In this milestone 100th episode of the Surf Mastery Podcast, host Michael Frampton welcomes back the stylish surfer Devon Howard. Broadcasting from the Channel Islands office in Santa Barbara, Devon shares his insights on the elusive concept of style in surfing. The episode delves into the historical evolution of style, its significance in competitive surfing, and the subjective nature of defining style. Devon emphasizes the importance of making difficult maneuvers look effortless and how personal demeanor often mirrors one's surfing style. He contrasts the stylistic approaches of surfers like Joel Parkinson and Kelly Slater with the more explosive style of Adriano de Souza. Listeners are encouraged to focus on form over presentation, maintain a relaxed and efficient approach, and view style as a natural extension of personal expression.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to Devon Howard: Recap of Devon's previous appearances on episodes 41, 77, and 86.

• Importance of Style in Surfing: Exploring the subjective nature of style and its impact on surfing performance and aesthetics.

• Origins of the Word 'Style': Michael provides a brief etymology of the word 'style' and its various meanings throughout history.

• Cultural Influence on Style: How different surf cultures and eras emphasize or de-emphasize style.

• Effortless Style: The concept of making difficult maneuvers look easy and the importance of being relaxed and calm.

• Influence of Personality on Style: How a surfer’s personality often reflects in their surfing style.

• Contrived vs. Natural Style: The difference between genuinely stylish surfing and trying too hard to look stylish.

• Technical Aspects of Style: Tips for improving style through form, patience, and not rushing maneuvers.

• Style in Tube Riding: The inherent style in good tube riding and how it relates to other surfing maneuvers.

• Practical Advice: Devon’s practical advice for surfers aiming to improve their style.

Key Quotes:

• Devon Howard: “Style is oftentimes making the difficult look easy.”

• Michael Frampton: “You can be quick without being rushed.”

• Devon Howard: “Don’t try to contrive it. Don’t rush your surfing.”

 

Follow Devon Howard

•  Check out Devon’s surfing and updates on his Instagram. Devon_howard

• Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-howard-a4b2a613/.

 

Connect with Surf Mastery:

• Surf Mastery Website: Download the free PDF with the top five tips from the Surf Mastery Podcast at surfmastery.com.

 Instagram: Surf Mastery

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.