Episode
Exploring Surfboards & Intentions w/ Cliff Kapono
- Podcast
- Basis Surf Podcast
- Published
- Jan 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4279
- Processing state
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Summary
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 we’ve got Cliff Kapono, a pro surfer and scientist from the Big Island of Hawaii. We speak about his approach to surfing growing up, from riding whatever boards were around to chasing the feeling of freedom and safety in the ocean. We then get into how his relationship with surfing changed over the years, and discuss the concept of chasing waves with inner peace. We also talk about his incredible work studying reef structures and their connection to surf breaks. And finally, Cliff also just came out with an amazing film, Circadian Rhythms, that encapsulates this circular story of his approach and relationship to surfing. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters00:48 Paddle Power and Getting More Waves01:31 Introducing Cliff Kapono and Circadian Rhythms02:18 Growing Up Surfing on the Big Island05:23 Boarding School and Weekend Surf Missions10:15 Surf Culture, Boards, and Early Style13:11 Surfing as Stability and Escape16:44 Chasing Feeling Over Performance18:56 Learning 360s, Airs, and Obsession21:42 First Sessions at Pipeline26:01 Stepping Away From Surfing30:06 Boards as Tools for Feeling35:44 Letting Go of Validation and Learning Turns45:07 The Meaning Behind Circadian Rhythms52:39 Surf Science, Reefs, and What’s Next Subscribe for more interviews with pro surfers, coaches, shapers, and everyday surfers like Tom Carroll, Zeke Lau, Victor Bernardo, Matt Parker of Album Surf, Matt Meola, Ryan Lovelace, Eric Arakawa, Noel Salas of Surf n Show, Parker Coffin, Dane Gudauskas, Kassia Meador, Clayton of Ombe Surf, Dylan Lightfoot, Derek…