The Wipeout Weekly - Surf Podcast

Another day, another weird thing surfing can do to your body! Today we're talking about Surfer's Eye — aka pterygium — the fleshy little eye growth you didn't ask for. It's not contagious, it's not a tumor, but it is weirdly common if you surf a lot without eye protection. We'll explain what it is, what it looks like, how it happens, and what you can do to avoid getting it. Because nothing kills t...

Inessa Love started surfing at 50—and it changed everything. In this conversation, she and Zuz talk about the slow burn of falling in love with surfing, being told she didn't belong in the lineup, and how that moment led to a global community of older women surfers. They unpack what it means to build the "confidence muscle," why surfing isn't just a sport but a mindset shift, and how Inessa's acad...

Before shortboards ruled the lineup, something radical happened at Malibu in the summer of 1950—thanks to a teenage girl named Vicki Flaxman and her custom "girl board." In this episode, we trace how a lighter balsa board, some curious beach dudes, and a well-timed cutback helped shift surfing from straight-line cruising to performance turns. It's a story of innovation, gender, and the moment surf...

In this episode, we travel to Dakar, Senegal, to explore one of West Africa's most beginner-friendly surf breaks. Plage de Yoff offers warm water, soft beach break waves, and a low-key surf scene perfect for first-timers and progressing surfers. We'll cover what the waves are like, when to go, what to wear, and why this under-the-radar gem should be on your surf trip shortlist. Bonus: you'll learn...

Surfing: it's all salty air, soul turns, and high vibes… until someone threatens to kill you in the lineup. 😬 In this episode, we're diving deep into the nastiest part of surf culture— surf aggro . From parking lot punch-ups to ancient Hawaiian blood feuds (yep, that happened), we're unpacking why such a blissful sport can bring out the worst in people. Who gets the brunt of it? Beginners, women,...

The waiting drove me mad. You're finally here and I'm a mess. That's a lyric from Pearl Jam's Corduroy , inspired by Eddie Vedder's famously worn thrift-store jacket. But today, we're not talking about 90s grunge fashion—or are we? In surf speak, "corduroy" is pure poetry: a series of dreamy, evenly spaced swell lines rolling toward shore like velvet ribs from a high vantage point. In this episode...

Before you fall in love with surfing, you should probably know the truth. In this episode, we ask the question no one ever seems to ask before their first surf lesson: Is surfing actually for me? Spoiler: it might not be. We talk about the emotional rollercoaster of learning to surf, the injuries, the cost, the localism, the stink eyes, and the endless learning curve that makes you question every...

The surfer girl stories are back—and today we're headed to Hawai'i to meet Shantal, a Canadian transplant turned longboard devotee living on O'ahu. She shares how surfing helped her build confidence, make deep friendships, and discover her love of mellow waves, cross-stepping, and the gentle art of cheering for your friends. From lineup jitters to dream boards and an upcoming surf retreat in Mexic...

Welcome to kookery class! In this episode, we unpack the surprisingly complicated origin of "kook," one of surfing's most beloved insults. Is it beatnik slang for "crazy"? Or does it come from the Hawaiian word for… well, poo? From Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz's outdoor toilet at San Onofre to Wilbur Kookmeyer cartoons, kookboxes, and the infamous Cardiff Kook statue—this one's got history, language, an...

Eddie would go. You've heard the phrase. Maybe you've shouted it at a mate or seen it scrawled across a T-shirt. But who was Eddie Aikau—and what does this iconic bit of surf culture actually mean? In this episode, we dive into the life and legend of Eddie Aikau, the fearless Hawaiian lifeguard and big wave surfer who inspired generations with his courage, heart, and sacrifice. From his heroic res...

This week we're back in Costa Rica to spotlight one of the most beginner-friendly surf towns on the planet—Nosara. Home to Playa Guiones, mellow waves, and laid-back vibes, Nosara is the kind of place where learning to surf feels like a vacation, not a battle. In this episode, we break down what makes Guiones so magical for new surfers, when to go, what to bring, and how to spend your off-board ti...

This one's for every surfer who's ever sat on the shoulder, watched a set roll through, and thought: Nope. In today's episode, we talk about why that nope might actually be your greatest strength. Because sometimes hesitation isn't fear—it's wisdom. From wipeout anxiety to a cautionary tale involving gliders, ditches, and one very lucky landing, this is your reminder that trusting your gut isn't c...

Here's to the sassy and silver surfers who prove that it's never too late to fall in love with surfing. In this episode, we meet Inessa , who took her first lesson just a month before turning 50—and found a whole new identity in the waves of Hawai'i. From pearling every other wave to founding a global surf community for women over 50, Inessa's journey is about courage, reinvention, and finding une...

It's pop-up Wednesday, and we're stealing secrets from the pros—frame by frame. In this episode, we break down what pro surfers actually do when they pop up (hint: it's not all the same). From hand placement to foot sequencing and even Kelly Slater's flutter kick, we're diving into slow-mo analysis at the Surf Ranch to see what beginners like us can learn. If you've ever wondered why your pop-up f...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 tha...

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...

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 ad...

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 fightin...

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 obses...

This week's surf spot spotlight takes us to Byron Bay, Australia—a dreamy, sun-soaked town that's equal parts surf haven and wellness retreat. Once a quiet fishing village (yep, another one), Byron is now a vibrant surf destination packed with mellow waves, boho vibes, and more longboards than you can count. We break down where beginners should paddle out, what to watch for at The Pass, and why By...