February 09, 2026

How Elite Surfers Dial in Mindset, Technique, & Boards w/ Kei Kobayashi

1 hour 26 minutes

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In this episode of the Basis Surf podcast, Kei Kobayashi shares what helped him level up his competitive surfing over the past year. He talks about how having a clear and positive mindset played a big role in his results. Kei also breaks down his technique—especially his backside bottom turn, where he grabs the rail to stay low and go vertical. We also talk about how small changes to his board made a big difference, and why training your paddling is so important for contests.

Chapters

02:25 Kei’s origin story: A Japanese family and San Clemente roots

04:14 Early signs of ocean connection and childhood surfing

06:22 How San Clemente and local surfers shaped Kei’s style

08:44 Asking for help and learning from the best

10:49 Mental health: The underrated key to competitive success

13:47 Surfing as chess: Strategy, priority, and heat management

19:03 Sports psychology and his breakthrough at the Korea wave pool event

31:28 Physical training, early mornings, ice baths, and discipline

42:44 Paddle power and realizing the need for targeted training

47:18 Coaching with Tepe, drills, pressure tests, and positivity

50:24 Technical growth and surfing cues for power surfing

57:26 Surfboards, shorter length, tapered rails, and performance gains

1:12:25 Fins, the H4 experiment, and sticking with what works

1:22:30 Intentions before surfing, mini goals, and perspective

1:26:07 Reflecting on growth and what's next for Kei

Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!

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By Basis Surf

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