People come to me often with the question of whether they should buy a new board and what board to buy.
In this episode, I'm telling you the most impactful tips on why you shouldn't buy a board and what you can do to make your current board feel better. Having troubles with a board isn't about the board itself but about the technique that you use. Yes, it can be good to try a new board, but first try these techniques before you try anything else.
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntiggeshttps://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl/
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
Everyone's always looking for the "perfect waves" to have fun in the water. And yes, there is a balance to be found but too many people skip average waves because " they can't surf on it well".
This way people always get stuck in the need to shoulder high clean, soft waves and never progress past it.
(00:00 )Why it's a problem to only learn to surf in perfect waves in Bali / Sri Lanka
(04:15) Predicting how waves start to break
(06:32) Surfing is thinking one step ahead
(07:00) How weak waves teaches you how to generate speed
(07:45) Wanna surf good in shitty waves? Or shitty in good waves?
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
Cris Mills, aka Surf Strength Coach, an expert on everything surftraining, injuries and physical preparation. This episode became a masterclass into achieving surfing progression through emotional capacity, skill acquisition and training regimens. He also explores why surfing is one of the most complex sports and offers actionable guidance on using tools like surf skating and slacklining to enhance surfing capabilities. Whether you're a novice or looking to refine your skills as an advanced surfer, Cris Mills offers invaluable insights to elevate your surfing progress.
(02:10) Helicopter View: Most Important Work To Do For Surfers.
(04:55) How Developing Your Surfing On Bigger Boards Is Good For You.
(06:40) Why Is Slowing Down Good For Your Surfing?
(10:02) Does Perfect Practice Makes Perfect?
(17:00) How Emotional Variables In The Water Impacts Surf Progression And How To Work With It.
(25:22) Most Common Mistakes Of Intermediate Surfers?
(28:20) Optimal Stiffness And Why It's So Important For Surfing.
(37:30) Training Isn't Just Training Muscles But About Skill Acquisition. Lowest Hanging Fruit For Surfers To Improve Skill Acquisition.
(44:35) Translating Training On Land To Skills In The Water
(47:05) Surfskating, Amazing Or Horrible Tool For Your Surf Progression?
(58:40) Surfing In Three Fundamental Patterns (Compression/extension, Twisting And Leaning)
(01:05:52) Training For Surfing Movements Of Land. How To Train To Be Able To Surf For Life.
(01:09:01) Balancing Mobility and Strength Training for Surfers
(01:16:26) Ocean Awareness and Wavepools: Pros and Cons
(01:22:22) Macro View of Dealing With Any Surf Injury (Nutrition, Eldoa For Spine Injuries, Upper- and Lower Body)
(01:33:36) Holistic View To Become An Advanced Surfer
Follow and work with Cris Mills - Surf Strength Coach:
Website: https://surfstrengthcoach.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfstrengthcoach/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurfStrengthCoach
Surf Athlete App: https://surfstrengthcoach.com/program/surf-athlete-pro/
(20% discount on subscriptions with the code "PEPIJN20" at check-out)
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
What no surfcoach will tell you about compression and extention. Almost no one will listen to this episode. But the people that do will find incredible value in the nuance that I've never heard on any surfcoach content. Discover how intentional compression and extension can improve your speed, control, and overall performance on the waves.
(00:47) Understanding the Intention Behind Compression and Extension
(01:26) Practical Examples and Visualizations
(05:21 ) Applying Compression and Extension on Land
(06:41) Using Bicycles and Surf Skates for Practice
(07:38) Perfect Timing for Compression and Extension
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
Discover the insights and training techniques behind the Basis Paddle Trainer in this episode. Learn from an extensive discussion about the nuances of surfing, the importance of paddling technique, and how proper training can exponentially improve your surfing skills.
Ideal for surfers of all levels looking to increase their wave count and performance, this episode dives deep into practical tips, personal experiences, and the science-backed reasons why specialized paddle training can make all the difference in your surfing journey.
Get the Basis Paddle Trainer with 10% discount: https://www.surfbasis.com/ (Use code "PEPIJN" at check-out)
(00:00) Meeting Van Vu
(00:54) The Genesis of the Basis Surf Podcast
(02:36) Insights from Surfing Legends
(03:37) Key Takeaways from Interviews
(07:04) Conflicting Philosophies in Surfing
(16:32) Experimenting with Boards and Techniques
(26:53) The Importance of Paddling
(44:31) The Journey to Creating the Basis Paddle Trainer
(45:37) Overcoming Training Challenges
(47:57) Quantifying the Benefits of Paddle Training
(50:51) The Importance of Paddle Technique
(57:49) Fundamentals of Paddling Posture
(01:10:38) Training Tips for Surfers
(01:16:18) The Role of Specificity in Training
(01:20:10) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow Van Vu and the Basis Surf podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gosurfbasis
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Gosurfbasis
Get the Basis Paddle Trainer with 10% discount: https://www.surfbasis.com/ (Use code "PEPIJN" at check-out)
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
How do you choose a surfboard for your surf level? Arguably the most important variable to how your surfing will feel.
Personal boardchoice quiz: https://www.surfacademypro.com/boardchoice-quiz
(00:00) What "high performance" board means in my eyes
(01:05) Main influences on your personal boardchoice
(02:27) Boardchoice for level 1 surfers (whitewash surfing)
(05:33) Boardchoice for level 2 surfers (down the line surfing)
(08.29) Most common mistakes choosing a board for level 2 surfers
(09:16) Surfboard shapes for level 2 surfers
(10:34) Boardchoice for level 3 surfers
(12:48) Smaller vs bigger wave board choice
(16:34) How to know which board suites you well?
(19:46) Rocker and how it influences your board
(21:59) Boardchoice for level 4 surfers
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
Becoming an advanced surfer in three years. That's exactly what Nicole Brait has done the last three years and she shares how she progressed her surfing so quickly. Most remarkable is her mindset towards surfing, her full commitment to herself, her sport and her progression. Hearing her story is not only inspiring but also motivating for every type of surfer, it shows how progression is not just luck and talent but also a commitment to creating a sustainable practice for yourself.
Subjects we talk about are:
- How she started surfing
- Why she gave up everything for surfing
- What she did to progress her surfing so fast
- What her best investments are into her own surfing
- What other surfers can learn from her journey
- What training she does for her surfing
- What techniques are most important to improve her surfing
- What she is working on right now and what's ahead the upcoming months
(00:00) The Bold Decision to Pursue Surfing
(01:20) I Did Not Want To Go Surfing At First
(02:45) From Professional Soccer Dreams to Medical Aspirations
(06:23) I Gave Up Everything And Then Went For A Surf
(09:38) Mindset and Resilience As A Muscle And A Skill
(14:51) How Do You Deal With Setbacks In Surf Progression Journey
(17:12) The Moment I Committed Fully To Surfing And Wanted To Become A Competitor
(23:02) The Athlete Inside Of Me Hates Losing
(27:51) The Enjoyment Of The Challenge And Getting Through Difficult Moments
(30:10) The Variability In Surfing and How To Surf In Any Wave
(32:26) The Steps Taken From Beginner To Advanced
(36:30) Accelerated Progression By Training In The Wavepool And With A Surfskate
(41:30) Surfskating And How To Use It For Progression
(46:20) Why You Have To Get Video Footage Of Yourself Surfing
(48:40) I Don't Want To Waste Time By Not Working With A Coach
(50:22) Investing Into Surfing Saves Me Money & Gives Me A Lifestyle That Fits With me
(58:11) Most Important Things You've Learned That Improved Your Surfing
(01:10:26) Combination of Video Analysis and Physical Conditioning
(01:11:06) The Mental and Physical Commitment to Surfing
(01:13:17) How To Get Video Clips Of Yourself Easily And How Often Should You Get Filmed
(01:22:22) Future Plans For Nicole Brait
(01:30:44) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Nicole Brait via:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraitlife/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebraitlife
Website: https://www.thebraitlife.com/
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
If you feel like you're always just slightly too deep, too wide, or just in the wrong place when the set rolls in… this episode will change how you position yourself in the line-up forever.
These often technique are used by elite surfers to position themselves always in the right spot and catch more (and better) waves.
(01:00) Good surfers paddle purposefully in the lineup
(02:30) Analyzing where and what kind of waves break
(04:00) Spotting the A-frame or “Christmas tree” in the foam
(05:00) The hack: How to use land markers (like trees/houses) to stay aligned
(07:30) X marks the spot: using two markers for precise positioning
(09:00) Not all waves break the same — adjust to the spot
(09:45) How to adapt your positioning
(10:30) Cheat code: How to steal the best surfers their markers
(12:00) Final tip: How to get good at positioning
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
This episode, surf coach Pepijn Tigges breaks down a game-changing technique to make your board turn if you have difficulties with it. And it's so much simpler than a lot of people think.
Most surfers fall or struggle to turn simply because they’re standing in the wrong place.
Pepijn shares:
- Why body rotation is more important than muscle effort
- What your stance says about your board’s reactivity
- The simple adjustment that makes your board actually follow your turn
- How to practice better foot placement before you hit the water
- Why tail pads, pillows, and bigger boards can all help you progress faster
- Whether you're falling on bottom turns or struggling to carve, this episode will change the way you think about body-mechanics and board control.
(00:00) Intro & Common Issue – Falling mid-turn or board not responding to input
(01:30) Step 1: Look Where You Want to Go – Vision initiates rotation & sets direction
(02:15) Step 2: Point With Arms – Extends the line of intention and begins upper body twist
(03:00) Step 3: Rotate Shoulders, Chest & Hips – Body chain engages full rotation
(04:00) Step 4: Throwing a Ball Analogy – Using kinetic energy via rotation, not strength
(05:50) Step 5: Full-Body Lean Creates Pressure – Not about forcing it with legs
(06:45) Step 6: Why the Board Doesn't React – Board doesn't respond if back foot is too far forward
(08:15) Step 7: Move Back on the Board – Positioning back foot over the back fin increases control
(11:30) Step 8: Avoid Too Much Tail Pressure – Must offset back-foot pressure with front-foot weight
(13:00) Step 9: Practice With a Tail Pad or On Land – Train positioning + feel off-wave
(14:45) Step 10: Use Bigger Boards for Feedback – More speed + control = better learning conditions
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
Pepijn Tigges discusses common mistakes that surfers make when attempting to turn their boards, emphasizing the importance of proper leaning technique to get pressure on the toes or heels.
The key points include maintaining a balanced stance, properly shifting weight towards toes or heels without bending at the hips, and the subtle nuances of leaning are similar to the 'leaning' when you're riding a bicycle.
(0:00) Introduction to Common Surfing Mistakes
(00:54) Understanding Weight Distribution
(01:38) The Importance of Leaning
(02:33) Practicing with a Surf Skate and Bicycle
(04:06) Applying Leaning Techniques to Surfing
(06:00) Practical Exercises for Better Feeling of The New Technique
(07:17) Nuanced Tips for Backside Turning
(08:09) Final Tips and Encouragement
(09:40) Conclusion and Call to Action
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Free beginner course: https://www.surfacademypro.com/beginner
Free board choice quiz: https://www.surfacademypro.com/boardchoice-quiz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
Learn how mindset, fitness, board choice, and technique can speed up your surfing progression. Whether you're a beginner struggling to catch waves or an intermediate surfer looking to level up, this podcast reveals the four fundamentals that hold back improvement.
Key Topics:
Pro Surfer Mindset Secrets
Paddle Endurance Training
Choosing the Right Surfboard
Technique Optimization
Mental Performance Strategies
Perfect for surfers of all levels who want to:
Develop a winning mindset
Improve physical fitness
Choose better equipment
Master advanced techniques
(1:30) Mindset of a Pro Surfer
(3:45) Prioritizing Health: Sleep, Nutrition, Training
(5:30) Investing in Knowledge and Experience
(6:45) Setting Small, Achievable Goals
(10:01) Long-Term Progress vs. Short-Term Expectations
(12:30) Rewarding Effort, Not Just Results
(13:45) Optimizing for Fun and Community
(16:14) Paddle Endurance and Strength Training
(17:10) Specific Surf Training Techniques
(19:30) Combining Training with Surfing Schedules
(22:15) Board Choice Mistakes
(24:30) Importance of Testing Different Boards
(26:30) Understanding Board Volume and Shape
(27:15) Technique: Focusing on Turn Setup
(29:30) Concentrating on Single Goals in a Surf Session
(31:45) Video Analysis for Technique Improvement
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/
One of the higest rated European surfcoaches Pepijn Tigges explains in 10 simple steps how to go from beginner to intermediate to advanced surfer.
With more then 2 decades of experience he has been through the whole journey and has coached thousands of others surfer on their way to that same goal.
Important links from the episode:
1. Free surf beginner course: https://www.surfacademypro.com/beginner
2. Free boardchoice quiz: https://www.surfacademypro.com/boardchoice-quiz
(0:00) Introduction and Podcast Motivation
(00:52) Meet Your Surfcoach and Podcast Host: Pepijn
(01:46) Podcast Goals and Ideas
(02:52) 10 Steps to Go from Beginner to Advanced Surfer
(04:07) Understanding Surfing Levels
(11:08) Step 1: Find Flow by Optimizing for Enjoyment
(14:05) Step 2: Learn the Basics of Surftechnique, Ettiquetes and Gear
(15:26) Step 3: Find the Right Board That Suites You and The Waves You Surf
(18:19) Step 4: Train for The Most Important Variable In Your Surfing
(20:26) Step 5: Find High Volume of Good Quality Info (This Is Where)
(22:00) Step 6: Spend More Time in the Water (But Not Just Time)
(23:24) Step 7: Surf Waves That Suite Your Ability and Goals (This Is Why)
(25:03) Step 8: Steal Surf Techniques From The Pro-Surfers
(27:10) Step 9: Set Surf Level Suitable Goals and Standards
(29:55) Step 10: Prioritize your happiness to enable your surfing passion
(31:21) Conclusion and Next Steps
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://surfacademypro.com