Plus, a round of #KookAndCurren … Continue reading "008 – The Grit! October 9, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashton Goggans is a writer and the new Editor-in-Chief of Stab Magazine. Today’s conversation centers around the ever evolving media landscape, where Surfer Magazine is failing, revitalizing the importance of the cover shot, the limitations of a hi-performance shortboard focus, and how Stab will compete for relevance in the Insta-age. Enjoy! Follow @SurfSplendor and @AshtonSealegs … Continue reading "188 – Ashton Goggans of Stab Magazine" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of Shaping Surfing with chat with North Shore shaper Jon Pyzel. From humble beginning in Santa Barbara to a life changing encounter with Alexandra Florence, Pyzel details his origin story, the inciting incidents and the motivating factors that have inspired a life dedicated to surfing. He also shares about his relationship with … Continue reading "187 – Jon Pyzel" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shaping Surfing with Jon Pyzel is getting bumped back to next week so that we can recap the historic day that was “The Test” at Kelly Slater’s Wave Ranch. In this episode of The Grit! David and Chas discuss the emergence of elitism to surfing, the WSL’s policy to bar media from the event, surf … Continue reading "007 – The Grit! September 21, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s gargantuan sized (vodka & coco fueled) episode of Grit! David and Chas battle over who is more “racist”, they analyze whether Gerry Lopez is still able to get barreled, discuss whether it’s okay to pee in Kelly’s pool, and when it’s appropriate to tell your male friend “I love you” (spoiler alert, always). … Continue reading "006 – The Grit! September 11, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we Wax On with San Diego mid-length impresario Devon Howard. A writer, professional surfer, marketing consultant, and surf history advocate, Devon shares how San Diego surf culture has influenced surfboard design, why surf writers are too scared to tell the truth, which surf website is akin to McDonalds, why you need an … Continue reading "184 – Devon Howard" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode of Grit! was recorded at Album Surf in San Clemente, California where Matt Parker generously loans Chas an asymmetrical board and explains he design theory and why it’ll help Chas shred harder than ever. David and Chas then discuss purchasing and reviving the greatest surf brand of all time, whether or not to puka … Continue reading "005 – Grit! with Chas Smith, August 27, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a very short period Ryan Lovelace has developed some of the most interesting and sought after surfboards in the market. From humble beginnings and hands-on learning, Lovelace has developed a worldwide cult-following of fans. Made entirely by hand, Lovelace Surf Crafts are an exploration of inventive lines and contours that seamlessly meld traditional design … Continue reading "182 – Ryan Lovelace" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we Wax On with Chris Gallagher Stone. You may have seen him in the channel during the Billabong Pro. He is a former ‘CT surfer, a surfboard shaper, and currently, Jordy Smith’s coach. We discuss why Jordy hasn’t won a world title (yet), Jordy’s new found humility, Jordy’s weaknesses, how they got Jordy to … Continue reading "181 – Coaching Jordy, Chris Gallagher Stone" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spit! podcast is no longer available through Surf Splendor. Search “Spit Surf” in your podcast app and subscribe to the show. Thanks and shred on! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this gargantuan sized episode of Grit, David and Chas discuss why Derek Reilly left Stab and co-founded Beach Grit, whether it’s okay for a 35 year old dad to skateboard, SUP’r fist fights, Drugs vs Booze, 360s vs 540s, why you should never wash your jeans nor tie your shoes, and things get really … Continue reading "004 – Grit! Chas Smith, August 10, 2017" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices