Has modern surf culture lost its soul—and does anyone still care about competitive surfing?

In this candid and unfiltered conversation, Michael sits down with Surf Splendor host David Lee Scales to explore the complicated relationship surfers have with their craft, how the WSL is failing to engage real surfers, and why wave pools and soft tops are both saving and ruining the game.

• Hear why many core surfers are disconnected from pro competitions—and what media outlets are getting right.

• Learn how experimenting with different boards (even gliders and mid-lengths) can reignite your stoke and sharpen your skills.

• Understand the psychological and cultural shifts shaping today’s surf scene—from entitlement in the lineup to creative burnout.

Hit play to hear how surfing, media, and culture collide—and why your next wave might start with a mindset shift, not a better board.

Key Points

• David Lee Scales discussed his podcast network, Surf Splendor, and its various shows, emphasizing the importance of subscribing to them.

• David shared his preference for tequila over vodka in drinks, highlighting his taste preferences.

• David revealed that he has never lived outside a 10-mile radius from his birthplace in Long Beach, California, despite recognizing the benefits of living abroad.

• David described his most rugged trip, a humanitarian mission to India in 2003, which involved visiting impoverished areas and dealing with harsh living conditions.

• Michael and David discussed the concept of happiness and how it is not necessarily correlated with material wealth or comfort, drawing from their experiences in different socio-economic environments.

• David explained his perspective on white guilt, stating that while he recognizes his privilege, he does not feel guilt about it and instead focuses on using his resources to help others.

• David shared his initial surf experiences, starting with bodyboarding and bodysurfing, and eventually standing up on a surfboard at age 12.

• David discussed his current relationship with surfing, noting that it has become more professional and less romantic, with a focus on the podcast and other professional obligations.

• David compared the surf culture in Southern California to that in Australia, highlighting the differences in aggression and localism.

• David and Michael discussed the importance of reading waves and the role of attention to detail in surfing, drawing from their experiences and conversations with professional surfers like Tom Carroll.

https://surfsplendorpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/surfsplendor/?hl=en

https://open.spotify.com/show/2d3rHRlbqw8JjNeXRYLNWD?si=4702753495db422d

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.