Are you overthinking your surfing progress—and missing the true key to leveling up?

In this raw, beer-fueled conversation with veteran coach Matt Grainger, you'll hear the stories, mental shifts, and misunderstood fundamentals that separate high-performance surfers from the rest. Whether you're chasing barrels or coaching groms, this episode dives deep into the mindset, preparation, and stripped-back techniques that actually work.

• Learn how emotional regulation and mindset directly impact your surfing outcomes
• Discover why simplicity in coaching and movement can unlock elite-level performance
• Hear wild, insightful stories about fear, failure, and flow from one of Australia's most respected surf coaches

Press play now to hear how passion, preparation, and playful experimentation can completely transform your surfing or coaching game.

Key Points

• Matt discussed his passion for surfing and coaching, and how he aims to share his knowledge through the podcast.
• They talked about the Wim Hof breathing technique and using ice baths for recovery and mental focus.
• Matt shared stories about pushing himself in big wave surfing sessions, including tow-in body surfing at Deadmans.
• They discussed the importance of being present in the moment and not overthinking during surfing.
• Matt emphasized the role of proper preparation and having the right mindset for competition.
• They talked about using different equipment like longboards and foils to spread out crowds and enjoy different waves.
• Matt described his coaching approach at the Macaronis, focusing on repetition and feeling the waves.
• They discussed the importance of technique, like initiating turns from the feet rather than just rotating the upper body.
• Matt shared how he learns from studying the styles of top surfers and incorporates elements into his own surfing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OODA_loop

https://manlysurfschool.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.

Barton gives some insight into the recent Margret River WCT surfing event, shares with us the best drill to improve your small wave surfing. We also talk about the surf-skate connection, how surf coaches and surfers can use skateboarding to improve technique and fitness, and we discuss the best types of skateboards to use.

Want to surf small waves with more confidence, sharper reflexes, and less frustration—just by changing your mindset and one simple habit?

Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just stepping up your game, this episode with 1988 World Champion Barton Lynch uncovers powerful, practical tools to help you break plateaus and surf with more flow and purpose. If you’ve ever struggled in small or inconsistent conditions, Barton’s drills and insights can revolutionize how you approach every surf session.

• Learn the game-changing "waves as fast as you can" drill that boosts reflexes, confidence, and performance in small or junky waves.

• Understand why most surf skateboards teach bad habits—and how Barton’s new design helps kids and adults train better for the ocean.

• Get behind-the-scenes insight into elite coaching philosophy that emphasizes individuality, awareness, and long-term progress over cookie-cutter technique.

Listen now to transform your small wave surfing, sharpen your mental game, and bring more flow, confidence, and fun to every session.

Key Points

• Michael announced that there are two spots left for the Surf Mastery coaching trip happening from May 18th to 24th in El Salvador at Puro Surf.

• Barton Lynch discussed the recent shark attacks at Margaret River that led to the cancellation of the surfing event there.

• Barton explained the 'waves as fast as you can' drill, which involves catching as many waves as possible in quick succession to improve reflexes and small wave performance.

• Michael and Barton discussed the benefits of the 'waves as fast as you can' drill for Michael's surfing.

• Barton introduced the new 'Switch' skateboard product from Street Boards, designed for surf training without creating bad habits.

• Barton mentioned the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for the 'Switch' skateboard, which will be available at an affordable price.

• Barton discussed the larger Street Board with big wheels that allows surfers to practice their rail game on land.

http://bartonlynch.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.

Making the Drop founder Barry Green has been surfing for 30 years and coaching surfing professionally since 1998. His vision for a technical & holistic approach to surf coaching grew while working with clients who were at a crossroads in their lives, using surfing as a practice to rediscover purpose and passion in life. He completed the Professional Coaching Course in Integral Coaching from New Ventures West in 2008, adding life coaching skills to an extensive background working with youth and adults as a counsellor, coach and experiential educator. He is blessed with three amazing daughters and continues to find passion and purpose in helping all levels of surfers ride waves with style, grace and gratitude.

https://centeredsurfing.com

 What if your greatest surfing breakthrough isn’t about technique—but about how deeply you connect with the ocean, and yourself?

Many surfers chase the next turn, board, or breakthrough without realizing that the biggest improvements come not from doing more, but from becoming more aware—of our bodies, our thoughts, and our connection with the ocean. In this episode, surf and wellness coach Barry Green shares how self-awareness and intention can unlock next-level performance and fulfillment in surfing and life.

• Discover how slowing dwn and letting go of tension can radically improve your wave-riding and presence.

• Learn why matching your surfing skill with your intention is key to progression and deeper satisfaction.

• Explore surfing as a mirror for personal growth, from overcoming fear to cultivating grace under pressure.

Tune in now to discover how greater self-awareness and ocean connection can transform not only your surfing—but your life.

Key Points

• Barry shared his perspective on why he surfs - it's a practice for better knowing himself, connecting with the world around him, and responding with grace and poise in any situation.

• Barry discussed the role of a surf coach as a guide to help people push past their edges and limitations, both in surfing and in life.

• Michael and Barry talked about the importance of being relaxed and present in the moments between the big moves while surfing.

• They discussed how self-awareness and connecting intention with skill is crucial for progressing as a surfer.

• Barry shared his journey of getting into surf coaching, starting from working at a surf school and realizing his passion for helping people connect with surfing on a deeper level.

• They talked about the common mistakes surf coaches see, such as surfers being tense and not occupying their full body awareness.

• Barry mentioned an upcoming surf coaching trip he and Michael are organizing to Central America, aimed at helping serious surfers improve their skills and mindset.

• Barry emphasized the importance of acknowledging and appreciating other surfers in the lineup to foster a positive surf culture.

http://makingthedrop.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.

Kyle Thiermann is a professional surfer, podcaster, and filmmaker from California. He creates gonzo-style mini-documentaries about current issues happening all over the world. Tune in to his podcast for conversations with fascinating people he meets along the way.

 

What if slowing down—not speeding up—is the real secret to becoming a better surfer?

In a surf world obsessed with progression and performance, pro surfer and filmmaker Kyle Thiermann offers a refreshing perspective: surfing as self-reflection. Whether you're battling impatience in the lineup or stuck on a plateau in your skills, Kyle’s insights into slowing down, noticing more, and redefining success will resonate deeply.

• Learn how riding single fins and surfing slower can lead to faster progress and deeper enjoyment.

• Discover why setting small, realistic goals can unlock big leaps in performance and confidence.

• Hear how Kyle applies the same hyper-awareness from hunting and podcasting to his surfing—and how you can do the same. 

Listen now to transform how you think about progression in surfing, and learn how slowing down could be the key to finally leveling up.

Key Points

• Kyle discussed how riding a single fin surfboard forces him to slow down and focus on the fundamentals of surfing, like bottom turns.

• Kyle mentioned that surfing heavier waves like Puerto Escondido taught him to read the ocean better and notice details like rip currents and wave formations.

• Kyle talked about the importance of having surfing mentors, like Tyler Fox, who taught him when to say no to surfing in dangerous conditions.

• Kyle discussed how visualizing and preparing mentally for upcoming surf sessions can help slow down time and notice more details while surfing.

• Kyle emphasized the value of learning new skills like hunting to regain a beginner's mindset and stay engaged in the learning process.

• Kyle reflected on the deeper meaning of surfing as a way to connect with nature and notice more in life.

• Kyle encouraged getting in the ocean regularly, whether surfing, swimming, or just being present, as a way to appreciate living on a "water planet."

Check out his podcast on iTunes or here:  http://www.kyle.surf/podcast/

Kyle's TED talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQIt2JUF-sg

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.

Nam Baldwin discuss's what Flow is, why some surfers get into 'the zone' more often and more easily than others. How do we train, warm-up and think in a way that elicits more flow. How to turn a bad surf into a great surf. 

Surfing, flow, flow-state, the zone, Nam Baldwin, Mick Fanning, 2020 olympics

Ever had a perfect wave where everything just clicked—but couldn’t figure out how to recreate it?

That magical state of surfing where time slows down, decisions happen effortlessly, and your body flows without overthinking? That’s a flow state. In this deep dive with elite performance coach Nam Baldwin, we unpack the science of getting "in the zone"—and how you can train your body and mind to access it more often, even in average conditions.

• Discover how flow states unlock not only better performance but faster learning and deeper enjoyment.

• Learn the specific warm-up strategies and mental triggers that elite athletes use to consistently access peak states.

• Understand how your breath, posture, and self-talk can either guide you into—or pull you out of—your best surfing.

 Hit play now and learn how to harness the power of flow to surf with more confidence, clarity, and control every time you paddle out.

Key Points

• Nam Baldwin, named as the Elite Performance Specialist for Surfing Australia heading towards the 2020 Olympics.

• Nam explains the concept of 'flow state' or 'being in the zone' as a mental state where one's attention is fully focused on the present moment, allowing optimal performance without distractions.

• Nam discusses the factors that contribute to an individual's ability to enter a flow state, such as genetics, neural chemistry, and consistent practice from a young age.

• Nam emphasizes the importance of finding one's optimal state of arousal and regulating attention through techniques like proper warmup and breath work.

• Nam suggests using triggers or anchors, such as posture or self-talk, to help re-enter a flow state after falling out of it during a surfing session.

• Nam highlights the role of managing expectations and simplifying goals to avoid overthinking and anxiety, which can hinder the flow state.

• Nam recommends recovery strategies after experiencing a flow state, such as rest, proper nutrition, and mindfulness practices, to replenish the hormones and chemicals involved.

• Nam suggests resources like the books 'The Rise of Superman' by Steven Kotler and 'The Edge Effect' by Dr. Eric Braverman for further understanding of flow states and hormonal balance.

http://www.equalize.com.au/

http://www.stealingfirebook.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1MHyyWsMeE

https://www.bravermantest.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow

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 shares some of his back-stories into how he became a world-class surfer, surf coach, and surfboard shaper. Clayton has a unique take on advanced surfing, he breaks it down very clearly, simplifying what to most surfers seems magical. We clarify the proper surf stance - squat or lunge? Or Squnge? We talk in depth about Kelly Slater, and even break down one of his waves on a very detailed level. This podcast will give you an in-depth look at the worlds best surfer Kelly Slater - his approach, his technique and some never heard before quotes.

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