Are you overthinking your surfing progress—and missing the true key to leveling up?

In this raw, beer-fueled conversation with veteran coach Matt Grainger, you'll hear the stories, mental shifts, and misunderstood fundamentals that separate high-performance surfers from the rest. Whether you're chasing barrels or coaching groms, this episode dives deep into the mindset, preparation, and stripped-back techniques that actually work.

• Learn how emotional regulation and mindset directly impact your surfing outcomes
• Discover why simplicity in coaching and movement can unlock elite-level performance
• Hear wild, insightful stories about fear, failure, and flow from one of Australia's most respected surf coaches

Press play now to hear how passion, preparation, and playful experimentation can completely transform your surfing or coaching game.

Key Points

• Matt discussed his passion for surfing and coaching, and how he aims to share his knowledge through the podcast.
• They talked about the Wim Hof breathing technique and using ice baths for recovery and mental focus.
• Matt shared stories about pushing himself in big wave surfing sessions, including tow-in body surfing at Deadmans.
• They discussed the importance of being present in the moment and not overthinking during surfing.
• Matt emphasized the role of proper preparation and having the right mindset for competition.
• They talked about using different equipment like longboards and foils to spread out crowds and enjoy different waves.
• Matt described his coaching approach at the Macaronis, focusing on repetition and feeling the waves.
• They discussed the importance of technique, like initiating turns from the feet rather than just rotating the upper body.
• Matt shared how he learns from studying the styles of top surfers and incorporates elements into his own surfing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OODA_loop

https://manlysurfschool.com

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.