Best Conversations On The Reef Podcasts (2025)

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Cloudbreak vs cloudbreak: A tale of food-themed reef breaks 7:18

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13h ago7:18

7:18

This week we dive into the beautiful, messy, political world of Cloudbreak — and cloudbreaks. Yep, lowercase and uppercase. One's a type of terrifying outer-reef wave; the other is Fiji's crown jewel left-hander, home to Shish Kebabs, 200-yard rides, and decades of surf drama.

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Hey Zuz! I'm confused: Must I care where surfing came from? 4:08

1d ago4:08

4:08

One of our readers hit me with the wildest question this week: Does it matter if I don't care about where surfing came from? Cue my dramatic gasp. In this episode, we talk about whether surf history and culture actually matter, why some surfers couldn't care less, and why that's…honestly fine.

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Surf news roundup—Rocks fly. Lifeguards warn. Fiji goes $. Records fall. Eisbach collapses. Emily triumphs. 11:35

3d ago11:35

11:35

This week's surf news is…a lot. A rock-throwing surfer in Tenerife, a lifeguard on the North Shore telling people they'll "come home in a box," Fiji potentially bringing back pay-to-surf rules, Munich's Eisbach collapsing, Dylan Graves breaking the world's weirdest Guinness Record, and a blind surfer who made Team USA in weeks. Not super uplifting—…

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Wayne Schell, 89-Year-Old Resort Owner, Over 100 Cruises, Bare Necessities Great Barrier Reef Luxury Yacht Cruise 49:54

3d ago49:54

49:54

Send us a text Hello, passionate cruisers! I am delighted to welcome Wayne Schell as my guest on The Joy of Cruising Podcast. Wayne is the 89-year-old owner of Laguna Del Sol near Sacramento, CA, one of the largest, most well-known clothing optional resorts in the us. He also owns Mira Vista, another clothing optional resort in Tucson, AR. I first …

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Surf nazis? Absolutely not. Surf dogs? Absolutely yes. 5:52

4d ago5:52

5:52

Today's episode was supposed to be about Nazi symbolism in surfing. Truly. But nobody needs that today. So instead, we pivoted— hard—into the complete opposite: surfing pets. And not just any surfing pet. Meet Ricochet, the Golden Retriever who became the world's first "SURFice dog," surfing tandem with children with disabilities, veterans with PTS…

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How to get better at surfing without surfing 8:54

5d ago8:54

8:54

Wish you could magically improve at surfing in between sessions? Same. Until that spell exists, here are the 10 "surf" land sports. From panic paddling to lineup psychology to emotional regulation (yes, really), this episode breaks down exactly how to get better in the water…while you're very much on land.…

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The Endless Summer: The movie every surfer pretends they've watched 5:30

6d ago5:30

5:30

Never seen The Endless Summer? Don't worry — after this episode, you'll be able to talk about it like you've watched it three times while wearing zinc and eating a cold musubi in the parking lot. We break down the iconic surf film, the characters, the myth-making, the filmmaking chaos, the $50 round-the-world ticket hack, and the controversy over w…

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Sunday Surf Poem–Hurricane Warning: Surfers by Peter Makuck 4:22

7d ago4:22

4:22

This week's Sunday Surf Poem is "Hurricane Warning: Surfers" by Peter Makuck, first published in 1998. According to Wikipedia, Makuck's work often explores epiphany, grace, and the beauty that reveals itself in moments of danger. Let's find out if that's true.

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Why Waimea still scares the absolute shit out of everyone 4:57

8d ago4:57

4:57

Today we're heading to Waimea Bay—the wave that built big wave surfing. From the meaning behind its name to why it barely breaks, from the infamous Woody Brown and Dickie Cross story to Greg Noll's historic 1957 drop. What a ride!

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Hey Zuz, I'm confused: Who gets the spot after a breakup? 3:47

9d ago3:47

3:47

A reader asks who "gets" the surf spot after a breakup. Who knows for sure?! But let's talk through some unwritten rules, and how to protect your peace when the lineup suddenly feels complicated.

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Surfsgiving: Surf news sucks–so we're reading "Gidget" 4:04

10d ago4:04

4:04

After reviewing the week's surf news, I made an executive Surfsgiving decision: absolutely not. The headlines are all tragedy, and it's Thanksgiving. So instead, I'm taking us back to the charm of Frederick Kohner's Gidget, the book that sparked a surf cultural revolution.

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Paul & Cheryl, Reflections on Holland America Line Rotterdam, Panama Canal and Columbia 20:51

10d ago20:51

20:51

Send us a text Welcome passionate cruisers. Our brief thoughts about our dream cruise to the Panama Canal on Holland America Line Rotterdam. Support the show Support thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/new Support Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulth Contact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.html B…

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Protecting the Pantanal and Gran Chaco 14:42

10d ago14:42

14:42

In the heart of South America, the Chaco-Pantanal region holds the planet's largest tropical wetland. It's a place that's teeming with colorful birds, capybaras, anteaters, and even jaguars. Unlike the Amazon, this region has largely resisted deforestation, so conservation here is about preservation, not restoration. Take a trip with us in this epi…

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Surfsgiving: How a Fatty kicked off the next chapter for The Wipeout Weekly 9:42

11d ago9:42

9:42

This Surfsgiving, I'm thankful for the unexpected spark behind what's coming next for The Wipeout Weekly. In this episode, I share the story behind "Fatty," the name that somehow followed me from my branding days into my surf life—and is now inspiring what comes next for The Wipeout Weekly. I talk about how a random hat, a beloved nickname, and a f…

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Surfsgiving: The keeper of surf memory and his take on ancient Hawaiian surfing 5:24

12d ago5:24

5:24

A short Surfsgiving episode honoring Matt Warshaw and revisiting his story about surfing's ancient Hawaiian beginnings.

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Surfsgiving: The surfers who shaped 4:22

13d ago4:22

4:22

No one is listening to podcasts this week—unless they're hiding from family chaos over Thanksgiving. So instead of taking time off, we're doing something different: an episode of pure gratitude. Today, we're talking about the surfers we're thankful for. The legends who shaped the sport, defined the culture, and—whether you know it or not—shaped you…

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Sunday Surf Poem: First Wave by Zoe Bonik 2:40

14d ago2:40

2:40

There aren't many surfer poets—but we found another one. This early piece by Zoe Bonik captures the magic of a first wave with wide eyes, salty spray, and a world‑conquering stoke.

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Let me introduce you to Rincon, Malibu's little, colder sister 6:10

15d ago6:10

6:10

This episode is all about Rincon—the so-called "Queen of the Coast" and Malibu's chilly, iconic sister. With three linked sections (Indicator, Rivermouth, and the legendary Cove), Rincon offers long, peeling rights that can stretch up to 500 yards on a good day. We get into its surfable magic, history (including the dream that sparked a big-wave bo…

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Hey Zuz, I'm confused: What if I am not Winter Surfer? 4:00

16d ago4:00

4:00

What happens if winter surfing just… isn't your thing? This episode tackles a reader's honest question: are you still a surfer if you sit out the colder months? We share own SoCal winter funk, explores why cold water surfing isn't for everyone (hint: it costs more, takes longer, and drying gloves is a nightmare), and reminds us that taking a break …

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Surf news roundup - a bumper edition 8:48

17d ago8:48

8:48

It's a bumper edition of the surf news roundup—because not everything making waves this week is strictly surf-related, but it all matters. From free surf lessons in Waikiki thanks to a grassroots crew, to 40-foot Nazaré bombs captured on film, to Florida's massive coral baby boom (yes, that's a thing), we've got your weekly dose of stoke and surpri…

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Kenneth Jarvis, Global Citizen, World Traveler, Travel Influencer 46:38

17d ago46:38

46:38

Send us a text Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Kenneth Jarvis. Ken is a confirmed Global Traveler (he’s visited 6 continents); Frequent Flyer (1.5 Million Miles on American Airlines and it’s One world Partners); Frequent Floater (118 cruises all in suites, Pinnacle wit…

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Coral Vita: Revolutionizing Coral Reef Restoration 38:19

17d ago38:19

38:19

Sam Teicher is the Co-founder of Coral Vita, a company on a mission to solve one of our planet's greatest challenges: preserving and restoring coral reefs — at scale. Sam and Avril discuss the threats to coral reefs, and how Coral Vita's innovative land-based coral farms are helping dying reefs recover and thrive. They also discuss how Coral Vita's…

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How on earth do we measure waves? 7:39

18d ago7:39

7:39

Let's talk about measuring waves—and before you roll your eyes, know this: people's pride, paychecks, and world records are all riding on these numbers. In this episode, we dive into the mess (and mystery) of how we measure waves in surfing—from Garrett McNamara's 100-foot claims to why Surfline said it'd be 1–2 feet and it was double that.…

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Why won't you just wear a helmet? 8:02

19d ago8:02

8:02

I didn't see this coming—but here we are. Surf helmets are making waves (yep, I said it), from Shark Tank investments to young chargers at Pipeline strapping in after near-death wipeouts. In this episode, we dive into what's on your head—or not—when you paddle out. From helmet history and injury prevention to kook stigma and the surprisingly compli…

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Word of the Week: Tow surfing (a.k.a. that thing we'll probably never do) 5:48

20d ago5:48

5:48

This week's word of the week is less "word" and more "wild concept": tow surfing. You know—the kind of surfing that involves a jet ski, a rope, and a wave the size of a five-story building.

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Sunday Surf Poem: "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold 4:43

21d ago4:43

4:43

Couldn't find the perfect surf poem this week? No problem—we're going old school. Like really old school. This week's Sunday Surf Poem is "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold, a classic of the sea from the 1800s. No, Arnold wasn't a surfer. But he was a guy standing at a window, staring out across the English Channel, letting the sound of waves trigger …

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Teahupoʻo: The wave that shouldn't be surfed 6:03

22d ago6:03

6:03

This week, we take you to the end of the road. Literally. Teahupoʻo—pronounced cho-poo—is one of the most dangerous waves in the world. Known as the "place of broken heads," this Tahitian reef break doesn't just barrel—it mutates. It folds over itself like a collapsing building made of water. And it breaks over live coral sitting just 20 inches ben…

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In Conversation With Ken Burns: America's Story of Revolution, Liberty, and Democracy 18:53

22d ago18:53

18:53

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Ken Burns offers the nation his latest documentary, "The American Revolution." In a conversation with "After the Fact," the acclaimed documentarian discusses the making of the six-part film, which premieres on PBS on Nov. 16. He explains that the Revolution required the bringing together …

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Hey Zuz, I'm confused: Am I too friendly for the lineup? 3:35

23d ago3:35

3:35

One of our unofficial taglines is "normalize smiling in the lineup"—and that's exactly what this Hey Zuz, I'm Confused is all about. What happens when you paddle out with good vibes and kind words… and get met with cold stares and zero eye contact? This week's listener wants to know: Does being friendly in the surf actually make you a target?…

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Loot Toy Company: Making Bath Time Fun for Kids 19:28

23d ago19:28

19:28

Bryan Krafchik is the founder of Loot Toy Company, a brand dedicated to creating all-natural bath bombs and bubble baths specifically designed for children with sensitive, eczema-prone skin. With a steadfast commitment to safety and quality, Bryan has built the brand around vegan, non-GMO ingredients that are both gentle and effective. Discover how…

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Shark punched. Watermen inducted. Mavericks swells. Alyssa hat-tricks. 5:00

24d ago5:00

5:00

This week's surf news roundup takes us to Australia, Hawaiʻi, Northern California, and Florida. In Western Australia, a 61-year-old surfer survives a shark attack by punching it in the face. In Hawaiʻi, four legendary ocean athletes are inducted into the Waterman Hall of Fame. NorCal sees the first proper Maverick's swell of the season—40-foot face…

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Paul & Cheryl, Reflections of Our Land Trip to Las Vegas 14:32

24d ago14:32

14:32

Send us a text Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast i am delighted to welcome back a special guest, my cohost Cheryl. As you know we are largely in the bucket list checking stage of our lives, and just got the opportunity to check one off. We recently traveled to Las Vegas. That’s not the bucket list…

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We now know how to paddle like a pro 4:52

25d ago4:52

4:52

Is it possible to paddle like a pro without training like one? Maybe—especially now that science has receipts. In this episode, we break down a brand-new study out of Australia that strapped motion sensors to elite surfers to find out exactly what separates their paddle stroke from the rest of us flailing mortals. Spoiler: it's not brute strength.…

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The biggest mistake beginner surfers make (and it's definitely not what you think) 5:10

26d ago5:10

5:10

Surfer Mag says there are 8 beginner mistakes. We say… Gimme a break. In this episode, we break down why beginner surf advice is often so off—especially when it's written by people who haven't been beginners in decades. We're not here to nitpick whether your back foot is too far back or whether your pop-up is "fast enough." We're here to talk about…

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Gidget: The girl who surfed into Hollywood and changed surfing forever 7:35

27d ago7:35

7:35

You may not have seen Gidget—but without her, surfing as we know it wouldn't exist. In this episode, we dive into the unlikely true story behind the original surf girl icon: Kathy Kohner, a 15-year-old from Brentwood who surfed Malibu in the 1950s, told her dad all about it... and inspired a book, a movie, a TV show, a comic series, and a full-on c…

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Sunday Surf Poem: Time Surfers by John Reilly 1:56

28d ago1:56

1:56

This week's Sunday Poem takes us to the shorelines of New England, where time, patience, and the art of wave-watching blur into poetry. Time Surfers by John Reilly captures the quiet anticipation of surfers waiting for the perfect moment—and the poignant reflection of what it means to miss or seize it.…

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What if I told you cold water surfing is better than drugs? 5:06

29d ago5:06

5:06

What if I told you cold-water surfing is better than drugs? And by cold, we mean below 60°F (16°C). Today, we dive into why winter waves might actually be the best waves—and why that freezing paddle-out could leave you buzzing for hours.

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Hey Zuz! I'm confused: Why is everyone yelling at me? 5:21

30d ago5:21

5:21

A beginner surfer is doing everything right… or are they? After a string of bad vibes, stink eyes, and even one board shove, they're wondering: why is everyone yelling at me? What could possibly be happening here?!

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Girl backflips. Boards fly free. Dolphins crash a comp. Wave pools rise East and West. 5:07

1M ago5:07

5:07

This week's surf news roundup is a total hodgepodge—but mostly good vibes. From Sierra Kerr's jaw-dropping backflip to major airline wins for traveling surfers, plus: dolphins crash a longboard contest at Rincon, and the East and West Coasts go all in on wave pools.

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Roland & Emma's Grand Asian Invasion Holiday, 86 Days, 35 On Diamond Princess Episode 1:35:36

1M ago1:35:36

1:35:36

Send us a text Hello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul. I am delighted to welcome back this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast, Roland and Emma, certainly worthy to join the handful of guests who have been on the podcast for three times. I first met Roland and Emma a couple of years ago on the 119,000 member Melanin At Sea, created by friends of …

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Birch Babe: Clean and Approachable Award-Winning Skincare 31:44

1M ago31:44

31:44

Kelsey Irvine is the CEO of Birch Babe, a sustainable Canadian skincare brand. Kelsey discusses the company's commitment to clean and simple ingredients, in-house formulation, and low-waste packaging. Discover more about Birch Babe's approach to creating sustainable skin care for the everyday person. Learn more here, in the show notes.…

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Why is surfing so bloody tiring—and how to make it less so 6:09

1M ago6:09

6:09

I surfed 5 days out of 7 and ended up feeling stoned off—and then had to nap like a toddler. If you're also wondering why surfing makes you so bloody tired, this episode is for you. We have some ideas how to make it less so.

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Your wetsuit stinks, but it doesn't have to stink so bad 4:39

1M ago4:39

4:39

Your wetsuit stinks? Welcome to the club. Neoprene: the miracle that keeps us warm—and smells like a wet dog after one too many surfs. In this episode, we talk about why wetsuits get so rank (hint: it's you, it's the ocean, and yes, it's also pee), what actually helps with the stink, and how to clean and dry your suit without destroying it.…

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Tombstoning is scary as hell 3:54

1M ago3:54

3:54

Spooky season may be over, but this week's word is scary as hell We're talking tombstoning—that eerie moment when a surfboard sticks straight up out of the water like a gravestone, signaling a surfer is still being held down beneath the surface. In this episode, we break down what causes a tombstone wipeout, why it's such a serious sign in heavy su…

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Sunday Surf Poem: Surf-Casting by W.S. Merwin 2:47

1M ago2:47

2:47

Is this a poem about surfing? Not exactly. But maybe that's what makes it perfect. This week's Sunday Surf Poem is Surf-Casting by W.S. Merwin—an American poet who spent decades living simply on Maui's north shore, restoring a palm forest and writing haunting, unpunctuated verse.

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Word of the week: Beach boys or beachboys 4:05

1M ago4:05

4:05

This week's Word of the Week is: beach boys. You've probably heard the term if you've ever been to Waikīkī—but do you know where it really came from? We're diving into the fascinating (and sometimes scandalous) history of Hawai'i's original surf instructors, lifeguards, and aloha spirit curators.

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Gen Z Vibes on Retirement 20:19

1M ago20:19

20:19

Millions of Americans are behind on their retirement savings goals, and nearly 70% of those already retired wish they had started saving earlier. But Gen Z, the latest generation to enter the workforce, is an outlier, with the data showing that they are saving more than millennials and putting new emphasis on planning for the future. What gives? In…

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Hey Zuz! I am confused. My family doesn't want me to surf. 4:37

1M ago4:37

4:37

What do you do when your family doesn't want you to surf? In this episode of Hey Zuz, I'm Confused, we tackle probably the hardest question we've ever received—from an 18-year-old who wants to surf but is facing a hard no from their parents. Is it fear? Cultural pressure? Safety concerns? We unpack it all without the internet's usual "just do you" …

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Ximena Caminos on the Miami Reef Line 47:49

1M ago47:49

47:49

Ximena Caminos is a curator and cultural entrepreneur whose work integrates public art with marine conservation and sustainable urban development. Caminos joins our host, Charles Waldheim, to discuss her vision for the Miami Reef Line.By Office for Urbanization

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This week's surf news: Surfer a-holes. Surfer heroes. Surfboard absconds. China surfs. Witches rule. 6:02

1M ago6:02

6:02

This week's surf news has it all: a surf comp postponed after teen girls were harassed in Scotland, a heroic surf rescue in Oceanside, and a surfboard that floated across the Tasman Sea. Also in the mix: China's first surf-themed mega resort opens in Hainan, and a coven of paddleboarding witches casts good vibes across Wisconsin.…