What happens when surfing is no longer enough to carry you through life’s heaviest moments?

In this intimate conversation, pro surfer-turned-writer Jamie Brisick opens up about the addictive nature of surfing, the trauma of losing loved ones, and how the sport that shaped his youth eventually led him toward a deeper creative and personal path.

• Discover the emotional and spiritual cost of surfing as identity—and what comes after.

• Learn how writing became Jamie’s lifeline, offering expression, reflection, and recovery.

• Hear raw insights on ego, grief, addiction, and how to find purpose after the peak of performance.

Listen now to explore what surfing can teach you about aging, meaning, and finding your voice beyond the lineup.

Key Points

• Jamie Brissac's first memorable surfing experience was in Waikiki, Hawaii, where he rented a soft top surfboard and enjoyed the turquoise, sparkly water.

• Jamie started surfing because his family took him to Santa Monica State Beach, and it was a fun way to entertain the three boys.

• Surfing transitioned from play to something more serious for Jamie when he started surfing Malibu in 1979 and witnessed the Sunkist Pro contest, which inspired him to compete.

• Jamie got his first sponsorship at age 15 from McCoy surfboards, followed by Quicksilver and Rip Curl, which helped validate his pursuit of professional surfing.

• Jamie's drive to improve at surfing was fueled by his love for the sport and a holistic approach that included visualization and creative practices.

• Jamie’s brother's death from a drug overdose in 1987 deeply affected him, leading to a period of repression and a focus on winning contests as a way to cope.

• Jamie found that surfing and writing are interconnected, with surfing providing a sense of lightness and levity that complements his writing practice.

• Jamie believes that wave pools will play a significant role in the future of surfing, offering a solution to the issue of crowding and providing a new experience for surfers.

• Jamie emphasizes the importance of finding one's original voice in both surfing and writing, suggesting that true self-expression comes from within rather than mimicry.

• Jamie’s experience of losing his wife led to a period of deep despair, but he found solace and purpose in both surfing and writing, which helped him navigate through his grief. 

http://www.jamiebrisick.com

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.

Clayton talks about releasing tension to increase flow and enjoyment in your surfing.

https://train.ombe.co/?via=surfmastery

Why do some surfers seem to attract waves and flow effortlessly—while others flail and struggle no matter how hard they paddle?

In this short but powerful episode, guest Clayton Nienaber breaks down how tension in the lineup and in your own body directly impacts your performance, your energy, and your ability to read and ride waves effectively.

• Learn how to identify subtle physical tension that kills your flow.

• Discover why a calm glide-in beats aggressive paddling every time.

• Understand the connection between group energy in the water and personal performance.

Listen now to start catching more waves and surfing with effortless style—just by letting go of tension.

Key Points

• The importance of reducing tension in the water to improve surfing performance and enjoyment is discussed.

• The direct correlation between group attitude and surfing performance is highlighted.

• The concept of energy and vibration affecting surfing success is introduced.

• Practical tips for identifying and releasing physical tension to enhance surfing are provided.

• The dual importance of reducing tension both in the lineup and within one's own body while surfing is emphasized.

Online Surf Education

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.

How to progress from a Beginner Surfer to an Intermediate Surfer.

Are you stuck surfing whitewater and wondering how to finally ride clean, unbroken waves?

If you're struggling to move beyond beginner surfing, this solo episode breaks down exactly what separates intermediates from beginners—and what simple shifts in perspective and practice can fast-track your progression.

• Understand how reading the wave is more important than popping up quickly.

• Learn the 7-step method to ride the face of the wave—no new board needed.

• Discover the one mindset change that instantly helps you catch better waves with control.

Hit play now to stop guessing at your surfing growth and start surfing with more confidence, purpose, and progression.

Key Points

• The episode will focus on answering listener questions about progressing from beginner to intermediate surfing.

• A beginner surfer is defined as someone who has not yet paddled out alone and ridden a wave cleanly to its finish, whereas an intermediate surfer can paddle out alone, catch, and ride waves confidently using basic turns.

• The transition from beginner to intermediate involves progressing from catching unbroken waves and riding them straight to the beach to riding along the face of the wave.

• Reading the ocean is crucial at all levels of surfing, with the ability to catch and pop up on the right part of the wave being the most challenging aspect.

• Beginner surfers should maintain the perspective that surfing begins as soon as they start pedaling for a wave, not just when they stand up.

• To catch unbroken waves, surfers should look for a path to surf and understand that the pop-up is part of the surfing process, not a separate skill.

• A seven-step process is recommended for transitioning to riding unbroken waves, starting from practicing turns while lying down and gradually progressing to standing up on unbroken waves.

Blog post: surfmastery.com/blog/2019/7/18/beginning-to-be-intermediate

Intro/Outro music https://www.katchafireofficial.com/

http://www.surfline.com/community/whoknows/whoknows.cfm?id=1174

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.

Donald Brink is a surfer and board shaper based in SoCal, he is also a fellow ‘surf nerd’ who likes to break-down all aspects of surfing. In this episode we discuss; the purpose of a surfboard, surfing technique, style, wide points, rocker, volume, bottom turns + more. Donald also has his own podcast - Swell with My Soul. Links to his podcast and website below.

Do you really know what kind of surfboard you need—or are you just guessing like everyone else?

If you’ve ever struggled to catch waves, blamed your board, or felt stuck in your surfing progression, this episode with master craftsman Donald Brink will rewire how you think about board design, technique, and the soul of surfing itself.

• Learn why your feet, not your volume, might be the key to unlocking performance.

• Discover how asymmetrical design can help you surf with more control, flow, and intention.

• Hear how one surfer transformed his entire style by focusing on one movement: the bottom turn.

Hit play now to gain the insights that will permanently change how you look at your board, the wave, and your own technique.

Key Points

• The importance of technique in surfing and how it can be improved through practice and learning from others.

• The significance of understanding the design and function of a surfboard to enhance surfing performance.

• The role of a surfboard shaper is not just selling surfboards but creating tools for people to enjoy the water and helping them achieve their vision through design.

• The concept that there are no bad surfboards, only the wrong board for the wrong conditions, and the importance of understanding hydrodynamic principles in board design.

• The discussion on style in surfing, defined as the transition between maneuvers, and the importance of fluidity and flow in linking maneuvers together.

• The idea that performance shortboards for the general public may not be as relevant as they once were, and the importance of showing aspirational goals through better ability and equipment.

• The concept that the best surfboard is the one you don't notice, and the importance of giving a board enough time to judge its performance.

• The discussion on the white point in surfboard design and its significance in relation to the board's length and the surfer's stance.

• The importance of technique in surfing, particularly in small wave situations, and the value of learning to read the bottom of the wave to improve performance.

• The future of surfing lies in technique rather than design, and the importance of being willing to waste waves and focus on mastering one aspect at a time.

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.

Devon breaks down noseriding & cross stepping, we discuss dry-land and balance training. We talk appropriate traditional longboarding equipment and style. We also get into surfing etiquette, line-up politics and the current state of surfing.

Ever wonder why your nose rides always fall short, even when the conditions are perfect?

In this episode, Devon Howard breaks down what most surfers get wrong about nose riding—and it’s not just about your board. From subtle shifts in ankle engagement to trusting the wave's energy pocket, Devon shares how traditional longboarding is less about force and more about finesse.

• Discover how body positioning, footwork, and mental confidence create successful nose rides.

• Learn the surprising importance of ankle awareness and how land-based balance training can revolutionize your surfing.

• Understand why the right board design (yes, single fin logs) is non-negotiable for hanging ten with grace and control.

Press play now to transform your nose riding technique with proven, practical wisdom from one of traditional longboarding’s most respected voices.

Key Points

• The importance of proper head and body positioning, particularly in the ankles and feet, for effective longboarding and nose riding is discussed.

• The differences in body development and muscle usage between longboard and shortboard surfing are highlighted.

• The use of balance boards and cross-stepping techniques to improve longboarding skills and nose riding is explained.

• The significance of equipment, specifically the type of board and its design, in enhancing nose riding performance is emphasized.

• The role of hand placement and its functional benefits in maintaining balance and control during nose riding is discussed.

• The subjective nature of style in surfing and its importance in longboard competitions is explored.

• The value of trusting one's instincts and the potential pitfalls of disregarding them in surfing scenarios are highlighted.

• The challenges of surfing in crowded conditions and the need for individual responsibility and spatial awareness are addressed.

• The excitement and continuous learning in surfing, even at an advanced age, and the role of innovative equipment in enhancing performance are discussed.

For more surfing tips visit: www.surfmastery.com 

Appropriate equipment:

https://www.waynerich.com/

https://www.thomassurfboards.com/collections/boards/products/surfboard-06

Devon Surfing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17bG-BJgEec

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

Ep 70: Devon talks Mid Lengths - 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0q8ZgURoPpIC8FsKhOsX22?si=404mq0Q5QNqtm3RQEy7xkw

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.

Surf Coach Samba Mann talks about the feeling of surfing and give loads of gold nuggets to help improve yours.