How Elite Surfers Dial in Mindset, Technique, & Boards w/ Kei Kobayashi

About this episode

Kei Kobayashi discusses his competitive surfing journey, focusing on mindset, technique, and equipment adjustments.

Train your paddling anywhere, anytime so you can catch more waves and have more fun with the Basis Paddle Trainer. Shipping globally now at https://www.surfbasis.com/ In this episode of the Basis Surf podcast, Kei Kobayashi shares what helped him level up his competitive surfing over the past year. He talks about how having a clear and positive mindset played a big role in his results. Kei also breaks down his technique—especially his backside bottom turn, where he grabs the rail to stay low and go vertical. We also talk about how small changes to his board made a big difference, and why training your paddling is so important for contests. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters02:25 Kei’s origin story: A Japanese family and San Clemente roots04:14 Early signs of ocean connection and childhood surfing06:22 How San Clemente and local surfers shaped Kei’s style08:44 Asking for help and learning from the best10:49 Mental health: The underrated key to competitive success13:47 Surfing as chess: Strategy, priority, and heat management19:03 Sports psychology and his breakthrough at the Korea wave pool event31:28 Physical…

People in this episode

Host: Basis Surf

Guest: Kei Kobayashi

Topics covered

• competitive surfing
• mindset
• surf technique
• paddling training
• sports psychology
• surfboards

Keywords

• competitive surfing
• mindset
• surf technique
• paddling
• sports psychology
• surfboards

Sponsors

Basis Paddle Trainer

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Basis Surf

Products: Basis Paddle Trainer

Places: San Clemente, Korea wave pool

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