Hello my fellow barns and barnettes!!! I wanted to first apologize for skipping last week, I had a horrible case of writer’s block due to a lingering, week-long headache that resulted from one night out with J. Hodad (Tequila, and tamales are a dynamite duo). College friends, am I right? The Maui stoke-monster (J.H.), and PasaDana were in town for a couple of days and decided to help me and my girlfriend (Kookalita) rile up ol’ Seal Beach—the police were using a battering ram to break down our door by 8:30 PM (silly cops, it was unlocked), “Sir, your T.V. volume shouldn’t be turned up passed 40, we’re gona’ have to ask you to lower that a couple notches.” Whooooof, That was close. ANYWAYS, it’s taken me almost a week and a half to sweat out the booze and shake off that noise pollution, but here we are, going for it yet again!!
Let us commence. Contrary to the inclusivity of the modern surf era, traditional juice-mongers had an “if you know, you know” type of mentality. Try to remember when you first started paddling out; do you recall being intimidated because of all the tire slashing and widow smashing folklore that you believed was associated with this community? I do, and I also remember that nothing actually happened because that’s not really a problem anymore (I would still be careful at some spots around the world). This means that barns, kooks, and hodads (J.H!) meander out into the lineup and never hear a word of constructive (nor soul-wrenching) criticism. So where did beginners and gromlettes learn about wave riding if they were getting dirty saltwater splashed into their eyes after each paddle out? THE SURF SHOP! These rustic, sandy-floored, vagabond-housing castles of surf essence were the community town centers, and gateways into the never-ending pursuit.
With that said, podcasts are replacing the surf shop experience. Now for the tie in; although preaching about tricks and tips for guiding you through this epic, “my-leash-is-wrapped-around-my-arm-not-my-leg” phase of the surfing process will never get old, it’s imperative that I’m not your only source of information (we’d both be in trouble if that was true). So, this week I have assorted a list of five podcasts that will allow you to teleport into surf culture’s dreamy existence while blankly staring at the wall and lounging on your couch; or washing the dishes; or driving to work in your shred-wagon; maybe playing TrueSurf on your Iphone, who knows—that’s what make podcasts so enticing.
Note: These are in no specific order (or are they).
- Surf Splendor. This podcast is a consistent narrative that explores surf legends of the past, present, and possibly future. I would suggest listening if you are looking for a vast collection of knowledge regarding board design, surf history, trials and tribulations of the pro surfer, stories and more stories from icons of the planing world—it is an uncut look into the surf psyche; be prepared for some deep convos.
- The Surf Simply Podcast. This podcast is rare in production (but I find myself waiting for a new one constantly). It is an analysis of surfing through the lens of a surf resort owner and staff down in the tropical, enchanting wave garden—Costa Rica. I started listening when I was a leash-dragging, shaka king; now I listen as I approach the ranks of a mediocre soul surfer and truly believe that Surf Simply tips have accelerated the process.
- KookCast: Surf Education. With an aim similar to mine, these poders break down the fundamentals of an anti-kook approach. While I do poke fun at myself, I ultimately point a finger and laugh at you as well (it’s all in good fun, I swear). However, if you want to feel more comfortable in your kook-boots, tune in and you will legitimately learn a thing or two about surfing (from actual coaches!).
- The Kyle Thiermann Show. Surf surf surf surf surf surf. SURF. Surf. If you need a break from (you guessed it) surf, listen to Kyle (a surfer) interview some truly remarkable peeps. This is more of a life podcast than a surf podcast and will help you realize that there are many worlds beyond your deeply coveted late afternoon glass-offs.
- Spit. Two dudes of different generations, with different worldviews unite to “spit” about worldwide surf events and news (while also occasionally veering off topic with dinner-table-like banter). This is the podcast that steers closest to a surf shop experience: I imagine the two hosts in the wetsuit section at Jack’s having a chat while the salesman (probably a young, surfed-out shred master) waits anxiously to pull on the rubbery arms of an Xcel suit and make some commission.
I know, I know… Adding more podcasts to the line up (that’s actually the name of another surf podcast) can be time consuming, maybe even a little bit overwhelming, and sometimes just a waste of f***ing time—I’m all about disconnecting and enjoying some quality time without a screen and earplugs. However, these are some refreshingly compelling—sometimes lighthearted, sometimes not—convos, and commentary about the activity we all live for. So, in my opinion, it won’t hurt to squeeze some time in after the JOB vlog (vlogs are another beast) for some poddy content !
– Barney Beadette