Surf Splendor

In today’s show Vissla CEO Paul Naude joins us to discuss how the consolidation of major surf brands is affecting surf culture, how the licensing operational model can threaten retailer’s long term viability, why now is a fertile opportunity for growth for independent brands and retail, and why the consumer wields influence through the power of their purchasing. Recorded live at the SIMA SUPER SUMMIT at the Rivian Theatre on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show early Peruvian shaping pioneer Rodolfo Klima joins us to discuss Peru as the inception place of surfing and it’s integral role in early surf competitions, learning how to shape by instinct alone, Gordon Clark's unknown factory in Peru, the challenge of building a business in an unstable economy and democracy, why Peru may generate the next disruptive crop of pros, and his opportunity to compete in the Icons of Foam shaping competition. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show South African pro surfer turned shaper Barry Vandermeulen joins to share stories of early life in the remote but influential Bay of Plenty, his tutelage from Spider to Spyder, Matt Biolos’s springboard into his eponymous label, how to run a business without a website, why he doesn’t put his name on his surfboards, and his opportunity to compete in the Icons of Foam shaping competition. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Thomas Campbell unpacks the 10 year process of making YI-WO, analyzes the value and the cost of asking an audience to be present, shares the experience in Morocco wherein he was dead broke that spring-boarded his painting career, explains how a short skate film for Supreme led him to surf filmmaking, and grapples with the challenge of showcasing the depth of the surf experience through film. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show North Shore icon Eric Arakawa shares insights from 51 years of surfboard shaping, explains the invention of the Nose Guard, why it’s essential to use money and love people but most people do the opposite, how to leverage burnout to fuel inspiration, recounts the chance encounter with one enigmatic shaper that changed both their lives, and explains the succession plan for Arakawa Surfboards that will allow him to utilize the next decade to invest in people. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode Makua Rothman discusses surfing Waimea at age 8, his maternal lineage to King Kamehameha, songwriting as a catharsis to process childhood trauma, how his World Title count was limited by his addition, the freedom in relinquishing the weight of expectation, and how society’s modern embrace of vulnerability can open pathways of communication with old-school parents. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode early surf icon Joey Cabell talks through transitioning from solid redwood boards (which he purchased from his shoeshine earnings) through Balsa to being the first Polyurethane foam board tester for Clark & Hobie, he share stories of being on the Duke Kahanamoku Surf Team, training for winter Hanalei by swimming the Nā Pali coast with Mike Doyle, winning the Duke and Peru International multiple times, founding The Chart House in Aspen in 1962, setting a record sailing from Hawaii to Papeete, the near-death mishap for Mickey Munoz on the return voyage, and so much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Tom Carroll reveals a little known spite that fueled his competitive drive since adolescence, how he’s learned to create a gap between thought and action, why success is intrinsically tied to interpersonal relationships, the immeasurable benefit of doing nothing, and how listening is one of life’s under appreciated superpowers. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Nathan Hedge shares tales from joining his heroes at age 13 on The Search for a month in Indo, Derek Hynd’s highly unusual (and effective) methods to prepare him for life on Tour, how the freedom of a nomadic life distanced him from his self-interest, the moment in Mundaka that triggered a new life trajectory, and why focusing on serving others allows one be kinder to one’s self. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Steve Hawk shares lessons gleaned from the world’s sweetest mom, explains why justified resentment may be the root of all evil, notes that the past is constantly in the process of being redefined by the future, reminds us to show don’t tell, and he checks in on a prediction piece he wrote about his future self 25 years ago. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dick Metz is back to discuss the documentary, now streaming, that chronicles his early world travel and the near death experience that was the impetus for the three year sojourn. He recounts early days in Malibu with Matt Kivlin and Nick Gabaldon, why Hobie Alter is the Thomas Edison of surfing, the undertold story of the original Mr Pipeline, his role in the wild Murf The Surf diamond heist and following FBI saga, and how investing into friendships has been the recipe to not only his success but also happiness throughout his 96 years. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, surf photography great Sean Davey shares how his first memory of the ocean was of his mother in the tube, his favorite photo he’s ever taken, the legacy of Lane and her imprint of kindness, and how he’s been able to maintain passion and creativity to further develop the craft he discovered in adolescence. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, aerial and floater pioneer Davey Smith reflects on Greenough’s early influence, how selling ice cream help fund his pro surf career, Russell Short’s hypnotic tube prowess, introducing Channel Islands to the North Shore, how shaping informed his surfing, and the value of taking time away from surfing. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Hall of Famer Ricky Carroll talks about getting punched out in Hawaii, posing as a kneeboarder to make it to the World Championships, being the now longest running surfboard shaper in Florida. And Justin Quintal talks us through 11 Duct Tape wins, 5 US Opens, 1 World Title, and explains why partying late suits the longboard contest format and why his world record Grouper was also the best tasting fish in the world. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Kelly Richards talks about leaving Arkansas at age 13 to chase surf in South Carolina, the rare opportunity to own a historically persevered 50 year old surf shop, raising a surf prodigy in Cam, and explains how Jamie Foxx helped launch his career, his Wave Of The Winter at Pipe, and the expected gift of finding a long lost sibling. Live from Charleston! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show magazine publisher Chris Thomson discusses the value of taking time away from surfing, the enduring importance of community events, how to grow a UK surf brand to access a global audience, and how rethinking the magazine model can preserve the legacy of print. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show 1977 World Champ Shaun Tomson explains the source of his resilience, how he improved his surfing up until age 63, why connectivity will cure the plague of modern society, how attitude is your fundamental choice in life, and how surfing breeds hope and purpose. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode pioneering pro surfer Patti Paniccia reveals which brand suggested “going on a date” as a prize for a surf contest, why she turned down a job with the FBI, how she won a seven-figure lawsuit against CNN and got them to change discriminatory practices, and why a women’s champ wasn’t crowned on the first world Tour. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode Garrett and Nicole McNamara share their how their lives have transformed since 100 Foot Wave, the opportunities they’ve declined, the very real power of pheromones, how opting not to work with surf brands has benefited his career, and producer Joe Lewis details how he’s converted the mainstream into surf fans. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show musician and surfer Landon McNamara recounts his historic Eddie win, how injury and destitution positioned him for that final wave, divine orchestration, the unassailable spirituality of Waimea, and why music is auditory reflection of the surf experience. Enjoy! Live Shows! June 11th in Jacksonville Beach, FL Tickets HERE and June 12th in Charleston, South Carolina Tickets HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 26, 2025 Lane Davey passed away after a battle with cancer. To celebrate her remarkable life, we’re sharing this conversation that original aired in 2022. The Pipeline stalwart, B-Girl, and college professor discussed braving Pipe in the early 90s, creating the first female boardshort, the importance of a meritocratic hierarchy, the repercussions of willful ignorance, and how HipHop has informed her entire approach to surfing, education, and life. Rip in Peace, Lane! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Nick and Hannah share tales from a world where everyone surfs, redefine our perception of “core”, find vitality from VALS, attempt to fill the void of women in surf media, and survey data that shows how drastically surf culture has shifted. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show surf media raconteur Sam George explains how a nomadic childhood fostered his spirit of resilience, the “terrible” mistake that led to him leaving Surfer Magazine, why being lost in Casablanca formed his wayfaring lifestyle, the gift to a teenaged Josh Brolin paid dividends decades later, and he reflects on the 695 different locations he has surfed. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Justin Jay chats with professional big-wave surfer and one of the most respected watermen on the planet, Kai Lenny. He’s mastered stand-up paddling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling—pushing the limits of what’s possible on waves of consequence. The two discuss his relationship with Zuck, his relief efforts after the Maui fires, building a multi-disciplinary career, and staying grounded through it all. Enjoy The Plug with Justin Jay on all podcast platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show former pro surfer turned writer Jason Borte shares stories from writing Kelly Slater’s autobiography, offers insights into Pharrell’s new wave pool, recalls riding the dot com boom and bust in surf, gives tips to artfully time an exit, and reveals why Virginia is for lovers. Enjoy! Link to Jason's Kickstater HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show inventive surfboard shaper Bill “Stretch” Riedel five decades of keystone moments in design revolution, breaking his neck and becoming patient one for a radical life saving procedure, how success can bankrupt a business, and why nostalgia and ego are the antithesis of progression. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices