Show me a surfer who’s never eaten it, and I’ll show you a liar.

In this episode of The Wipeout Weekly, we’re diving headfirst (not recommeneded) into one of surfing’s most underrated skills: the art of the wipeout.

We’ll cover what causes wipeouts (and why it’s not always your fault) and how to fall with grace (or at least without injury)

Bonus: wisdom from Laird Hamilton, Reddit surf threads, and a PSA about not fighting the ocean.

Can you believe it? 200 days, 200 episodes. From surf etiquette to deep dives, kook-splaining to culture shifts—we’ve covered it all. And now, we’re teasing what’s next…

In this special milestone episode, we indulge in reflection on the journey so far and share a sneak peek at what’s ahead: - The All Things Surf Directory (coaches, jobs, retreats & more) - The launch of our Wee Surf Shoppe - Plus, two big 2026 drops—one practical, one downright fantastical

Also debuting today: Sunday Surf Poem, a new segment for ocean-inspired verse lovers. We kick it off with Baby Waves by Louise (Philippines), and the classic Sea Fever by John Masefield.

Oh, the shame. This one’s for every surfer who’s come out of the water with a big fat zero on the wave count. One of our readers wrote in: “Hey Zuz, I went out and caught zero waves. Is that… normal?”

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Also yes—but let’s unpack it.

Malibu isn’t on our list of best beginner surf spots—and for good reason. It’s chaotic, crowded, and famously not beginner-friendly. But it’s also Malibu—home of First Point, longboard heaven, and the birthplace of modern surf culture.

In this episode, we break down what it’s really like to surf Malibu:

• First, Second, and Third Point explaine

• When to go (and when to avoid it)

• What to expect in the water (spoiler: a lot of people)

• Water quality, wardrobe tips, and post-fire updates

• Is it solo-surfer friendly?

Surfing has never lacked big characters—loud, brash, full of stories. But this week, we talk about someone different: Pat Curren. A big-wave pioneer, big wave gun shaper, and quiet force in the lineup, Curren was the definition of strong and silent.

From flipping beers at Waimea to building surfboards like weapons, Pat didn’t say much—but when he did, it stuck. We talk about his early days in La Jolla, shaping the first true big-wave guns, and how he managed to remain a mystery even while helping define the sport.

It’s been a good week in the world of surfing, and we’re here for the good vibes only. In this episode, we’re spotlighting four stories that’ll restore your faith in surf humanity:

• North London gets its first surf lake! Enfield Council approves a 100-acre inland surf facility.

• Surf school changes lives in Queens. Meet the man behind free lessons, wetsuits, and community meals for NYC kids.

• High school surfing goes varsity in Hawaii. The state’s first-ever official championships are coming to Maui in 2026.

• One lost tooth, one amazing surf community. A marine vet wipes out at Huntington—and walks away smiling thanks to a local hero dentist.

If you’ve ever been run over, run over someone else, dinged a board, or had yours destroyed in a surf collision—this episode is for you.

We’re talking target fixation: that sneaky brain glitch where you stare at the very thing you’re trying to avoid… and then crash right into it. From dropping in on strangers to nose-diving into sandbars, it’s not always your technique—it might just be where you're looking.

Surf skates: Are they the miracle cross-training tool Reddit makes them out to be… or just overpriced beach path wiggle machines? In this episode, we go down the surf skate rabbit hole. A little history (hello Dogtown), a little tech (front trucks that pivot like whoa), and a lot of opinion. We talk what surf skates are great for (spoiler: not paddling), what they can’t help you with, and why some surfers swear by them—while others roll their eyes. Plus, tips for what to look for, how to avoid the kooky wiggle, and whether it’s actually worth dropping $400 on a land board when you could just surf. Or could you?

Ah yes—Backdoor. Not that Backdoor, you filthy animal. And not just Pipeline’s famous right, either.

This episode breaks down what it means to “backdoor” a wave, how it’s connected to the fabled North Shore break, and why it’s not for the faint of heart. We paddle into the history of the Backdoor Shootout—Da Hui’s infamous (and independently wild) surf contest that’s given us everything from no-jersey judging to slogans about rumbling surf gangs.

You'll meet the Rothmans—yes, those Rothmans—father-son surf enforcers turned prize-money titans. We talk Jason Momoa, Da Hui’s black trunks, and the moment when Pipeline became a two-way street: left for Pipe, right for Backdoor, and both barreling toward surf legend.

You paddle out feeling hopeful… and paddle back in feeling like you’ve never surfed a day in your life. No progress. No plateau. Just pure regression. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we unpack those frustrating sessions that leave you questioning everything. We’re talking about the science behind skill regression, learning plateaus, and why your brain might temporarily ditch skills you’ve already mastered when you're trying to learn something new.

From the power law of practice to cognitive overload, we explore what’s really going on when your surf progression feels more like a scribble than a straight line. Plus, we share tips for how to make your practice more deliberate—and what to do when all else fails (spoiler: 🍦)