In this episode, we sit down with legendary waterman Dave Kalama—a true pioneer in the world of big wave surfing and one of the most influential figures in modern ocean sports. Dave takes us back to his roots growing up in California, trading turns on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain before making the life-changing move to Maui to pursue windsurfing in the 1980s. From there, we dive into his instrumental role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at Jaws (Peʻahi) alongside the Strapped crew, as he helped shape an entirely new era of big wave riding. Dave also shares his candid thoughts on the rise of foiling, how it’s redefining ocean sports, and where he sees the sport heading next. It was an honor to spend some time with one of the all-time greats!
Thumbnail photo shot by Patrick McFEELEY

This week, the boys dive into what might be one of the latest Jaws seasons ever. Giant swells rolled through well into April, giving them more time in the lineup with minimal crowds—just what they needed to hit their season goals.

For Ridge, it was all about leveling up his tow-surfing game, laying down legit turns on massive waves. For Kai, it was chasing high performance across as many sports as possible. Plus, Kai teases what could be the next big revolution in big wave surfing.

Enjoy the episode!

This week our friend Jackson Lebsack joins the pod! He's a content creator, filmmaker and adventure athlete from Hood River, Oregon. Best known for his role in SICKOS, a group of friends who have gone viral numerous times for their stunts and various shenanigans, he also has built a legendary career having help build Jamie O'Brian's Vlog channel then transitioning to building SICKOS to what it is today both in-front and behind the camera. Jackson tells us about his early career, how he met JOB, leaving his dream job to start SICKOS, the crew's most memorable moments, and his love/hate relationship with big mountain Kayaking. ENJOY!

Our Coach Scott Sanchez joins the pod to give insight into how a life of competing and coaching olympic athletes led him to taking a 12-year-old Kai under his wing, beginning a 20 year coaching relationship that continues to this day. Scott also reveals his keys for bringing the best out of athletes and breaks down the different approaches he's taken to Kai's athletic journey as he's progressed through windsurfing, SUP racing, and surfing at the highest levels. The conversation also focuses on the unique way we train for big waves.

Enjoy the pod, we'll see you next week!

This conversation delves into the rich history and evolution of foiling, exploring its origins, technological advancements, and the transition from big wave riding to small swell foiling. The boys discuss the influence of military technology on modern foiling, the innovations in design and materials, and the pivotal moments that have shaped the sport. They reflect on how foiling has become accessible and popularized, particularly through downwind racing and the viral moments that captured the attention of the surfing community. This conversation delves into the evolution of foiling, exploring its various techniques and the impact it has had on water sports. They also share personal experiences, innovations in foiling technology, and the emergence of new disciplines like wing foiling. They reflect on the community surrounding foiling, the excitement of discovering new techniques, and the future of the sport as it continues to evolve.

Kai and Ridge reflect on the last swell of the season at Jaws. They delve into Ridge's journey of recovery from a significant wipeout, the importance of brain health, and how it has impacted his performance. The duo also explores the evolution of surfboard design, the significance of switching stances, and the techniques that enhance their big wave performance. They share insights on paddling strategies, the balance of board size, and the innovations that continue to shape the future of surfing. They delve into the intricacies of surfing big waves, particularly focusing on barrel riding techniques, the ethics of wave priority, and the learning experiences of young surfers like Otis. The discussion highlights the camaraderie and mentorship within the surfing community, as well as the respect required for the powerful waves at Jaws.

In this conversation, Kai and Ian discuss their recent experience at the Nazaré contest, exploring the challenges of forecasting conditions, the chaotic travel journey, equipment issues, and the dynamics of competition day. They reflect on the unpredictability of big wave surfing, the importance of preparation, and the unique culture surrounding Nazaré. The boys delve into the intense experiences of jet skiing and foiling at Nazaré, discussing the challenges, dangers, and mechanical issues they face. The conversation also touches on injuries, recovery, and the evolution of jet ski technology, highlighting the risks and rewards of extreme sports. They also discuss the mental and physical demands of riding massive waves. The discussion also touches on the recent winter swells, comparing them to past seasons, and emphasizes the need for surfers to remain focused and ready for opportunities as they arise.

In this conversation, Doug Silva, a prominent figure in the surfing world, shares his journey from being an unbeatable amateur surfer to becoming a super coach for elite surfers like Seth Moniz. The discussion delves into Doug's early experiences, his competitive spirit, and the evolution of his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of surfing better and maintaining a positive mindset. Doug reflects on his past challenges, the lessons learned, and how he now manifests positive experiences in life and surfing. He recounts a life-changing 90-day awakening, his innovative coaching techniques, and thrilling adventures with fellow surfers like Ross Clark Jones. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindset, energy, and the concept of torque in surfing, showcasing how these elements contribute to success both in and out of the water.