98 Matt Parker - Choosing Boards and Breaking Surfing Rules

What if becoming a better surfer has less to do with technique, and more to do with how you handle fear, frustration, pressure, and the need to perform? Surfing has a way of exposing what's happening between your ears. You can spend years improving your technique and still find yourself frustrated by slow progress, intimidated by bigger waves, comparing yourself to other surfers, or turning a bad session into a judgment about your ability. In this episode, surf psychologist Lisa Davidsson explores the intersection of psychology, sport, and surfing. Lisa explains how shifting your relationship with performance can help you enjoy the ocean more, navigate fear more effectively, and keep progressing without making every session a test of your self-worth. In this episode, you'll discover: How to shift your focus from outcomes you can't control to the process, habits, and actions you can control.

What if catching more waves as a beginner had less to do with paddling harder, and more to do with timing and wave selection? Many beginner surfers waste energy chasing every patch of whitewater, only to miss waves, struggle to stand up, and finish each session feeling frustrated. In this episode, surf coach Michael Frampton explains a simpler approach that helps you conserve energy, choose better waves, and develop skills that will support your surfing for years to come. You'll discover: How to catch whitewater waves without paddling by using a simple, well-timed movement What separates strong, smooth whitewater waves from weak, turbulent ones How timing, ocean awareness, and efficient habits can help you stand up more often and learn faster Play the episode to start catching better waves with less effort and build the foundational skills every confident surfer needs. To download the free PDF: "The Intelligent Beginners Guide to Surfing" visit https://surfmastery.com or click this link: https://mailchi.mp/surfmastery/the-intelligent-beginners-guide-to-surfing The Surf Mastery Podcast: 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

What if the biggest difference between an average surfer and a great surfer isn't how they ride waves - but how they see them? After nearly five decades in the ocean, Shane Dorian has learned that surfing mastery isn't built on athleticism alone. It's built on observation, patience, awareness, and thousands of hours spent studying the ocean. In this conversation, Shane pulls back the curtain on the mindset that allowed him to become one of the world's most respected surfers. From learning to read subtle changes in swell direction and positioning to understanding crowd flow, reefs, tides, and wave behavior, he explains how true ocean knowledge is earned through relentless curiosity and attention to detail. But this episode is about far more than surfing. It's about how deep observation becomes intuition. How experience becomes wisdom. How a lifelong pursuit evolves from chasing performance into finding meaning, connection, health, family, and joy. From world titles and giant waves to coaching elite surfers, recovering from serious injury, raising surfing children, and preparing his body for decades more time in the water, Shane shares the lessons that only come from a lifetime of paying attention. In this episode, you'll discover: Why reading the ocean is one of the most important, and least understood - skills in surfing, and how Shane developed that ability through decades of observation. How positioning, patience, awareness, and studying experienced surfers can dramatically accelerate your progression in the water. What surfing has taught Shane about resilience, family, aging, purpose, and creating a life that remains rich with adventure long after your competitive years are over. Press play to learn how one of surfing's most thoughtful minds developed a lifetime of ocean wisdom, and how those lessons can transform the way you approach surfing, learning, and life itself. Shanes' Website: https://doriancoreperformance.com For more surfing tips: https://surfmastery.com To view and purchace the Surf Basis Paddle trainer: https://surfbasis.com For $30 off use Discount code: SURFMASTERY

What if the key to recovering from injury and surfing well into your 80s isn't resting more… but learning how to "play" better? Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine pioneer Dr. Kevin Stone explains why movement, balance, community, and even fun itself may be some of the most important ingredients in healing. From biologic joint repair and stem-cell science to the psychology of staying present in the water, this conversation explores how athletes can come back stronger instead of slowly breaking down. In this episode, you'll discover: Why turning fitness into "play" instead of "work" can dramatically improve your consistency, mindset, and long-term health. The cutting-edge advancements in biologic joint repair, PRP therapies, robotic surgery, and recovery techniques that are helping athletes avoid unnecessary surgeries and heal faster. How balance, presence, and mental focus reduce injuries, and why distraction may be one of the biggest hidden causes of wipeouts and breakdowns as we age. Press play now to learn how to recover smarter, stay active longer, and keep doing the sport you love for the rest of your life. https://www.stoneclinic.com Play Forever Book: https://a.co/d/06sF8zYm

What if becoming a better surfer isn't about catching more waves - but about thinking differently in the water? In this episode, Coach Chris from The Surf Continuum unpacks the deeper layers of surfing that often go unnoticed: the philosophy behind progression, the importance of surf culture and etiquette, and how maturity in the water can transform your entire experience. If you've ever felt frustrated, stuck, or disconnected from your surfing, this conversation offers a refreshing, thoughtful perspective. Gain insight into how mastering fundamentals and simplifying your approach leads to true, lasting progression Learn how surf culture, respect in the lineup, and ethical decision-making shape not just your surfing, but your identity as a surfer Discover how breaking surfing down into simple, learnable fundamentals removes overwhelm and builds real skill How shifting from performance-driven surfing to a more present, aware, and intentional approach can deepen your enjoyment and longevity in the sport Press play to explore a more thoughtful, grounded approach to surfing, and start evolving not just as a surfer, but as a human in the water. https://thesurfcontinuum.com https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcontinuum/ https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/kookcast-surf-education/id1387032167