From being a nervous beginner to competing on the international stage, 14-year-old surf prodigy Isla Hardy opens up in this laid-back, inspiring chat. She opens up on the podcast about how she went from crying on tiny waves and getting physically sick from nerves to landing airs at major events like Stab High in Japan—all with a calm confidence way beyond her years.

What makes Isla really stand out isn’t just how quickly she’s progressing, but her attitude. She keeps things real when it comes to competition and failure, and shares her simple but powerful mental trick: “goldfish brain”—the ability to let go of mistakes instantly. Visualization is another key part of her prep, and hearing her explain how it helps her stay focused is honestly impressive.

The convo also dives into Isla’s time surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii, competing at nationals, and growing up in the close-knit surf scene in Santa Cruz. Through it all, one theme keeps coming up: joy. “The biggest thing for me is having joy, so that’s kind of what I try to put out,” Isla says. And it’s clear—that mindset is what keeps her grounded and loving the sport.

One of the coolest parts? How she and her friends manage being both fierce competitors and close buddies. “We leave it in the water,” she says, showing a level of maturity many adult athletes could learn from.

Whether you're a surfer, a sports parent, or just curious about how young athletes grow, Isla’s story offers a fun, thoughtful look at what it means to chase success without losing sight of what you love. Want more? Check out her new YouTube channel, Scratching the Surface, to follow her journey.

Surf's up in this thrilling episode featuring the incredibly talented Ryan "Chachi" Craig, a Santa Cruz native who's made a name for himself in the world of surf photography. Chachi shares his journey from his unconventional beginnings to becoming a renowned figure in capturing the vibrant essence of surf culture. Our friendship and professional collaboration form the backdrop to this engaging discussion, where we explore how diverse photographic styles can beautifully complement one another. Listeners will gain insights into Chachi's unique approach to photography, particularly in the realms of lifestyle and portraiture.

Photography enthusiasts are in for a treat as we shine a light on the intricacies of surf photography. It's not just about the waves; it's about the magic of lighting and composition that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. We take you behind the lens, discussing the challenges of capturing the perfect shot in various surf locations and the creative decisions that shape a photograph. From the unpredictable waves of France and Ireland to the adrenaline-pumping experience at Pipeline, this episode is a testament to resilience and creativity in the pursuit of capturing stunning images.

As we navigate through the thrilling and sometimes perilous world of surf photography, we share personal anecdotes that highlight both the risks and rewards of the craft. A memorable tale from Pipeline in 2002 underscores the dedication required to secure that perfect shot, even when faced with danger. Our camaraderie is evident in our playful wager on magazine cover features, adding a touch of humor to our intense passion for photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious onlooker, prepare to be inspired by stories of adventure and the relentless pursuit of beauty in the world of surf photography.

Meeting Zeke was one of those moments that just clicked—like dropping into the perfect wave out of nowhere. In this episode, we look back on our shared journey from laid-back beach days in La Jolla to some seriously heavy sessions on the North Shore of Oahu. We talk about everything from Zeke’s insane bomb drops to that one sunrise surf that turned into an iconic poster moment. He opens up about his roots, and how growing up between La Jolla and Santa Cruz shaped his wild ride through the surf world.

But this story goes deeper than just waves. We get real about hitting bottom and finding a way back through surfing. Zeke shares his path—through addiction, jail time, and into recovery—and how the ocean helped him rebuild, one wave at a time. There’s a lot of heart in this one. We talk about second chances, staying sober, and how he ended up winning national college surf titles when no one thought he’d make it.

And yeah, there’s plenty more. From going viral to calling out industry BS, Zeke’s been documenting the ride in a way that’s raw, funny, and totally honest. We dig into what it’s like being young, creative, and carving out a new kind of surf story—on YouTube, on IG, and in real life. It’s all here: the highs, the wipeouts, and everything in between.

Tune in for a conversation that’s full of laughs, hard truths, and a whole lot of stoke.