Think more water time equals better surfing? What if your biggest breakthrough happens on land?

In this episode, elite surf coach Martin Dunn reveals why most surfers plateau—and how dry land drills, rhythm-based movement, and focused repetition are the keys to learning turns that actually stick in the ocean.

• Discover how task-relevant language and counting can sharpen your technique.

• Learn why simulating maneuvers like a dancer creates better muscle memory.

• Get Martin’s proven strategies for staying focused and accelerating improvement, even in frustrating conditions.

Tap play to learn how to train smarter—not just harder—and finally surf the way you know you can.

Key Points

• The impact of COVID-19 on publishing episodes and the recent fun South West swells in Southern California have influenced Michael's surfing activities.

• Martin Dunn emphasizes the importance of learning the movement of turns and maneuvers in surfing, advocating for a dance-like approach to technique training.

• Martin Dunn discusses the use of task-relevant words and land simulations, including skateboards, to teach surfing maneuvers and improve ocean performance.

• The incorporation of rhythm and counting in surfing technique training helps surfers maintain focus and achieve consistent success in their maneuvers.

• Decision-making, particularly in wave selection, is a critical area of performance that distinguishes good surfers from great ones.

• The ability to say no to bad waves is essential for competitive surfers to improve their performance and avoid losing heats.

• Martin Dunn's new website, martindunn.com.au, offers online training systems and challenges designed to teach surfers how to learn and improve their skills.

https://www.martindunn.com.au/

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.