The Surf Strong Show

Actor, comedian, surfer, and ClipCast host Chris Wylde joins Greg Finch on The Surf Strong Show for an “It Comes in Waves” conversation about surfing, fatherhood, patience, and the waves that stay with us.Chris shares the story of his most recent wave at Rincon with his son — a small, uncrowded day that turned into one of those long, quiet, soul-surfing rides you do not want to ruin by paddling back out too soon.From there, the conversation moves through New Jersey beach culture, learning to surf at Blacks Beach on a board that made no sense for a beginner, life in Redondo Beach, and the connection between acting and surfing. Chris talks about how the “hurry up and wait” rhythm of working on film and television sets mirrors time in the lineup: long stretches of patience, followed by moments where you have to be ready immediately.Greg and Chris also get into surfing with your kids, knowing your limits in the ocean, longboarding footwork, cross-stepping, and why practicing movement patterns out of the water can help surfers feel more confident when wave time is limited.This episode is funny, human, surf-connected, and full of the kind of stories that remind us why surfing stays with us for life.In this episode:- Chris’s last wave at Rincon- Surfing with his son- Growing up “down the shore” in New Jersey- Learning to surf at Blacks Beach- How surfing teaches patience and presence- The overlap between acting, timing, and surfing- Longboarding footwork and the “dad bunny hop”- Why dry-land reps matter for better movement in the water- The unforgettable left Chris still daydreams aboutGuest Links:Chris Wylde: https://www.chriswylde.com/Chris Wylde on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943699/Chris Wylde on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ChrisWyldeClipCast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clipcast-the-best-clippers-podcast/id574649000ClipCast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Aia6OpSRcdTjv15aTtQ8vClipCast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laclipcast/Surf Strong Links:Apply for 1:1 surf fitness coaching: https://surfstrongfit.com/startSurf Strong For Life: https://surfstrongfit.com/The Surf Strong Show is hosted by Greg Finch, surf longevity coach and founder of Surf Strong For Life, helping surfers build strength, mobility, breath control, paddle endurance, and confidence so they can stay surf-ready for decades.

SummaryIn this inspiring interview, Shiloh Strong shares his transformative journey through personal health crises, the power of surfing as a source of resilience, and the impactful work of Ashes to Films, a nonprofit supporting creatives affected by disasters. Discover how storytelling, community, and creative healing can turn trauma into hope.KeywordsResilience, Surfing, Creative Healing, Ashes to Films, Personal Transformation, Disaster Recovery, Mental Health, Community Support, Filmmaking, InspirationKey TopicsPersonal transformation through health crisesThe role of surfing in mental resilienceThe mission and impact of Ashes to FilmsGuest NameShiloh StrongSound bites"The Vanagon is almost the perfect vehicle.""The surgery was life-saving.""Reduce resistance, just go."Chapters00:00 Surfing Memories and Personal Connections01:39 The Significance of the Vanagon03:38 Life Changes and Heart Surgery03:39 Growing Up Between Two Landscapes05:57 The Healing Power of Surfing08:36 Transition to Santa Barbara and the Fire Incident10:47 The Impact of Loss and Community Support13:38 Introducing Ashes to Films16:03 Creative Recovery Through Filmmaking18:56 The Journey of Ashes to Films21:48 Empowering Filmmakers Post-Fire25:21 Evolving Perspectives on Time and Creativity27:10 Finding Balance in Passion and Life29:59 Reducing Resistance to Enjoy Life33:15 Navigating Digital Distractions36:37 Life-Altering Health Challenges40:55 The Transformative Power of Daily Rituals46:00 Redefining Success and Creativity49:14 Building Resilience Through Creativity55:46 Podcast Outro.mp4ResourcesAshes to Films Website - https://ashestofilms.orgTribeca Film Festival - https://tribecafilm.comWriters Guild of America - https://www.wga.orgDirector's Guild of America - https://www.dga.orgSundance Film Festival - https://www.sundance.orgGuest linksWebsite - https://shilohstrong.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/shilohstrongInstagram - https://instagram.com/shilohstrong

Life gets busy. Motivation comes and goes. That’s why I use BAMs (Bare @ss Minimums)—the non-negotiable baseline I hit daily so I stay surf-ready no matter what’s going on.In this episode, I break down a simple 3-phase BAM framework:Morning: set intention + lowest-friction startMidday: movement “snacks” to stay loose and strongEvening: decompress, reflect, and reset for tomorrowIf you want surf longevity without overcomplicating your routine, start here: define your BAMs and hit them daily.Listen to more episodes here: https://surfstrongfit.com/podcastApply for Surf Strong For Life Exclusive Coaching: https://surfstrongfit.com/startKey Topics CoveredWhat “BAMs” are (and why they beat motivation)Choosing the day’s highest priority with less resistanceMorning setup: intention + simple structureMidday movement: keeping joints and tissue “online”Evening reset: reflection, decompression, and continuityTakeaways Consistency wins when motivation fades—BAMs give you a baseline you can always complete.Define non-negotiables that support surf longevity: movement + breath + mindset.Start your day by identifying one highest-priority target (then protect it).Use midday movement snacks to reduce stiffness and maintain readiness.End the day with a short reset: decompress, reflect, and tee up tomorrow.Keep BAMs small enough to succeed daily, then build upward from there.Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 — What are BAMs (Bare @ss Minimums)01:05 — Why life distraction kills consistency (and how BAMs fix it)02:58 — Morning Phase: intention + lowest-friction start04:20 — Picking the day’s highest priority (simple filter)05:52 — Midday Phase: movement snacks to stay surf-ready07:30 — Examples of quick movement / mobility check-ins09:40 — Using breath + mindfulness to shift state fast12:09 — Evening Phase: decompress, reflect, reset13:30 — How to stay adaptable without losing the routine14:20 — Simple challenge: define your BAMs and do them tomorrow

Breathe Strong, Surf Strong: How Better Breath Transforms Your SurfingEpisode OverviewIf you want to surf stronger, longer, and with a calmer mind, it starts with something you are doing all day anyway: breathing.In this episode of The Surf Strong Show, coach Greg Finch breaks down how breath impacts your surfing, your recovery, and your day-to-day stress levels. He explains why most modern breathing habits quietly work against performance, and shares simple, practical breath techniques you can plug into your routines in and out of the water.You will learn how to use breath to boost paddle endurance, calm your nervous system after heavy efforts, and stay present in the lineup when conditions or crowds start to spike your stress. Greg also explores how combining good posture, mindful breathing, and small daily “micro practices” can turn your sessions into repeatable training for both body and mind.“Breath is powerful on so many levels.”What You’ll LearnWhy breath is one of the most underrated performance tools in surfingHow to weave breath techniques into your daily routines to improve recoveryThe role of posture and alignment in effective breathingHow mindfulness and breath work help manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelmWays to practice breath in and out of the water so it shows up when you need it mostHow to use breath to stay calm under pressure in challenging surf or life momentsSimple ways to extend your connection to the ocean with post-surf breathing rituals“Stay present, feel the wind and sand.”Episode HighlightsThe Power of Breath (00:00)Why breath is central to surf performance, focus, and long-term surf longevity.Modern Breathing Habits and Their Impact (04:24)How our daily lifestyle quietly trains shallow, inefficient breathing and what to do instead.Practical Breathing Techniques for Surfers (14:09)Simple, repeatable exercises you can use before, during, and after your sessions.Connecting Breath with Surfing (14:31)How to link breath to paddling, positioning, and staying composed in critical moments.Post-Surf Breath Practices (28:28)Ways to cool down, recover faster, and carry that ocean calm into the rest of your day.“Extend out the positive of the surf.”Take This Into Your Next SessionEvery paddle out is a chance to practice. Choose one breath technique from this episode, set a reminder on your phone, and use it:Before you check the surfWhile you are sitting in the lineupAfter your session as you towel off and head back to your dayYour surf training is not just what happens in the gym or in big swell days. It is in how you breathe through all of it.If you want more tools to build breath endurance, recovery, and mental focus for surfing, make sure you grab Greg’s Surf Breath Checklist and keep training your breath to Surf Strong For Life.

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 both surfing and life. She breaks down her daily surf-prep ritual—from warm salt water and massage gun routines to bands, foam rolling, and underwater weight training—and explains how small, consistent habits keep her ready for XXL swells.They dive into the mental side of big-wave surfing: managing fear, dealing with FOMO, recovering from burnout, and learning to pace yourself instead of going full throttle all the time. Bianca talks about balancing obsession with responsibility, rebuilding stoke, and playing the true long game of surf longevity.If you care about surfing strong for life—through movement, breath, mobility, and mindset—this conversation is a masterclass.If it resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a surf buddy, and check out all episodes of the Surf Strong Show for more surf-longevity training and support.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Bianca’s Big-Wave Season: Mavericks, Hawaii & Warm Water02:07 – Inside the Culture of Big-Wave Surfing04:36 – Comfort Zones, Fear & the First 6-Inch Wave at Doheny07:30 – Small Days, Reps & Staying Ready Between Swells10:24 – Surfing as Mental Health, Ritual & Saying “Yes”12:59 – Morning Routine: Warm Salt Water, Massage Gun & Paddle Prep18:58 – Consistency, Micro-Habits & Recovery Done Right21:49 – Pacing, Tapering & Listening to Your Body at 40+24:37 – Burnout, Balance & Rediscovering Stoke for the Long Game32:18 – Inside the Eddie Aikau: Honor, Preparation & XXL Waimea Chaos

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 fosters connection, personal challenge, and emotional growth. Jason reflects on the unique relationship with the ocean and the future of surf therapy in helping veterans navigate their post-military lives. Links Jason on Facebook Operation Healing Forces Information on contributing to future OHF Retreats Takeaways Jason transitioned from academia to the military seeking adventure. Combat experience can lead to significant mental health challenges. The transition from military to civilian life is often difficult. Finding purpose after service is crucial for veterans. Operation Healing Forces provides support through couple retreats. Surfing serves as a powerful therapeutic tool for veterans. The ocean offers a unique connection that aids in healing. Surfing requires complete focus, helping to clear the mind. Building community and relationships is essential for veterans post-service. The future of surf therapy holds promise for veterans' healing journeys. Chapters 00:00 From Academia to the Military: A New Path 05:05 The Impact of 9/11 on Military Careers 07:52 Transitioning from Combat to Civilian Life 14:37 Finding Purpose After Special Forces 23:22 Joining Operation Healing Forces 34:56 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 42:21 Personal Journeys: From Novice to Surfer 47:31 The Immersive Experience of Surfing 52:35 The Unique Challenges of Surfing 01:01:08 Future Visions for Surf Therapy Retreats

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. Emily shares practical tips for staying present and detached from outcomes, including visualization and down-regulating the nervous system. In this conversation, Emily Hightower and Greg Finch discuss the importance of regulating the nervous system and the role of breath and movement in managing stress and trauma. They emphasize the need to shift our perspective on stress and view it as an evolutionary tool rather than something to be avoided. They also highlight the power of reconnecting with nature and engaging in activities like surfing to improve overall well-being. Emily and Greg share their experiences working with first responders and military personnel and how these individuals can benefit from breathwork and movement practices. They also introduce their company, Shift, which focuses on helping individuals understand and interact with their stress physiology to optimize healing and performance.

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, fear, and performance. Brian and Greg discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care and personal growth. They explore the concept of reordering priorities and letting go of non-essential tasks. Brian shares his experience of investing in himself and overcoming codependency. They also discuss the dangers of multitasking and hyperconnectivity in today's society. The conversation delves into the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior and the importance of breathing and self-reflection. Brian shares his insights on the power of walking and connecting with nature. They also touch on Brian's experience working with Tim Ferriss and Laird Hamilton. Finally, they discuss the benefits and misconceptions of heat and cold therapy, as well as Brian's training block and approach to competitions.

Today we welcome Troy Cole former professional soccer player and owner of E-Motion Fitness. As a fellow coach and trainer I invited Troy on to discuss how his experience as a professional athlete and coach influenced his path as he took up surfing later in life over these last few years.

This episode is from a live stream where I talked about my path and journey as a coach and trainer. How injuries and early athletic experiences influenced me and steered me toward coaching. How the opportunity to connect with our surf community, give back, and coach surfers to stay strong and stoked in the water till their last breath is an absolute joy. This Surf Strong Show is a fun extension of that mission. I'm having a blast with these in depth conversations with true experts in the surf community, who have so much to provide, and are just giving back so much. This is a first of a series of live podcast events that I attend to do. Each will have a focused topic with an intention to keep them as quick takes around 30 minutes and hopefully full of actionable steps to real problems amd issues we face as surfers. We will often answer listener questions that you can submit before. Since it will be recorded as a live stream you can submit comments from our Facebook facebook.com/surfstrongfit and we may get to them right in that stream.

Today I am very excited to have Dr. Tim Brown on The Surf Strong Show. He is one of the foremost experts and leading innovators in the world of sports medicine, going into his 50th year of working with some of the world’s most recognizable athletes. Dr. Brown currently serves as the Co-Medical Director for the World Surf League, a Performance Expert for both the US Olympic Surf Team and RedBull High Performance athletes. As well as working with Ripcurl and NEUX to create cutting edge technologies. We talk about being the original Medical Director of the first professional Beach Volleyball Association, the AVP In the early 80s and how that experience combined with his own time as a college football, pro beach volleyball, and surf athlete was the start of a lifelong pursuit to change the recurring injury, rehab, recovery and reinjury cycle he was seeing over and over again amongst the athletes. Dr. Brown revolutionized the world of sports taping and soft tissue treatment with his innovative Specific Proprioceptive Response Technique. You may know it from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when professional beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh brought SPRT to the world stage when she won a gold medal with Misty May-Treanor wearing a version of SPRT for an injured shoulder. We discuss his 5 progression pillars of fitness, how what you Eat, Think, Do is what you become, and the next event of his Surf Movement Masterclass series. Dr. Brown is responsible for influencing, training, and supporting countless athletes and the sports professionals that work with them. He is a personal mentor and I am honored to have him on the show.

This week's conversation is with Peter Park, owner of Platinum Fitness in Santa Barbara, California and an elite trainer for over 2 decades. Peter has trained the best of the best — Lance Armstrong, pro surfers Kelly Slater, Lakey Peterson, and Major League Baseball stars Giancarlo Stanton and Justin Verlander to name just a few. His personal ultra endurance achievements include 3 time winner of the “World’s Toughest Triathlon”, current record holder for the Catalina 50 Mile Ultra Marathon, and numerous Hawaii Ironman Triathlons. We discuss his work ethic, how it helped make him successful and why it’s also what makes a balanced life difficult. How working with Lance Armstrong was like a PHD in aerobic endurance training. Peter lays out a plan to get you ready to get everything out of your next surf trip. Here’s our conversation with Peter Park