What’s really going down in El Salvador’s surf scene? Ridge and Kai dive into the raw truth behind the waves, the crowds, and the hidden gems. They also break down Laird Hamilton’s absolutely insane training program—ice baths, starring at the sun, not wearing sunscreen, and everything in between. And they explore the latest breakthroughs in foiling tech!

This week we sit down with iconic waterman Brett Lickle—a true pioneer in the world of big wave surfing, tow-in innovation, and ocean safety. From the early days of Maui’s legendary windsurf scene to towing into Jaws before it was even named, Brett shares stories from a lifetime spent pushing the limits across a multitude of ocean sports.We talk about the evolution of tow-in surfing, his longtime partnership with Laird Hamilton, and the unspoken responsibilities that come with being a safety driver in some of the heaviest conditions on Earth. Brett also opens up about the risks he’s taken, the rescues he's made, and the mindset required to survive in situations where everything is on the line.And at the end of the episode, Brett recounts one of the gnarliest days of his life—the day he and Laird got caught inside by a massive 100-foot wave at the infamous outer reef known as Pyramids. ENJOY!

This week we’re joined by legendary kitesurfer Jesse Richman — a true pioneer of the sport and one of the most fearless riders on the planet.

Jesse takes us back to the wild early days of kitesurfing, when two-line kites made every session a gamble. We dive into his rise through the freestyle and big air ranks, including winning the Red Bull King of the Air, and how today’s next generation is pushing the sport to mind-blowing new heights.

He also shares stories from his sessions at Jaws and Nazare, where he’s taken kiteboarding into some of the heaviest surf on Earth. We get into the insane stunts too, like the time he was towed nearly 800 feet into the sky with nothing but a kite and a parachute keeping him alive.

We sit down with reigning Wing Foil World Champion Cash Berzolla to dive into the mind of one of the sport’s most explosive and progressive athletes. From his early days chasing wind and waves to standing on top of the podium, Cash shares what drives him and what it takes to stay ahead in one of the fastest-growing ocean sports on the planet.

In this episode, we sit down with legendary waterman Dave Kalama—a true pioneer in the world of big wave surfing and one of the most influential figures in modern ocean sports. Dave takes us back to his roots growing up in California, trading turns on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain before making the life-changing move to Maui to pursue windsurfing in the 1980s. From there, we dive into his instrumental role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at Jaws (Peʻahi) alongside the Strapped crew, as he helped shape an entirely new era of big wave riding. Dave also shares his candid thoughts on the rise of foiling, how it’s redefining ocean sports, and where he sees the sport heading next. It was an honor to spend some time with one of the all-time greats!
Thumbnail photo shot by Patrick McFEELEY

This week, the boys dive into what might be one of the latest Jaws seasons ever. Giant swells rolled through well into April, giving them more time in the lineup with minimal crowds—just what they needed to hit their season goals.

For Ridge, it was all about leveling up his tow-surfing game, laying down legit turns on massive waves. For Kai, it was chasing high performance across as many sports as possible. Plus, Kai teases what could be the next big revolution in big wave surfing.

Enjoy the episode!

This week our friend Jackson Lebsack joins the pod! He's a content creator, filmmaker and adventure athlete from Hood River, Oregon. Best known for his role in SICKOS, a group of friends who have gone viral numerous times for their stunts and various shenanigans, he also has built a legendary career having help build Jamie O'Brian's Vlog channel then transitioning to building SICKOS to what it is today both in-front and behind the camera. Jackson tells us about his early career, how he met JOB, leaving his dream job to start SICKOS, the crew's most memorable moments, and his love/hate relationship with big mountain Kayaking. ENJOY!

Our Coach Scott Sanchez joins the pod to give insight into how a life of competing and coaching olympic athletes led him to taking a 12-year-old Kai under his wing, beginning a 20 year coaching relationship that continues to this day. Scott also reveals his keys for bringing the best out of athletes and breaks down the different approaches he's taken to Kai's athletic journey as he's progressed through windsurfing, SUP racing, and surfing at the highest levels. The conversation also focuses on the unique way we train for big waves.

Enjoy the pod, we'll see you next week!

This conversation delves into the rich history and evolution of foiling, exploring its origins, technological advancements, and the transition from big wave riding to small swell foiling. The boys discuss the influence of military technology on modern foiling, the innovations in design and materials, and the pivotal moments that have shaped the sport. They reflect on how foiling has become accessible and popularized, particularly through downwind racing and the viral moments that captured the attention of the surfing community. This conversation delves into the evolution of foiling, exploring its various techniques and the impact it has had on water sports. They also share personal experiences, innovations in foiling technology, and the emergence of new disciplines like wing foiling. They reflect on the community surrounding foiling, the excitement of discovering new techniques, and the future of the sport as it continues to evolve.

Kai and Ridge reflect on the last swell of the season at Jaws. They delve into Ridge's journey of recovery from a significant wipeout, the importance of brain health, and how it has impacted his performance. The duo also explores the evolution of surfboard design, the significance of switching stances, and the techniques that enhance their big wave performance. They share insights on paddling strategies, the balance of board size, and the innovations that continue to shape the future of surfing. They delve into the intricacies of surfing big waves, particularly focusing on barrel riding techniques, the ethics of wave priority, and the learning experiences of young surfers like Otis. The discussion highlights the camaraderie and mentorship within the surfing community, as well as the respect required for the powerful waves at Jaws.