In the second installment of our mini series, Cold Water, Big Waves, we chat with Bianca Valenti. Big wave surfer Bianca Valenti believes that growth and fun lives within challenges; in her case the fun involves careening down the face of a massive wave. In this episode we chat about embracing fear, facing challenges head-on, and the importance of a positive mindset, both in life and surfing. We dive into wipeout stories, Bianca's inspiration for surfing big waves, entrepreneurship, and the women's fight for equality in surfing. Whether you're a big wave surfer or not, Bianca shares stories we can all relate to.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

In this episode we chat with Sachi Cunningham, an award winning filmmaker, water surf photographer, and Associate Professor of Journalism at San Francisco State University. Her work has been featured in global brand campaigns and for outlets including the NY Times and the Today Show. 

In this episode, Sachi discusses her journey in the world of surf photography, her love for big waves, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and her approach to shooting in big surf. Sachi reflects on the changing landscape of water photography with the rise of social media. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the power of the waves and the thrill of capturing unique moments. We also chat about Sachi's recent documentary film, fundraising challenges for independent filmmakers, and the importance of documenting and appreciating the history of women in surfing.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

Today we get to chat with Meg Roh, who at age 12 made a commitment to surf every day for 8 years. As a sponsored surfer and model for much of her young adult life, Meg has a wealth of adventures under her belt. From surf trips in California and Central America, to Europe, Indonesia and beyond, Meg offers a unique perspective into the surf industry and questions the intentions of large brands. In this episode we chat about what it was like to accomplish her dream of surfing for Roxy, surf travel,  the realities of surf sponsorships, inclusivity in surf brands, and navigating the new age of women's surfing. 

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

We're kicking off season two with a deeper introduction to our host, Holly Beck. We're joined by Natalie Small, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of the Groundswell Community Project. Listen as the two chat about Holly's childhood roots, her evolving surf journey, how she found herself through the sport, what led her to pursue a life that revolves around waves in Central America, and finally how she's looking to grow, personally and professionally. 

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

It has been (nearly!) a year since we released our first ever episode with Second Breakfast! Time for a recap. In this episode, Holly and SWA surf instructor/podcast producer Beany review our last year on Second Breakfast. Listen to us banter about Holly's recent experience at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch, some of our favorite highlights from our episodes this past year, and a rehashing of our original intentions in the creation of this platform: a space to connect, promote inclusivity and empowerment, and have challenging conversations. In this episode, we also look forward to topics we're looking to chat about in Season 2 of Second Breakfast. 

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

The WSL, the governing body of pro surfers, has altered the rules about the competition qualifications in the women’s division, following along with the olympic guidelines based on hormone levels. This has led to great controversy, both in and out of the surfing world. Today we chat with Sasha Jane Lowerson, a trans woman who has competed and won both in the men’s and women’s divisions in Australia. We talk about the debates surrounding trans competition in pro surfing, we debunk some misconceptions about gender transition, dive into the challenges of dealing with doctors, gender identity, and the biggest differences between competing in the men and women’s division in surfing.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

Today we chat with Leah Dawson, a style icon in surfing. Leah has lived through incredible growth in women’s surfing, confronting many challenges of her own in the industry while also bringing a unique perspective to the sport. In this episode we learn about how Leah’s philosophy of surfing and style has changed throughout life, different techniques Leah teaches in women’s surfing, and Leah’s goal to promote storytelling, social justice, and different interpretations of what surfing can be. Ultimately, Leah teaches us how we can all enjoy surfing more and relieve ourselves of pressure and expectations in the water.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

How can we prioritize our health through food? Lisa Hoopes is a registered dietician, who’s own journey with nutrition stemmed from early difficulties surrounding food and body image. In this episode we chat about inner self dialogue, alternative sailboat living, the science behind metabolic health, and ultimately answer some of your top questions surrounding foods, seed oils, and intermittent fasting.

To sign up for Hoopes Health programs, work 1:1 with Lisa for nutrition coaching,  review customized meal plans, and to learn more about metabolic health and nutrition, go to www.hoopeshealth.com

Or, follow Lisa Instagram for meal inspiration and tips: @hoopeshealth

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

How can we ensure that all surfers are safe in the water? As a Mexican American, Dionne had the idea to start an organization, Wahine Project, to get more underrepresented humans surfing and feeling welcome in the water. Her organization’s goal is to help individuals overcome whatever barriers they may face in order to have ocean access, in turn bolstering our own health and that of our planet. Her organization recently conducted a survey that analyzed violence in the water; it noted that 84% of women have witnessed or experienced violence while surfing. In this episode we chat about how to build more inclusive businesses, stick up for others in the water, create generational changes, and navigate our biases in the lineup.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.

Today we chat with Gina Jurlando, the founder of Yeasty Boys, a fem focused, beginner surf club and community group based in Rockaway Beach, New York. Yeasty Boys was born from the desire to support diverse groups of people in the surfing world, and stand against the intimidation factor that often coincides with the sport. In this episode we discuss allyship, the New York surf scene, creating supportive spaces in surfing, how surf therapy can work in community groups, and giving back to the neighborhoods we live in.

Discover more about the Yeasty Boys here.

Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.

Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.