In today’s episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood words in the lineup: outside.

Yes, it sounds harmless—until someone yells it mid-session and you realize you’re about to get absolutely steamrolled by a rogue set. 😬

We cover: - What “the outside” actually means in surf terms - How to avoid getting caught in the “Danger Zone” - Why it’s normal (and formative!) to get worked as a beginner - When to move from the inside to the outside—and how to do it safely

Spoiler: getting caught inside is a rite of passage. But knowing what “outside” means might save you a few nose dives and ego bruises.

This week’s pop-up truth bomb comes from Kyla Peterson—surf coach, fearless leader of Surfin Fire Surf School in Oceanside, and longtime member of Girls Who Can’t Surf Good. She popped up for the first time at age seven, so... yeah, she might not get the whole “stuck on my knees” thing 😜—but she does know how to help you fix it.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why hip mobility might be your secret pop-up saboteur

• The harsh truth about progress if you’re only surfing once a week (don’t shoot the messenger)

• Kyla’s favorite land-based drills to speed up your pop-up—even when you're nowhere near the ocean

If your pop-up feels more like a pop-meh, this one’s for you.

It's time to face some uncomfortable truths. But don't you worry! Kyla Peterson—surf coach and fearless leader at Oceanside Pier’s Surfin Fire Surf School has your back.

In today’s episode, Kyla shares how growing up in a beach camp led to running her dad’s surf school, how COVID sparked her career pivot, and why she’s now focused on empowering female surfers to feel confident in any lineup.

We also get into:

• Why surf etiquette might be harder than the pop-up

• How often you really need to surf to get better

• What to do when the ocean isn’t available

• Why surfing with people better than you can level you up (spoiler: it works)

Whether you’ve never stood up on a board or you’re easing back in, this one’s packed with honest advice, surf coaching tips, and a whole lot of "you can do it!"

This week, we throw a shaka to the shaka itself. From a sugar mill accident in early 1900s Hawai‘i to a universal symbol of good vibes in the lineup, we trace the history of surfing’s favorite hand sign. Who was Hamana Kalili? And why do surfers everywhere keep throwing this thumb-and-pinky wave? Let’s find out.

When Matt Warshaw mentioned there were no girls in the Venice Beach lineup in 1969, it sent us down a wave-chasing, goddess-worshipping, surf-history rabbit hole. From the naked surf duels of ancient Hawaii to Princess Kelea, Queen Ka‘ahumanu’s heavy-wave skills, and the legend of Namahana’s dexterous drop-ins—we’re asking: who was the first woman in surf history? Spoiler: it’s not as simple as one name. But it’s a hell of a ride.

Tamarindo is one of the most popular beginner surf destinations in Costa Rica—for good reason. Year-round waves, bathwater-warm temps, and a town built for beach life? Say less. But it’s not all pura vida and peelers—this spot gets crowded, and sometimes the chill vibes are more influencer-core than actual-core. In this episode, we break down when to go, what to expect, how to avoid the worst of the crowds, and whether Tamarindo is still worth it in 2025 if you’re just starting out. Spoiler: It probably is.

This Friday, we meet Kristy Barone—a self-proclaimed late bloomer who didn’t see the ocean until her 30s and now shreds Rockaway Beach like she was born on a board. In this episode, Kristy shares how a spontaneous surf lesson with her daughter became a full-blown life transformation: 70 pounds lost, anxiety quieted, and passport stamps gained. From crying at the ocean to paddling out in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, Kristy’s story is proof that it’s never too late to dive in. Whether you’re landlocked or just stuck in your own head, her journey might just be the nudge you need.

Is having a surf buddy the secret to surfing success—or just a recipe for compromise? In this episode, we dive into the joys and occasional chaos of surfing with a buddy. Spoiler: mine’s my husband, and let’s just say... we don’t always agree on when to paddle out. 😂

Whether you're surfing solo or building your own buddy bench, this one’s for you.

Think your pop-up problems are all your fault? Think again. In this week’s pop-up episode, we’re shifting the blame (lovingly) to your gear. From too-tight wetsuits to wobbly foamies, we break down how your tools might be sabotaging your progress in the water—and what to look for instead.

Because sometimes, it’s not you. It’s your neoprene.

Surfing with Oprah Winfrey? Not quite—but close enough. 😊 It’s our first-ever weekly guest episode! 🎉 And we’re kicking things off with Nikki Nie—a SoCal surfer, dancer-turned-yogini, and surf retreat whisperer.

From the early days of pre-dawn sessions in Huntington Beach, to bad habits that landed her in a Beverly Hills urgent care, to the kind of surfing Nikki still finds intimidating after 20+ years in the water—we cover it all.

We dive into the difference between surf camps and surf retreats, what to expect (and avoid) when choosing one, and why not everyone is retreat material.

If you don’t listen to anything else, know this: A surf retreat can change your life. So if you’re already happy… don’t go.

You can find Nikki at @nikki_nie_