Shipping globally now! Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at www.surfbasis.com    In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Rafael Kroeff a.k.a. RK (@rktraininghawaii) who’s a big-wave surfer/surf coach on the north shore of Hawaii. He has trained athletes like Rio Waida, Erin Brooks, and Shino Matsuda and other big-wave surfers like Jack Robinson and Ian Gentile. Tune in as we talk about his innovative surf training methods—combining physical conditioning, cognitive drills, and breathing techniques—to help elite and everyday surfers improve reactivity, creativity, and performance in unpredictable surf conditions.   Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter   Chapters 00:00 Reactivity and Surfing Performance 02:01 The Purpose of Reactive Drills 03:31 Stability as the Foundation 05:18 Overloading the Brain to Unlock Creativity 08:07 Innovative Tools: Body Blade & Muscle Activation 12:19 Skate Balance vs. Indoboard 18:31 Mini BOSU Ball Plyometrics 21:22 Surfing’s Resistance to Innovation 26:01 General vs. Maneuver-Specific Training 28:54 The Full Training Protocol 31:52 Advice for the Everyday Surfer 35:33 Foundational Plyometric Progressions 36:34 Lightbulb Moments & Training Insights 42:06 A Fins Revelation at Jaws 45:30 The Role of Paddling in Big Wave Surfing 50:12 Surfing as a Spiritual Experience 52:16 Where to Find Rafael Kroeff   Cover Image Credits: @yusurf   Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek Dunfee, Magnum Martinez, and more!   Join our community of over 100k followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: Basis Instagram Basis TikTok Basis Facebook