Do you ever feel like you're fighting your board—or losing the joy that got you hooked on surfing in the first place?

In this deeply raw and insightful episode, former world #5 surfer Rob Bain shares his journey from a tough upbringing to global surf success—and how a near-death accident in 2009 completely reframed his outlook on life and surfing. Whether you're an intermediate surfer or a seasoned competitor, Rob's story will hit home.

• Learn why most intermediate surfers are making critical mistakes with their equipment—and how to fix it.

• Discover the surprising mental shift that helped Rob go from "barroom brawler" in the water to elite-level competitor.

• Hear how to rediscover your love for surfing—whether you're 25 or 55—and how Rob believes your best surfing can still be ahead of you.

Hit play now to uncover timeless surfing lessons and life-changing insights from one of the most respected voices in the sport.

Key Points

• Rob started surfing at a very young age, around 2-3 years old, at Manly Beach where he grew up.

• Rob's competitive drive and hunger to win motivated him to become a professional surfer after joining a local surf club at age 18.

• Rob learned to stay calm and centered during competitions through breathing exercises and visualization techniques taught by a psychologist named Eric Fleming.

• Rob suffered a serious surfing accident in 2009 at North Avalon, breaking his neck and spine, which gave him a new perspective on life's priorities.

• Rob emphasizes the importance of riding the right equipment suited to one's ability level for intermediate surfers to progress.

• Rob values individual surfing styles and cautions against over-coaching that could make surfers too similar in their approach.

• Rob shares his experience of surfing the legendary Waimea Bay in Hawaii during a massive swell on his first trip there.

• Rob has a long-standing relationship with shaper Simon Anderson, whose boards he currently enjoys riding.

 

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.