Is surfing your go-to for mental health… even though you only surf once a week? What happens when the waves are flat and your mind’s not?

In this soul-stirring episode, rugby legend and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan shares his journey from elite athlete to mental wellness pioneer. From learning to surf without ego to overcoming crippling depression, JK reveals practical wisdom that applies to anyone—surfer or not—navigating the mental chaos of modern life.

• Discover the 6 daily pillars of mental health Sir John lives by—and why one hobby isn’t enough

• Learn how men can redefine masculinity through emotional expression, not suppression

• Hear real-life strategies for balancing performance and purpose in both sport and daily life

Listen now to learn how to build a resilient, joyful life—on land or in the lineup—straight from a knighted legend who’s lived both extremes.

Key Points

• John Kirwan discussed the importance of building multiple mental health practices beyond a single activity like surfing, emphasizing the need to diversify activities to maintain mental well-being.

• John Kirwan shared his journey transitioning from professional rugby to coaching and then into mental health advocacy, highlighting the challenges of career transitions for athletes.

• John Kirwan elaborated on his coaching philosophy, which focused on providing opportunities for growth and emphasizing the importance of balancing winning with player development.

• John Kirwan discussed his daily mental health practices, including the six pillars (move, chill, enjoy, connect, celebrate, and do), and the importance of integrating these practices into daily life.

• John Kirwan spoke about the need to modernize the concept of masculinity, emphasizing vulnerability and emotional expression as essential aspects of mental health for men.

• John Kirwan recommended learning about mental health early in life to prevent severe mental health crises, drawing from his personal experiences and the creation of his foundation Mighty.

• John Kirwan introduced Groove, a SaaS product aimed at improving workplace mental health by empowering individuals and optimizing work environments, with a goal to reach 100 million people and save 100,000 lives.

• John Kirwan advised parents to foster a love for sports in their children by allowing them to explore different activities and not pushing them into high-performance sports too early. 

https://jkfoundation.org.nz/

https://www.groovnow.com/

https://www.mitey.org.nz/

https://www.instagram.com/johnkirwan14/?hl=en

www.surfmastery.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.

 

Think you're too old to learn how to surf—or stuck as a frustrated intermediate? What if the key to better surfing isn't fitness or board size, but how you read the wave?

In this episode, surf coach Andrew Goodman shares his powerful coaching insights, from teaching an 86-year-old woman to surf to running retreats across the Maldives, Costa Rica, and Europe. Whether you're struggling with confidence, wave selection, or etiquette, this conversation shines a light on the real obstacles most surfers face—and how to overcome them with intention and awareness.

• Hear the inspiring story that launched Andrew's surf coaching career and transformed his purpose

• Learn the biggest mistakes beginners and intermediates make (and how to fix them)

• Discover practical balance and wave-reading tips that immediately improve your surfing, no matter your age or skill level

Tune in now to gain the clarity and confidence you need to level up your surfing and finally catch the waves you're aiming for.

Key Points

• Andrew Goodman's introduction to surfing came from growing up in a beach-centric lifestyle in Cape Town, South Africa, influenced by his father, a surfer, and his mother, a beach enthusiast.

• Andrew transitioned into surf coaching after a serendipitous encounter in California in 2008, where he offered to teach surf lessons on a trial basis and eventually taught an 86-year-old woman to surf, sparking his passion for surf coaching.

• Andrew discussed his background in the film industry as a grip, a role that involved rigging and building set pieces, which instilled in him a forward-thinking approach that has contributed to his surf coaching.

• Andrew shared his strategy for dealing with clients who experience seasickness during boat trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and offering practical solutions such as providing medication.

• Michael highlighted the importance of vision and vestibular training for surfers, suggesting that it can improve balance, vision, and overall surfing performance, and recommended resources like Z-Health for further learning.

• Andrew discussed common mistakes made by beginner and intermediate surfers, such as transitioning to smaller boards too soon and misunderstanding wave dynamics, and emphasized the importance of understanding wave behavior over mere physical fitness.

• Andrew and Michael discussed the challenges of surf etiquette and the importance of teaching new surfers about ocean safety and behavior, contrasting this with the limitations of surf schools in providing comprehensive education on surf etiquette.

• Andrew explained the concept of competence hierarchy in surf culture, emphasizing that respect and priority in the lineup should be based on surfing ability rather than physical fitness or seniority.

• Andrew shared his experience surfing in wave pools, noting the unique challenges and the increasing accessibility and popularity of wave pools, despite their high cost per wave.

• Andrew provided information on how to find out more about his surf coaching trips, including his Instagram handle and website, and mentioned an upcoming trip to Costa Rica with a returning group of 11 participants.

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

https://www.andrewgoodmansurfcoach.com/

https://www.facebook.com/andrewgoodmansurfcoaching/

www.surfmastery.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.

 

Is a twin fin actually faster than a two plus one? Are you surfing your mid-length all wrong without realizing it? Devon Howard is back to unpack it all.

Whether you're obsessing over mid-length setups or wondering if you should finally try a twin, this episode dives into the nuance of surfboard design with someone who's actually building and testing them—Devon Howard. From fins and tail shapes to flow and feel, you'll get deep insights into how different setups influence your speed, control, and style.

• Learn the real differences between a single fin, twin fin, and two plus one setup—and how each affects your ride

• Discover what board Devon chooses based on mood, wave type, and turning style

• Understand how rail surfing vs. tail surfing changes everything on a mid-length board

Press play now to rethink your surfboard setup and tap into the style, speed, and flow that only a well-matched mid-length can deliver.

Key Points

• Devon Howard discusses how fatherhood has changed his relationship with surfing, noting that he surfs less but finds the sessions more meaningful.

• Devon Howard explains his relationship with twin fins, detailing his history with different fin setups and how he transitioned to twin fins.

• Devon Howard describes the differences between twin fins and two plus one setups, highlighting the acceleration and speed benefits of twin fins.

• Devon Howard explains the design and features of the mid-length twin fin surfboard, including the bottom contours and the choice of a rounded tail.

• Devon Howard compares the surfing experience on single fins, two plus one, and twin fins, discussing the freedom and performance aspects of each setup.

• Devon Howard discusses the performance of twin fins on backhand (left-hand) waves, noting that while they work, they are easier on frontside waves.

• Devon Howard mentions the potential for El Nino conditions in the upcoming winter, which could bring good surf to the West Coast of California.

• Devon Howard discusses the variety of fin setups available, including twin fins, two plus one, and quad setups, and encourages experimentation to find the best fit.

To see the board and view the video of it being surfed:

https://cisurfboards.com/products/ci-mid-twin

Devon's Intagram:

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

Previous episodes with Devon:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0q8ZgURoPpIC8FsKhOsX22?si=ahwXQDTfQ9GhQ8wj3gCgtw

 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7urXZ0str2NgiLhic6ilse?si=gojzWFYnTp6nqDpX5bhtXQ

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.

Frustrated by your technique? Digging rails on your cutbacks or flailing with no clear reason why? What if the fix was easier—and way more fun—than you think?

In this episode, pro-surfer-turned-coach Shane Beschen breaks down the real reasons recreational surfers plateau and how you can fix them using video feedback and simple tweaks. Plus, he shares bold takes on the WSL, surf coaching culture, and why wave parks might just save surfing—not ruin it.

• Discover the 3 most common bad habits holding surfers back (and how to spot them on video)

• Learn how surf parks like Waikai and Revel Surf are bringing back pure stoke and community

• Hear why letting kids stay kids might be the best surf coaching advice no one talks about

Press play now to hear Shane’s no-BS take on surfing better, stoking harder, and coaching smarter—both in and out of the water.

Key Points

• Shane Beshin's relationship with surfing has evolved to a place of gratitude and enjoyment, similar to when he first began.

• Being on tour can lead to a loss of the initial fun and excitement of surfing due to the mix of pleasure and business.

• Contests serve as a motivator for improving surfing skills by pushing one's abilities to perform confidently in any conditions.

• Recreational surfers can significantly improve their technique by focusing on key aspects such as weighting the back leg during turns and minimizing unnecessary movements.

• Video feedback is crucial for learning and correcting surfing habits, as it allows surfers to see and understand their mistakes better than verbal explanations alone.

• Surfing technique should be adapted to the type of board, though core principles remain consistent across different boards.

• Shane Beshin advises against taking surfing coaching too seriously for young kids, emphasizing the importance of letting them enjoy their childhood.

• Shane Beshin is involved in developing wave pools and surf parks, aiming to create events that celebrate surfing legends and provide a fun, inclusive environment for all surfers.

• Shane Beshin plans to offer coaching clinics at the wave pools and surf parks he is involved with, sharing his expertise and creating a coaching system for these venues.

• Surf parks are expected to reduce crowding and negativity at natural lineups by providing guaranteed riding time and a fun, inclusive atmosphere.

Follow Shane on Instagram for loads of surfing tips:

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

More about Shane:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebeschen/

Wave Pools:

http://revelsurf.com/

https://cannonbeachaz.com/

https://atthelineup.com/

https://surfmastery.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.

Jack Jensen is the CEO of MSFT Productions, and mental health advocate. He shares his powerful mission, message and story. His brand, business and mental health initiative - #sparkthatchat, all encompass Jack's genuine mission and passion to do good in this world

Jack is a true inspiration for all, but especially young men.

https://msftproductions.net/

#sparkthatchat -

https://msftproductions.net/sparkthatchat

Resources:

https://msftproductions.net/mental-health-resources

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/msft_productions/

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

Life Coaching:

https://surfmastery.com/life-coaching

Music - Sandy Dunes By SUNZ

https://open.spotify.com/track/5UjI551rUJTZsuDUxu8zGH?si=7a60280b57a34c96

What if the thing stopping young men from healing isn’t weakness—but the suppression of their natural masculine energy? And what if the way forward isn't in sitting down to talk—but in action, community, and shared purpose?

In this raw and inspiring episode, Michael sits down with Jack Jensen—surfer, founder of MSFT Productions, and leader of the Spark That Chat movement. Together, they explore how action sports, creative expression, and real conversations are helping men break free from shame, connect to their purpose, and even save lives. If you’re tired of shallow mental health campaigns, this one will resonate.

• Discover how the “misfit” label is being reclaimed as a badge of authenticity and strength

• Hear how real conversations—and not performative vulnerability—are breaking suicide cycles in NZ

• Learn how to spark meaningful change in your community, even if you're not a therapist

Play this episode now to hear Jack’s unfiltered truth—and get inspired to lead, connect, and spark that chat with someone who needs it.

Key Points

• Recognizing individuality and promoting the idea of everyone being a 'misfit' in their own way, aiming to inspire others to embrace their passions and talents.

• Addressing the stigma around men's mental health and redefining masculinity as a positive and constructive force in society.

• Explaining the origin of the term 'Misfit' and its evolution into a brand that promotes physical activity, mental health, and community engagement.

• Discussing the creation of the 'Spark that Chat' initiative in response to the loss of a friend to suicide, aiming to promote open conversations about mental health.

• Talking about the challenges of vulnerability and the stigma associated with mental health, emphasizing the importance of normalizing these conversations.

• Exploring different ways to address mental health, including physicality, deep conversations, therapy, and hotlines, and the importance of seeking help.

• Providing advice for those looking to spark conversations about mental health, including utilizing available resources and reaching out to trusted individuals.

• Encouraging the normalization of deep conversations about mental health, fostering long-term relationships and support systems.

• Promoting the idea of initiating and participating in shared activities as a way to spark conversations and support mental well-being.

• Highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in fostering mental health and providing information on how to connect with the Misfits community.

https://msftproductions.net/

#sparkthatchat -

https://msftproductions.net/sparkthatchat

Resources:

https://msftproductions.net/mental-health-resources

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/msft_productions/

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

Life Coaching:

https://surfmastery.com/life-coaching

Music - Sandy Dunes By SUNZ

https://open.spotify.com/track/5UjI551rUJTZsuDUxu8zGH?si=7a60280b57a34c96

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.

 

 

Have you ever felt stuck in your surfing—even though you’ve trained, bought better boards, or taken surf trips—only to realize something deeper might be holding you back?

In this powerful return conversation, Dr. Michael Gervais—renowned high-performance psychologist—joins host Michael Frampton to explore the real reason recreational surfers plateau: not technique or equipment, but often unresolved mental and relational dynamics. This episode bridges the gap between sports psychology, therapy, and surfing as a tool for personal growth.

• Learn the difference between sports psychology and psychotherapy—and how each can improve your surfing

• Discover how unresolved relationship patterns affect your performance and presence in the water

• Hear why the relationship between client and coach/therapist is more powerful than any single tool or technique

Tune in now to rethink your relationship with surfing—and uncover what might really be holding you back from progress and peace in the water.

Key Points

• Understanding the differences and similarities between sports psychology and psychotherapy.

• Exploring the concept of thriving in sports psychology versus suffering in psychotherapy.

• Discussing the gray line between clinical issues and performance-related anxiety in athletes.

• Highlighting the importance of the relationship between coach and athlete or therapist and client.

• Emphasizing the distinction between professional relationships and friendships in coaching.

• Discussing the benefits of psychotherapy in enhancing surfing performance and enjoyment.

• Examining the role of empathy and tactical empathy in coaching and relationships.

• Identifying three common traits among high performers: clarity of purpose, commitment to honesty, and recognition of teamwork.

• Exploring the impact of psychotherapy on various life domains, including work and hobbies.

• Discussing the upcoming book by Dr. Michael Gervais on the fear of people's opinions as a constrictor for human potential.

Michael Gervais is a high performance psychologist and host of the Finding Mastery Podcast.

Finding Mastery Website

Instagram

www.surfmastery.com

My first episode with Gervais: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Sp8V54EZrUjr1QgwxMaZP?si=1d43e32501ea4402

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.

Tips and perspectives for the absolute beginner surfer, if you are brand new to surfing, start here.

Board choice, where to surf, how to catch waves, initial objectives, common mistakes to avoid and more

Are you brand new to surfing—or know someone who is—and wondering how to actually get started the right way?

Most beginners get a “tourist experience” at a surf school, buy a board, and immediately struggle. In this bite-sized episode, Michael Frampton and coach Clayton Nienaber break down the first five hours of your surfing journey—what to do, where to surf, and why so many people get it wrong from day one.

• Learn what kind of board to buy (and why that soft top matters)

• Discover the beach features that make or break a beginner session

• Understand the right timing to stand up—and how to stop wiping out constantly

Press play and start your surfing journey with real advice that helps you catch more waves, build confidence, and avoid the common beginner traps.

Key Points

• Recommendation for beginners to purchase a nine foot soft top surfboard due to its durability and safety for learning.

• Advice to choose a beach with flat sand for beginners to maximize the length of the ride and minimize the violence of the waves.

• Technique recommendation for beginners to jump at the same time as the wave to catch it effectively.

• Importance of arching the back while paddling to catch waves efficiently and avoid fatigue.

• Strategy for beginners to catch as many waves as possible in a short period to build confidence, stamina, and strength.

• Emphasis on the importance of timing rather than paddling to catch white water, and the goal of standing up with the intention of traveling.

OMBE  Website

Online Surf Courses

Previous episode with Clayton

www.surfmastery.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.

 

 

 

Ever wonder what happens when a brutally honest comedian dissects surf culture—from the violence in Malibu lineups to the awkward silence after snaking a wave?

In this no-holds-barred episode, stand-up comic and surfer Eddie Ifft shares the hilarious, awkward, and sometimes disturbing reality of being a non-local in a world dominated by entitlement, aggression, and unspoken lineup politics. If you've ever surfed next to someone in gold chains—or dodged a tackle mid-wave—this one's for you.

• Hear unfiltered surf stories you’ll never hear in a surf school brochure.

• Learn why comedians are uniquely positioned to expose the absurdity of surf localism.

• Discover how Eddie’s carnivore diet, CrossFit background, and Malibu drama collide in one of the most unpredictable episodes yet.

Press play for uncensored laughs, brutal truths, and a fresh perspective on the surf world you thought you knew.

Key Points

• Surfing on holidays is one of Eddie's favorite activities, especially because it often results in less crowded waters.

• Eddie began serious surfing 15 years ago after moving to California and started with stand-up comedy because he felt unfulfilled in his previous life in Pittsburgh.

• Eddie describes surfing as the 'crack' of sports due to its addictive nature and the sense of community it fosters, despite the often toxic behavior it can bring out.

• Eddie shares a humorous and reflective anecdote about a violent encounter while surfing, involving a broken nose and a funny interaction with his friend.

• Eddie discusses his career in stand-up comedy, revealing that it began 27 years ago when he started writing jokes for a friend and eventually decided to pursue it himself.

• Eddie and Michael discuss their experiences with confrontational and sometimes violent encounters while surfing, highlighting the competitive and territorial nature of the sport.

• Eddie shares his experience of consuming only McDonald's food for 30 days, detailing the surprising health benefits he experienced, which challenged common perceptions about fast food.

• Eddie discusses his recent podcast episode that went out of control, featuring a heated argument between guests that became a highlight of the show.

https://eddieifft.com

https://www.instagram.com/eddieifft/

Eddies' Podcasts:

https://eddieifft.com/podcasts/

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.