Ready to ditch the Costco foamie and snag your first real surfboard? Before you hit up Facebook Marketplace or haggle at a garage sale, listen to this. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know before buying a second-hand board—what to check, what to avoid, and why some foamies are secretly cursed. From delam to dodgy repairs, this is your no-nonsense guide to getting a good deal without getting ripped off. Bonus: a whole section on how to vet used foam boards (because they’re a different beast entirely).

Word of the week is… Bottom. Yes, we went there. But we’re actually talking about the bottom turn—the move that makes or breaks your ride. In this episode, we cover what it is, why it matters, and how to start doing it on purpose. Spoiler: you’re probably already doing it, just without knowing it. Let’s fix that. Plus, a tiny history lesson on when surfers started turning instead of just trimming straight to the beach.

Heard of the North Shore but not sure what it actually is—or whether beginners like us belong there? In this short intro episode, we give you the lowdown on Hawai‘i’s most iconic surf zone: the 7-mile miracle. From Pipeline to Puaʻena Point, we cover where the pros surf, where beginners might sneak in a session, and why the North Shore is equal parts epic and intimidating. Also: what the heck is a Hawaiian scale and should you be scared of it? Let’s find out.

Warm water, reef breaks that don’t bite, and a view of Cloud 9 just a paddle away? Yes, please. This week’s surf spot of the week is Jacking Horse, a beginner-friendly wave on Siargao Island in the Philippines. We cover where it is, why it’s perfect for foamies, how it got its name (spoiler: bucking waves), and what to do when you’re not paddling out. If you’ve ever dreamed of a tropical surf trip that’s solo-friendly, affordable, and way less scary than it sounds, this one’s for you.

She stood on a board before she could walk—and never looked back. Meet Kyla, a lifelong surfer, daughter of a surf school founder, and the force behind Surfin Fire’s Oceanside Pier location. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to grow up surfing, how she’s building a powerful women’s surf community, and why confidence in the lineup is everything. From self-doubt to Indo dream trips, Kyla’s story is one of joy, grit, and giving back—plus she shares her favorite boards, coaching tips, and why Nicaragua has her heart.

This week we’re diving into one of the most divisive questions in beginner surf circles: to wear or not to wear an Apple Watch in the lineup. From SOS lifesavers and surf stat trackers to saltwater meltdowns and lost gadgets, we unpack real surfer stories and debate whether the convenience is worth the risk. Also, find out what ADT alarms, cats, and surf beers have to do with it. Spoiler: more than you think.

Slipping off your board for no good reason? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we dive into the real reasons why beginner (and even intermediate) surfers find themselves sliding around like they’re on a greased watermelon. From slippery foamies and sunscreen mishaps to bad board positioning and core disconnect, we break down every possible culprit—and how to fix it. If you’ve ever shouted “Why the f am I sliding off?!” mid-session, this one’s for you.

You're standing on the beach, board in hand, perfect waves rolling in… and suddenly your chest tightens. Fear creeps in. Shouldn’t this be fun? In today’s episode, we talk about something rarely acknowledged in surf culture—surfing with anxiety. Whether it’s fear of judgment, feeling unsafe, or just the overwhelming vastness of the ocean, you’re not alone. We share real stories, triggers, and advice from surfers who’ve been there.

Ever heard a surfer say, “Stay in the pocket,” and wondered if they meant their board shorts? In today’s episode, we unpack what “the pocket” means in surfing, where the phrase may have come from, and why it’s one of the most important—and misunderstood—concepts for beginner surfers. It’s not just a spot on the wave; it’s the key to speed, flow, and riding with the wave’s energy instead of fighting it.

Curious how big wave surfing began? Or what even counts as a "big" wave? In this episode, we dive (not literally) into the origins of big wave riding—from ancient Hawai‘i to the pioneers of the 1930s, to Laird Hamilton’s tow-in era at Jaws. Learn why competitions like The Eddie only run under mythical conditions, how Mavericks became a proving ground, and why big wave riding is as much about obsession as it is about bravery. Plus, find out the current world records for biggest waves surfed (spoiler: they’re monstrous).