Why do some experienced surfers hate beginners? We’ve all felt the vibe—side-eyes in the lineup, snarky comments, or worse. In this episode, we dive into the strange divide between crusties and kooks, and unpack everything from safety concerns and surf hierarchy to toxic masculinity and wave scarcity. Spoiler: it’s not always about etiquette. Sometimes, it’s just ego. But we also share what beginners can do to hold their own—and how to keep progressing without the drama.

What do Japan, Iceland, and a stolen sandwich have in common? Freia. In this episode, we meet 25-year-old filmmaker and Arctic surfer Freia, whose unlikely surf journey started on a family vacation in Japan and eventually led her to the freezing lineups of Reykjavík. We talk about her first surf (and first eagle encounter), why she made a documentary about women in boardsports, and the quiet pressures female surfers still face in a male-dominated scene. From Hoddevika to equal pay in surf comps—this one’s a joy.

You’ve outgrown the whitewash—go you! But now you’re spending 25 minutes getting slammed by wave after wave, and the lineup still feels a mile away. In this episode, we break down why getting “out the back” is one of the hardest parts of beginner surfing—and how to actually get there without losing your board, your breath, or your will to surf. Turtle rolls, timing, channels, and the long, slow battle of building confidence. You belong out there. Let’s get you there.

Thinking about buying your first board? Hold up. Before you drop cash on gear, let’s talk about surf lessons—and why they might be the smarter first move. In this episode, we break down when a lesson is absolutely worth it, when coaching can help you level up fast, and how to avoid the overpriced traps. Whether you’re brand new or stuck in a whitewater rut, this is your shortcut to smarter (and safer) progression. No fluff, just real talk from someone who’s been there.

Wouldn't it be nice to Hang Ten one day? In this episode, we unpack the origins and legacy of one of surfing’s most iconic maneuvers. From Dale Velzy’s legendary nose-walk at Manhattan Beach in the 1950s to the rise (and fall) of noseriding’s golden era, we trace how hanging all ten toes over the nose became the holy grail of longboarding. We’ll also touch on the gear, wave conditions, and style required to even attempt this dance with the sea. Spoiler: it’s harder than it looks—and totally worth dreaming about.

Surfing looks free… until you start adding up the lessons, the wetsuit, the board, the wax, the roof rack, the surf travel, and—wait—do I need a drone?! In this episode, we break down the real costs of learning to surf and what it takes to keep it affordable without losing the stoke. Whether you’re a coastal local or a van-life dreamer, we’ll help you navigate the surf economy, separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves, and get you riding waves without going broke. Spoiler: the waves are still free.

Sayulita, Mexico is more than just a surf town—it’s a beginner surfer’s dream with a side of tacos and mezcal. In this episode, we break down why Sayulita keeps making our list of the top spots for first-timers, even if the crowds and murky wet-season water make some folks pause.

We dig into the vibe, the waves, and what to watch out for—plus where to get lessons, eat tacos, and stay if you're traveling solo. Whether you're chasing your first green wave or just trying to figure out if this colorful boho town is worth the hype, this one's your guide to surfing Sayulita like a local.

Also: the best time to go, when to skip it, and which surf schools the Girls Who Can’t Surf Good community swear by.

Tina is the surf buddy we all want. In this episode, she shares how a Facebook group connection turned into a life-changing surf friendship. We talk about the power of having someone to share the stoke with, learning to surf later in life, what it's like surfing Maine through icy winters, the emotional rollercoaster of progression (and plateaus), and why she prefers longboarding to anything else.

We also dive into her journey from ski racing and ice climbing to wave riding, learning without lessons, and why her boards are named Goose and Jim. It’s warm, real, and filled with those little moments that make surfing more than just a sport. Plus: wetsuit hacks, foggy morning sessions, surf goals that come when you least expect them—and the irreplaceable magic of having a true surf buddy in your corner.