The Surf Strong Show

Morning Micro Habits for Lifelong Surfing

Surf Strong Show Express with Greg Finch

Most surfers think they need a “perfect” 2-hour morning routine to level up their surfing. In this Surf Strong Show Express episode, Greg Finch makes the case for something way more realistic—and way more effective: 10–20 focused minutes of breath and movement that keep you surf-ready for life.

Greg breaks down how to start your day in a wa...

Bianca Valenti is surfing the best waves of her life at 40. In this episode of the Surf Strong Show, she sits down with host Greg Finch to unpack what it really takes to keep charging big waves for decades—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Bianca shares how she structures her big-wave season between Mavericks and Hawaii, how she trains in the off-season, and why “just outside your comfort zone” is the sweet spot for growth in b...

In this conversation, Marcelo shares his journey from a young surfer in El Salvador to becoming an Olympic coach and founder of Puro Surf. He discusses the importance of community, resilience, and personal growth through surfing. Marcelo emphasizes the evolution of surf culture in El Salvador and the impact of his coaching methodology, the surf sequence, on aspiring surfers. He reflects on the challenges he faced, including injurie...

In this conversation, April Denny shares her journey from growing up in Marin County, California, to becoming a PhD candidate focused on human movement and performance in surfing. She discusses her experiences as a lifeguard, her transition to studying kinesiology, and her research on elite female athletes as part of the Paddle to Podium project.

April emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to training and the need for i...

In this conversation, Jason shares his journey from academia to the military, detailing his experiences in combat and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. He discusses the importance of finding purpose after service and highlights the mission of Operation Healing Forces, which focuses on supporting veterans and their families through retreats.

The conversation emphasizes the healing power of surfing, exploring how it ...

Summary

In this conversation, Kate Clements shares her journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and the creation of her travel company, Room to Roam. She discusses the healing power of surfing and ocean therapy, particularly in the context of retreats for veterans. The conversation highlights the importance of community, connection, and the joy of learning to surf later in life, emphasizing that it's never too late to embrace n...

Surf Strong for Life: Unlocking the Secrets to Consistent Fitness and Mobility When I sat down to record this episode of the Surf Strong Express show, my goal was simple: to share the essential strategies and mindset shifts that have allowed me—and can help you—to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall well-being for a lifetime of surfing. Over the years, I’ve learned how to overcome the common obstacles that derail fitness r...

Breath Awareness and Practical Application with Reis Peluso In this episode of the Surf Strong Show, host Greg Finch talks with Reis Peluso, a coach and educator specializing in breath awareness. Reis discusses his work with athletes and the practical applications of breath awareness in daily life, emphasizing the importance of noticing and adjusting one's breathing patterns.

They explore the concept of CO2 tolerance versus air h...

Alo Slebir discusses his training and focus during the off-season as a big wave surfer. He emphasizes the importance of training out of the water and striving to be better in order to perform well in the next winter season.

He also talks about his circuit workouts, which include a mix of CrossFit and balance work. Alo explains the difference between off-season and in-season training, with a focus on building muscle mass in the off...

Emily Hightower discusses her love for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, bow hunting, and kayaking. She explains the concept of skinning in skiing and the unique experience of being in nature.

Greg and Emily also discuss the power of water and the importance of being present and connected to the environment. They touch on the challenges of attachment to outcomes and the need to focus on the process rather than the result.

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In this conversation, Sam Bleakley discusses the power of connection in the digital age and the positive and negative aspects of technology. He emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions and the value of surfing as a global connection.

Sam also highlights the significance of compromise and conversation in addressing challenges within the surf community. He explores the role of surfing in community and activism, as well as...

In this conversation, Brian McKenzie discusses the importance of breath training and its impact on overall health and performance. He emphasizes the need to understand and manage stress in order to optimize breathing patterns.

Brian also highlights the significance of walking as a foundational exercise and shares his personal experience with overcoming fear and trauma. Overall, the conversation explores the intersection of breath,...

Scott Harrison, a photographer, shares his journey of discovering photography later in life and how it has become his passion and career. He discusses his approach to photographing landscapes, waves, and surfers, and how he balances his love for photography with his love for surfing.

Scott also talks about the importance of having a mindset that allows for financial freedom and the ability to make choices. He shares his experience...

Philip, the founder of Rise Up Retreats, discusses the evolution of his surf retreat business and the challenges and rewards of running a people-focused company. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for guests and the value of connection and community. Philip also shares his journey of finding balance between work and personal well-being, as well as his commitment to giving back to the com...

We were lucky enough to get Taylor Knox on the show. In this episode we chat about his 16 seasons on the Pro Tour, winning the inaugural K2 big wave challenge, his knee injuries, a significant back injury he had when he was 15, and how he works through those things at that age.

Continuing now into his fifty's what he does every day to keep himself surf ready and performing at a high level. It was really great to hear the routi...

Born and raised on the North Shore of O'ahu Jamie Sterling has been charging big waves since his teen years, is the 2011 WSL Big Wave Tour Champion, and now own and operates Jamie Sterling Surf Experiences.

We chat about his time as a Professional Surfer, what he did then and does now to prepare for big wave conditions that demand so much physical and emotional focus, and what it was like being around and learning from the...