Episode
Tom Carroll: How to Read the Ocean
- Podcast
- Basis Surf Podcast
- Published
- Nov 10, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2860
- Processing state
not_requested
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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 have two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll sharing insights on surf technique, wave reading, and building a relationship with the ocean. He talks about the value in surfing different conditions, good and bad, the delicate balance between intuition and analytical thinking, and the benefits of staying physically fit and having proper equipment for maintaining performance, especially as you get older. He also offers advice for younger surfers and shares details on his upcoming retreats focused on breathwork for surfers. Sign up for our free surfboard guide for sizing down volume, video library and newsletter Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Ocean as a Teacher00:51 Paddle Power and the Basis Trainer01:52 Framing the Conversation: Surfing, Technique and Longevity02:40 Building Wave Knowledge Over a Lifetime05:27 Fear in Surfing and Early Experiences07:58 Surf Everything: Learning in All Conditions10:35 Equipment Evolution and Staying Curious14:24 Wave Reading: Intuition vs Analysis18:47 Developing a Mental Map of Waves23:19 Observing and Learning from Other Surfers25:03 Drills: Finding the Perfect Line29:55 The Roundhouse Cutback Drill32:25 Favorite Boards for Crappy Waves37:22 Training for Longevity and Recovery42:21 Final Reflections and Upcoming Retreats 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 Dunfee, Magnum…