Is your surfing stuck in a rut no matter how long you’ve been at it—or are you unknowingly breaking the one rule that’s ruining every session?

In this episode, Strider Wasilewski—former pro surfer and WSL commentator—opens up about everything from surfing’s unspoken etiquette to what separates world champs from forever-mediocre surfers. Whether you’re riding soft tops or chasing heavy reef breaks, this conversation reveals the real reason most surfers plateau.

• Learn how lineup dynamics and etiquette can make or break your session—even if you rip.

• Discover why most intermediate surfers ride the wrong boards and how foam might be your secret weapon.

• Get inside the mindset of elite-level surfers and understand why “letting go” matters more than talent.

Hit play now to hear one of surfing’s most respected voices share uncensored truths that could instantly level up your next session.

Key Points

• Strider Wasilewski, a former professional surfer and current WSL commentator, shares insights on surfing conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding tidal changes and swell patterns.

• Strider discusses his love for surfing, regardless of wave size, and how it provides a sense of freedom and joy, akin to an addictive feeling.

• Strider recounts his early surfing experiences, starting at age six, and how it transitioned from a hobby to a career path by age ten through winning contests and gaining sponsorships.

• Strider explains the challenges and politics of competitive surfing, leading him to step back from the competitive scene and focus on enjoying the sport with friends.

• The discussion highlights the importance of confidence, mental capacity, and the will to win in distinguishing top surfers from the rest, emphasizing the need to let go and trust the process.

• Strider points out common mistakes among intermediate surfers, particularly the lack of understanding of surfing etiquette and the importance of proper board selection for skill improvement.

• Strider suggests that improving surfing etiquette and providing instructional sheets on surfboards could enhance the surfing experience and reduce conflicts in crowded lineups.

• Strider shares his experiences surfing alongside top professional surfers during lay days, highlighting the camaraderie and fun despite occasional wave snatching.

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.