Surf Splendor

“Learning to Breathe” filmmaker Rocky Romano is the subject of today’s show. “Learning to Breathe” is the heavy documentary film that follows professional surfer Anthony Ruffo as he struggles with drug addiction and faces criminal charges for dealing methamphetamine. In this episode we discuss the process of making the film and explore Romano’s current work … Continue reading "118 – “Learning to Breathe” filmmaker: Rocky Romano" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much (dare I say it) El Nino swell pumping through the Pacific lately. David and Scott break down the seasons from Todos Santos to Peahi. Scott discusses the highlights of Surf Expo, and David offers some insight into latest industry business news. Enjoy! EL NINO SWELL IN THE GREAT PACIFIC A couple underground chargers … Continue reading "117 – Surf News, January 19, 2016" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I grew up watching Andy Irons shred on Eric Arakawa’s but I was surprised to learn that shaping surfboards has only been one facet of Eric’s career. He’s an astute entrepreneur who has woven a fine balance of continually shaping boards and growing several successful businesses. I spent a couple of days with Eric in March of 2013. He … Continue reading "116 – Eric Arakawa" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this hard-hitting episode of Surf Splendor, David and Scott reveal their predictions for 2016, analyze social media’s ROI, step inside Strider’s Malibu barn, honor the Dukes, chastise the Kooks, and so much more. Dig in and enjoy! FOLLOW UP Even Geiselmann’s Post-Near-Drowning interview A 7 Mile Miracle from Ryan Moss on Vimeo. Kelly’s Wave … Continue reading "115 – Surf News, January 5, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus episode! David and Scott chime-in on Adriano’s World Title, the Pipe Masters, and Kelly Slater’s Wave Pool. It’s been a big week in surfing and we’re all the winners. Oh yeah, we also have Dukes and Kooks, Must-See Moments, and so much more. Enjoy and happy holidays! ADRIANO DE SOUZA’S PROFILE IN RED BULL’S … Continue reading "114 – Surf News, December 21, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finnegan’s been an important figure contributing to surfing for the past 30 years or so, mainly as a writer, but also as a discoverer and explorer. Professionally, he’s a staff writer at The New Yorker, since 1987, and author of 5 books including his most recent, Barbarian Days, which is the main subject of our … Continue reading "113 – William Finnegan: Barbarian Days" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a supersized show for you today, complete with an interview with Rob Machado and Firewire CEO Mark Price discussing Rob’s new line of Firewire constructed boards. The Machado interview starts at the 65 minute mark, so skip ahead if desired. The first half of the episode features David and Scott discussing all the … Continue reading "112 – Rob Machado and Surf News, December 14, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humorous, irreverent, sensational, speculative, BeachGrit has quickly become one of our favorite destinations for anything surf. Albeit often superficial, BeachGrit provides something that surf media has long avoided: gossip! Blood feuds, backroom deals, million dollar corporate buy-outs, BeachGrit provides the parking lot fodder that was previously only privy to industry bros. Oh, and they have opinions! “They” are Derek Rielly and Chas Smith, … Continue reading "111 – Derek Rielly & Chas Smith: BeachGrit" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show David and Scott have a pre-Pipeline discussion including Bruce Irons’ entry into the event, his new sponsorship deal, the Triple Crown standings, the Target Maui Pro, a horrific tragedy in Mexico, FCS’s purchase, Dukes and Kooks and much more! Enjoy! SHOULD SUNSET BE A ‘CT VENUE? Here’s what an 8.83 looks like. … Continue reading "110 – Surf News, December 1, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back! In today’s show David and Scott discuss the start of the Triple Crown, David reviews John John Florence’s new film “View From A Blue Moon”, David give’s his top 10 Surf Poll Awards, they pay respects to David Eggers, share Dukes and Kooks, and much more! Enjoy! VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING KICKS … Continue reading "109 – Surf News, November 19, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show David talks about surfing a tidal bore in Bordeaux, then he and Scott discuss designer reefs, the 10 most important surfers in the world, The Shapers’ Roundtable, reminisce on the Gnaraloo, Must-See Moments, Kooks and Dukes, and you know there’s so much more. Enjoy! TIDAL BORE IN BORDEAUX Learn more about Tidal … Continue reading "108 – Surf News, November 10, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back! David and Scott catch up on their travels, the World Title race going into Pipeline, opening season at Sunset, the recent tragedies at Swami’s, Dukes and Kooks, and much more! DAVID IN EUROPE Here’s Greg Long’s Instagrams of Hossegor while David was there. And the epic waves in Portugal And beautiful Cornwall, England! QUIKSIVER … Continue reading "107 – Surf News, November 4, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show David and Scott discuss surfing’s inclusion in the 2020 Olympics, Barbarian Days, Laird’s new clothing line, whether marriage hinders a world title campaign, Dukes, Kooks, Must-See Moments and more! BARBARIAN DAYS Click to purchase Barbarian Days THE QUIKSIVER PRO FRANCE John John, whose main sponsor is Hurley, is used as the poster … Continue reading "106 – Surf News, October 6, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Davis is the guest on today’s show. Davis is a journalist, and the author of the new book “Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku.” It is, in fact, the first comprehensive biography of Duke Kahanamoku. A lot of has been written about Duke and there’s been a mythology that has developed around … Continue reading "105 – Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show David and Scott discuss Kelly Slater and Joel Tudor’s jiu jitsu grapple, Quiksilver’s bankruptcy, the gruesome shark attack video in Instagram, Duke, Kooks, and much more! Man Attacked by Tiger Shark Posts It On Instagram Warning! Very graphic imagery. LOWERS Congrats Mick and Carissa! Link to the BeachGrit article “The Mick Fanning … Continue reading "104 – Surf News, September 22, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show we talk to Surf Aid founder Dr. Dave Jenkins. He explains the Mother & Child Health Project that he distributes through the remotes regions of Indonesia. In the second part of the show, David & Scott discuss the Hurley Lowers Pro thus far: Kelly’s insane 4 point ride, his anonymous board, Freddy … Continue reading "103 – SURF AID’s DR. DAVE JENKINS & HURLEY LOWERS PRO" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode David and Scott discuss kook slams, the anomaly of the current North Shore activity, the perils of kitesurfing, how Julian will win the world title this year, and Curren playing jazz at Sumbawa. Enjoy! BRIEF TAHITI RECAP Filipe’s Blunder in Tahiti Flores Pig Dog’s to Victory TRESTLES PRO PREVIEW Congrats to Bethanny … Continue reading "102 – SURF NEWS, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is former pro surfer, surf writer, and boardbuilder, Dave Parmenter. Surfing Magazine once described Parmenter as “the most interesting surfing in the world.” In this conversation we discuss his career path, how easily legacy can be misinterpreted, and we get insight into Dave’s view of the current state of surf culture. Enjoy! The Encyclopedia of … Continue reading "101 – Dave Parmenter" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our 100th episode! Pop the champagne! Pat yourself on the back. In today’s show we discuss how Scott and David are the Easy-E and Dr. Dre of the surf podcast game, surfer’s horrible musical preferences, the terrors of Teahupo’o, the foibles of Surf Snowdonia, and oh so much more. Dig in! OPENING SALVO Iron Maiden … Continue reading "100 – Surf News, August 25, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We call him Indiana Jones or 007, but his legal name is Tom Rezvan. The guy is one of a kind. He has some notable professional surfing results from the late 90s and early 2000s. I remember him first from a back cover of Surfer or Surfing magazine when I was in high school doing a layback … Continue reading "099 – Tom Rezvan Surfs Snowdonia!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Scott catch up and discuss their respective surf travels during the past month before discussing Fanning’s shark attack, Snowdonia, surf fashion, motocross at Teahupo’o, the US Open, and much more. Enjoy! JBAY Mick Fanning survives a shark attack during the final of the JBay Open. Mick on 60 Minutes Derek Hynd paddles out … Continue reading "098 – Surf News, August 11, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we catch up after our hiatus and direct you to a Bruce Irons podcast that David edited for Surfing Magazine. Listen here (to Surf Splendor) to get the backstory and click on Surfing Magazine’s MixCloud episode below to listen to the Bruce’s interview. Enjoy! Bruce Irons Podcast by Surfing Magazine on Mixcloud Here’s the … Continue reading "097 – Bruce Irons on the Surfing Magazine Podcast" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surf news! David and Scott discuss the sorry state of surf filmmaking, and the few glimmers of hope. Kandui? Or Nokandui? We discuss the NFL’r who just wants to shred, we preview J-Bay, and share the heartwarming story of the world’s oldest grom. Enjoy! MUCH ADO ABOUT SURF FILMS Surfer’s REDirect Project has been sorely … Continue reading "096 – Surf News, July 6, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we chat with filmmaker, writer, and musican, Andrew Kidman about his recent film, Spirit of Akasha. The film is an homage to Albe Falzon’s Morning of the Earth to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary. Kidman chats about the production of the film, the orchestration of the soundtrack, shaping surfboards and the challenges of modern surf filmmaking. … Continue reading "095 – Andrew Kidman: Spirit of Akasha" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, David and Scott discuss spectacle that was the Fiji Pro, Guiness record setting group surfing, Target taking over surf, Tom Curren bodyboarding, JFLO’s faceplant into the reef, a new dimension in surf film, Dukes, Kooks, and much more. Enjoy! GUINESS RECORD FOR MOST SURFERS ON A BOARD Link to article The details: … Continue reading "094 – Surf News, June 23, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bootstrapping it. In today’s episode we analyze the process of starting from scratch in the surf business. The first part of the show is with Maurice Agnello of Edit Surfboards and Used Surf. Maurice explains how he parlayed his humble beginnings delivering blanks Phil Edwards into a unique, industry-leading retail surf brand. In the second half of … Continue reading "093 – Bootstrapping It with Maurice Agnello and Wayne Okamoto" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode David and Scott discuss photographer’s infighting, Texas wave parks, Sally’s win with a ruptured ear drum, where Kelly’s wins went, and much more! Dig in! PHOTOGRAPHY RIGHTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Steele Fires Shots at Ellis Balzer Fires Shots at Sherman NLAND WAVE PARK Here are the bullet points: Austin, Texas 9 football fields large. … Continue reading "092 – Surf News, June 9, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger Hinds is a name that’s come up on this show a number of times. He’s been involved with and working alongside the most well-known board builders in the industry, all of whom regard Roger as one of the most talented craftsmen in surfboard building. Roger’s story, however, has largely gone untold. He doesn’t have an entry … Continue reading "091 – Roger Hinds" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Scott discuss the Rio Pro pandemonium, the $20 million StabMag purchase, Banting dethroning Slater, why Filipe is greater than Kolohe, oil spilling kooks, Spindle Flipping dukes, and a surf photographer’s Ted Talk. Put your ear buds in, we’re coming in hot. Enjoy! BROTHER It’s available for free on WhatYouth.com for the next until … Continue reading "090 – Surf News, May 26, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From creating the professional surfing tour to traveling the globe and being the very first surfer at some of the best surf spots in the world, Randy Rarick is one of few people who has contributed back to surfing as much as he has received. In today’s environment where nearly every moment of a professional surfer’s … Continue reading "089 – Randy Rarick" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s a bonus sized episode for you. We cover the WSL’s bid for the Maverick’s permit, the massive Puerto Escondido swell, bid a fond farewell to brother Barney, discuss opening day in Rio, take a Stab in the Dark, call out Dukes and Kooks, and learn about A Fisherman’s Son! As if that’s not enough show … Continue reading "088 – Surf News, May 12, 2015 and Dr. Rey Banatao" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we discuss the Bonzer design, the role that it’s played in surfing, and the surf world’s quirky social dynamics that sometimes push and often impede board design evolution. The Bonzer is the first truly functional, high-performance three finned surfboard design, and the Campbell Brothers introduced it a full decade prior to the … Continue reading "087 – Malcolm Campbell and The Bonzer" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show David and Scott recap the Western Australian leg of the Tour, discuss man-scaping with Kelly and Gabe, 65 year old’s getting pitched over the falls at Puerto, and proper parenting techniques coming out of Baltimore. Oh yeah, Duke’s and Kook’s, Must-See Moments and much more. Enjoy! THE BILLABONG CHALLENGE As listener Dean … Continue reading "086 – Surf News, April 28, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past 4 decades, Santa Cruz’s Richard Schmidt has quietly helped define the surfing culture of this small but important surf town. In today’s episode we discuss Richard’s rise to big wave icon status; from pioneering Puerto Escondido, to surfing in the Eddie, and operating one of the longest running surf schools in the … Continue reading "085 – Richard Schmidt" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We open today’s show discussing a couple insightful emails from listeners who know much more about our show topics than we do (no sarcasm intended!). We also analyze the WSL going into what looks to be a phenomenal forecast at Margaret River and coming off of two lackluster events. We’re thrilled to announce the addition of … Continue reading "084 – Surf News, April 14, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just a quick recap of our Fantasy clubhouse after Bells Beach and before Margaret River. Make sure to secure your team and place your wager before April 15th (Western Australian time). All wagers received after the 15th will be applied to the next event. Participation in our clubhouse is free. To participate go to FantasySurfer.com, click … Continue reading "083 – Fantasy Surfer Update: Post Bells, Pre Margs" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of Surf Splendor David speaks with Matuse Wetsuit’s CEO John V. Campbell about what it takes to launch a small business, the necessity of authenticity in branding, and how to navigate growth while honoring your core values. Visit Matuse.com to learn more about their incredible wetsuits. ABOUT GEOPRENE from Matuse Inc. on Vimeo. Here … Continue reading "082 – Matuse CEO, John V. Campbell" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CEO’s are getting clipped. Sharks are getting jumped. South African’s backhand the BWWT. The NY Times chimes in on the Brazilian Storm. Kelly invests in yet another business venture and Playmates are hosting surf trips! Not to mention we’ve got Dukes, Kooks, Must-See Moments and oh so much more! Dive in! The water’s warm. KELLY’S BUSINESS VENTURES … Continue reading "081 – Surf News, March 31, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two-Time champ and Three-Time Pipe Master, Tom Carroll talks about the experiences that led to him conquering the surf world and about the demons that nearly cost him everything. Tommy comes clean in his recent book “TC: Tom Carroll”, and shares his message of recovery. Enjoy! (Cameo by Bob McKnight) Purchase “TC: Tom Carroll” here. … Continue reading "080 – Tom Carroll" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No Pipe Masters?! It could happen. David and Scott uncover a juicy saga that may lead to the unraveling of the WSL. In the 2nd half of show 1976 World Surfing Champion, Peter Townend, joins that show to share his insight into the state of professional surfing. The guys also recap all the turmoil that … Continue reading "079 – Surf News with Peter Townend!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From globetrotting with Sean Combs and Jennifer Lopez to couch surfing on the North Shore, this is the story of New York based photographer Justin Jay. His work examines the quiet, land-based moments of our favorite athletes. In this episode we hear Justin’s unlikely path to surfing, the equitability (or inequitability) of professional surf photography, … Continue reading "078 – Justin Jay" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Scott discover the burgeoning surf scene in South Korea, celebrate the Maui surf community, petition surf access in Morocco, analyze the success of our inaugural Fantasy Surfer club, and discuss all the glory and horror of the WSL. Enjoy! A MOTHER’S NOTE IN MAUI FROM A LISTENER IN SOUTH KOREA SAVE BOILERS IN … Continue reading "077 – Surf News, March 3, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The surf crafts of long time friends and design collaborators Tom Morey & Carl Ekstrom, along with Donald Brink & Ryan Burch are currently on display at The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center in an exhibit entitled, “What Box? Thinking Outside the Lines of Traditional Surfboard Design.” In this episode, Tom Morey discusses inventing the … Continue reading "076 – What Box? Tom Morey & Carl Ekstrom" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spreading rumors, what we’re riding, Noa Deane talks sobriety, Kelly’s birdie, Pay-Per-View surfing, Dukes, Kooks, and so much more. It’s a plentiful week for Surf Splendor. Get it while it’s fresh. Enjoy! CATCHING UP Torrey Meister got the Green-Light from the doc after his ruptured spleen. Shred on Torrey! We got an email from Kev … Continue reading "075 – Surf News, February 18, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Torrey Meister finished 2014 in a hospital bed, recovering from a ruptured spleen suffered from a wipeout at Backdoor. Days prior, he was a mere few heats away from qualifying for the World Championship Tour. With the 2015 season upon him, after spending 2 months out of the water and sitting 32nd on the ‘QS … Continue reading "074 – Torrey Meister: Life on the ‘QS" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend the first half of today’s show chatting with Firewire CEO Mark Price about board construction, rumors of Kelly Slater’s investment in the brand, and upcoming trends in board building materials. In the second half of the show David and Scott discuss the Volcom Pipe Pro, pro surfers getting smashed on rocks, Jamie Brisicks’ … Continue reading "073 – Firewire CEO, Mark Price + Surf News, February 3, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of Surf Splendor, we chat with writer Chas Smith. Author of “Welcome to Paradise, Now Go to Hell”, co-founder of BeachGrit.com, friend of Eddie Rothman, enemy of Mick Fanning, Middle East war correspondent, his resume is tapestry of controversy! Gratefully, Chas really engaged in our conversation and offered insight into his past … Continue reading "072 – Chas Smith: Beach Grit!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We started today with the horrendous news about the death of Ricardo dos Santos. David and Scott begin the show processing the tragedy, and then cover the details of the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, Bruce Irons and Mason Ho’s RC car races, Zoltan’s kickflips, Kelly’s rumored involvement with Firewire, and Miki Dora’s personal attack against … Continue reading "071 – Surf News, January 20, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode originally aired on January 20th, 2014. We’re launching the new year with a discussion with surfboard shaper Donald Brink. Donald is renowned for his hand-crafted asymmetrical surfboard designs. In this episode, Donald shares about his youth growing up in South Africa, why he believes nearly all board designs can be improved upon with … Continue reading "070 – A Study in Asymmetry with Donald Brink (Rebroadcast)" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dane Reynolds is pregnant. Kelly Slater has a Master’s Degree. Gabriel is NOT the first Brazilian surf champ. We uncover some hard truths in the first show of 2015. Enjoy! PIPE MASTERS RECAP Gabriel clinched his world title by making the final. Julian narrowly beat him in the final during a very close final exchange, … Continue reading "069 – Surf News, January 6, 2015" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices