Lesson Library
Explore surf lessons, coaching answers, live-session replays, and conversations designed to help you understand what to practice next.
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Next up in the que of pre-released episodes is this one, which ironically comes on the heels of a member’s question that recently came through of the same nature. Totally unplanned.
- 19 mins
- Catching Waves
Benny couldn’t help but notice how easy it is for some people to catch small waves. He knows it’s possible, but struggles himself. Coach Ev and I offer some tips on how he can do this.
- 11 mins
- Podcast, Surf Senses
Here we go into part two of the Surf Senses series discussing…your voice. Posted up on the beach for sunset, long day behind us, and cold brew in hand. Let’s do this.
- 24 mins
- Surfboards
Alexei wrote in to ask a question about moving onwards and upwards from his 9′ INT soft top. Here’s what Coach Ev and I have to say to Alexei about choosing his next surfboard.
- 5 mins
- Board Control, Question
Question from Kristian regarding the duck diving technique for getting through waves.
- 11 mins
- Podcast, Riding Waves
Coach Chris and Coach Evan discuss the domino effect of mistakes in surfing, and how scrambling to catch a wave can ruin the rest of your ride.
- 43 mins
- Catching Waves, Riding Waves
Mariana is asking about the take-off and how to avoid the perilous situation of waves breaking directly on you. When we strip it all down, this is basically a timing question. Hopefully a few of the things I talk about in this video will help Mariana and other surfers have a better understanding of what is required to nail the timing of your take-off.
- 11 mins
- Etiquette
Kristen bringing a tricky topic to the table! Hah, I love to take a swing at these tough ones.
While there are some black and white points to make when it comes to the rules of the road, they’re generally in front of a backdrop of situational context and nuance of surf culture. I don’t really try to organize my thoughts in this video, but rather resort to free association to drive my thoughts. I think if you have the patience (21:45 mins worth to be exact), you’ll be able to glean a few things, or at the very least have some foundational knowledge for your own experiences going forward from someone who’s been dealing with this stuff for over 25 years.
Side note: Listening back to this and other videos I make for members, I wanted to clarify something. I noticed I say “you” a lot in my answers. “You shouldn’t drop-in on other surfers” for example. I don’t mean to sound so pointed, like I’m calling the inquirer specifically out. I think the position I feel answering these questions to a computer screen and knowing more than one person will listen subconsciously triggers me to use the word “you” when really I mean “surfers in general”. Hope that eases the sting for the times I say “you”.
- 22 mins
- Board Control, Free
For having such a simple appearance, the press-up posture/ability in surfing packs a punch of function…and it’s harder to do that you think!
This isn’t just a static plank like you do on your yoga mat (though that is a great tool for training the core strength you need to hold your press-up), but a dynamic skill where you’re constantly making adjustments in your weight center above your board in order to maintain balance (like punching through waves) and direction (when taking-off on waves).
- 2 mins
Recommended Focus
- Live Studio, Podcast
Coach Chris and Coach Evan are joined my Mind the Surf creator, Andrew Hapke to discuss The Art of Missing Waves in their second live session ever. Check your emails from us to learn more about upcoming live calls.
- 43 mins
