The Surf Strong Show

Henry Dittman is an actor, host, voice actor, surfer, dad, and co-host of ClipCast with Chris Wylde. He joins Greg Finch on The Surf Strong Show for an It Comes in Waves conversation about the waves that stay with us, the way surfing can change the direction of a life, and why getting back in the water after time away can feel like coming home. Henry starts with the wave he still daydreams about:...

Actor, comedian, surfer, and ClipCast host Chris Wylde joins Greg Finch on The Surf Strong Show for an “It Comes in Waves” conversation about surfing, fatherhood, patience, and the waves that stay with us. Chris shares the story of his most recent wave at Rincon with his son — a small, uncrowded day that turned into one of those long, quiet, soul-surfing rides you do not want to ruin by paddling b...

n this episode of The Surf Strong Show , Greg sits down with Barrett Perlman — former professional wakeboarder, surfer, transformation coach, and spiritual guide — for a conversation about surfing, breath, meditation, confidence, and what it really means to stay present in the ocean. Barrett shares her path from professional wakeboarding to surfing, including the early frustration of learning to p...

Summary In this inspiring interview, Shiloh Strong shares his transformative journey through personal health crises, the power of surfing as a source of resilience, and the impactful work of Ashes to Films, a nonprofit supporting creatives affected by disasters. Discover how storytelling, community, and creative healing can turn trauma into hope. Keywords Resilience, Surfing, Creative Healing, Ash...

Dr. Ashley Allen lives at a rare intersection: emergency medicine, integrative healing, chronic pain recovery, and surfing. In this conversation, we explore how her work as an ER doctor has shaped her understanding of stress, healing, and the mind-body connection—and how her own personal journey led her to look beyond conventional medicine alone. Dr. Ashley shares how practices like stillness, bre...

Life gets busy. Motivation comes and goes. That’s why I use BAMs (Bare @ss Minimums) —the non-negotiable baseline I hit daily so I stay surf-ready no matter what’s going on. In this episode, I break down a simple 3-phase BAM framework : Morning: set intention + lowest-friction start Midday: movement “snacks” to stay loose and strong Evening: decompress, reflect, and reset for tomorrow If you want...

In this episode of the Surf Strong Show, Greg Finch shares a practical approach to shoulder recovery and shoulder prep for surfers. He explains why consistency with small habits matters more than occasional long sessions, and how breathing techniques can improve control and recovery—especially under stress. You’ll get a simple framework of mobility exercises and activation work to support shoulder...

Breathe Strong, Surf Strong: How Better Breath Transforms Your Surfing Episode Overview If you want to surf stronger, longer, and with a calmer mind, it starts with something you are doing all day anyway: breathing. In this episode of The Surf Strong Show , coach Greg Finch breaks down how breath impacts your surfing, your recovery, and your day-to-day stress levels. He explains why most modern br...

Morning Micro Habits for Lifelong Surfing Surf Strong Show Express with Greg Finch Most surfers think they need a “perfect” 2-hour morning routine to level up their surfing. In this Surf Strong Show Express episode, Greg Finch makes the case for something way more realistic—and way more effective: 10–20 focused minutes of breath and movement that keep you surf-ready for life. Greg breaks down how...

Bianca Valenti is surfing the best waves of her life at 40. In this episode of the Surf Strong Show, she sits down with host Greg Finch to unpack what it really takes to keep charging big waves for decades—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Bianca shares how she structures her big-wave season between Mavericks and Hawaii, how she trains in the off-season, and why “just outside your comfort zon...

In this conversation, Marcelo shares his journey from a young surfer in El Salvador to becoming an Olympic coach and founder of Puro Surf. He discusses the importance of community, resilience, and personal growth through surfing. Marcelo emphasizes the evolution of surf culture in El Salvador and the impact of his coaching methodology, the surf sequence, on aspiring surfers. He reflects on the cha...

In this conversation, April Denny shares her journey from growing up in Marin County, California, to becoming a PhD candidate focused on human movement and performance in surfing. She discusses her experiences as a lifeguard, her transition to studying kinesiology, and her research on elite female athletes as part of the Paddle to Podium project. April emphasizes the importance of a holistic appro...

In this conversation, Jason shares his journey from academia to the military, detailing his experiences in combat and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. He discusses the importance of finding purpose after service and highlights the mission of Operation Healing Forces, which focuses on supporting veterans and their families through retreats. The conversation emphasizes the healing p...

Summary In this conversation, Kate Clements shares her journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and the creation of her travel company, Room to Roam. She discusses the healing power of surfing and ocean therapy, particularly in the context of retreats for veterans. The conversation highlights the importance of community, connection, and the joy of learning to surf later in life, emphasizing tha...

Surf Strong for Life: Unlocking the Secrets to Consistent Fitness and Mobility When I sat down to record this episode of the Surf Strong Express show, my goal was simple: to share the essential strategies and mindset shifts that have allowed me—and can help you—to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall well-being for a lifetime of surfing. Over the years, I’ve learned how to overcome the comm...

Breath Awareness and Practical Application with Reis Peluso In this episode of the Surf Strong Show, host Greg Finch talks with Reis Peluso, a coach and educator specializing in breath awareness. Reis discusses his work with athletes and the practical applications of breath awareness in daily life, emphasizing the importance of noticing and adjusting one's breathing patterns. They explore the conc...

Matteo is an author, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide. He's written numerous books, including the one which he'll speak about today/tonight, BREATHE HOW YOU WANT TO FEEL; YOUR BREATHING TOOLKIT FOR BETTER HEALTH, RESTORATIVE SLEEP, AND DEEPER CONNECTION. Matteo began his study of the breath over 30 years ago while living in Nepal and Tibet-at the time working for a human rights ad...

Alo Slebir discusses his training and focus during the off-season as a big wave surfer. He emphasizes the importance of training out of the water and striving to be better in order to perform well in the next winter season. He also talks about his circuit workouts, which include a mix of CrossFit and balance work. Alo explains the difference between off-season and in-season training, with a focus...

Emily Hightower discusses her love for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, bow hunting, and kayaking. She explains the concept of skinning in skiing and the unique experience of being in nature. Greg and Emily also discuss the power of water and the importance of being present and connected to the environment. They touch on the challenges of attachment to outcomes and the need to focus on t...

In this conversation, Sam Bleakley discusses the power of connection in the digital age and the positive and negative aspects of technology. He emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions and the value of surfing as a global connection. Sam also highlights the significance of compromise and conversation in addressing challenges within the surf community. He explores the role of surfing in...

In this conversation, Brian McKenzie discusses the importance of breath training and its impact on overall health and performance. He emphasizes the need to understand and manage stress in order to optimize breathing patterns. Brian also highlights the significance of walking as a foundational exercise and shares his personal experience with overcoming fear and trauma. Overall, the conversation ex...

Scott Harrison, a photographer, shares his journey of discovering photography later in life and how it has become his passion and career. He discusses his approach to photographing landscapes, waves, and surfers, and how he balances his love for photography with his love for surfing. Scott also talks about the importance of having a mindset that allows for financial freedom and the ability to make...

Philip, the founder of Rise Up Retreats, discusses the evolution of his surf retreat business and the challenges and rewards of running a people-focused company. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for guests and the value of connection and community. Philip also shares his journey of finding balance between work and personal well-being, as well as his c...

Today we welcome Troy Cole former professional soccer player and owner of E-Motion Fitness. As a fellow coach and trainer I invited Troy on to discuss how his experience as a professional athlete and coach influenced his path as he took up surfing later in life over these last few years.

We welcome Taylor Knox back to the Surf Strong Show. Today he is joined by Matt Griggs. Together they run Nature of Success retreats in different locales throughout the year. On this episode we discuss Nature of Success, Kelee Meditation, personal performance, and the joy of building programs with friends that help others succeed.