Swell Season Surf Radio

Our guest for this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast is John Angiulo — a professional surfer, surf educator, author, filmmaker, and one of Montauk’s most thoughtful voices exploring the deeper meaning of surfing and wave culture. John grew up immersed in the roots of East Coast surfing. His father, Kenny Angiulo, was considered one of New York’s standout surfers during the golden era of East Coast surf culture, often mentioned alongside legends like Ricky Rasmussen. His uncle, Michael “Mick” Angiulo, played a major role in helping legalize and expand surf access throughout New York State beaches through his ground...

"The day I decided to quit surfing… it just popped in my head like, 'Huh, nobody just quits surfing. Like if I did, what would happen? Who would I be?'"

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we ponder the question of ‘who would we be without surfing’ with our guest for this episode. Jason Borte is one of the true pillars of East Coast surfing — a competitor, storyteller, teacher, and lifelong ambassador of the stoke.  Hailing from Virginia Beach, Jason's journey began with a humbling first session in 1982 and took him all the way to ESA Al...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome board industry vet, Jamie Meiselman to the show! We  trace his journey from cold-water surfing in Westfield, New Jersey and the DIY dawn of Northeast snowboarding to a lifetime of innovation across board sports. Jamie reflects on his early roots in skate, surf and competitive snowboarding, pioneering boot technology with Burton and Airwalk, and his years shaping the voice of the industry as Managing Editor of Transworld Snowboarding during its explosive growth in the early 90s. After earning an MBA at Columbia, he pursued an ambitious surf-focused wave pool p...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, We welcome Christopher Thomas Campbell, artist, architect, and founder of St. Christopher's Surf Craft, to the show. We dive deep into Campbell's unique journey from architecture and fine art to surfboard shaping. Discover the intricacies of edge board design, the influence of New York's surfing conditions, and the evolution of modern backyard shaping. Campbell shares insights on rail engagement, fin setups, and the philosophy behind his craft, culminating in a thought-provoking discussion about whether surfboards can be considered art. Don't miss this engaging conversation about innovation, craftsmanship, and the future of...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome NYC big wave surfer Pete ‘Luigi’ Shaw. Raised in New York, Pete's journey from local waves to conquering some of the world's biggest breaks, like Nazaré and Teahupo'o, showcases unparalleled grit and determination. Pete shares his experiences paddling out solo, his method of managing fear, and his approach to surfing's evolving culture. We  discuss the highs, the near misses, and the relentless passion that drives Pete to chase monster waves around the globe. we’re diving into big waves, fear, resilience, community, and what drives someone to paddle out with not...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we dive into the controversial revival of the Williams LNG pipeline project off the coast of New York and New Jersey. Joined by Matt Gove from the Surfrider Foundation, we explore the environmental, health, and community impacts of the pipeline, and discuss why it's critical to oppose this project. The conversation also highlights the broader context of climate change and energy politics, the role of data centers, and the importance of renewable energy sources like offshore wind farms. Learn how you can get involved in the fight against the pipeline and...

On the latest  Swell Season Radio Art & Design Series, Design host Chris Labzda sits down with the multifaceted Australian artist, surfer, and musician, Ozzy Wright. Ozzy shares insights into his unique path, transitioning from a passionate young surfer to a versatile creative force in art and music. The conversation dives deep into his inspirations from skate culture, the influence of brands like Volcom, and his approach to creating art that resonates emotionally. Ozzy also reflects on the evolving art scene in Australia and the balancing act of creativity and family life. Ozzy is a legend of the sport and his ar...

On this  episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer welcomes surfboard shaper and surf legend Neal Purchase Jr. to discuss his incredible journey through the world of surfing. From his early days screenprinting for Billabong and becoming a free surfing pro in the 90’s  to his innovative board designs with deep family roots, Neal shares stories and insights that have defined his career. Joined by  co-host and friend of the show, Paul Colbert, the conversation explores Neal’s pivotal moments in surf cinema, his unique duo fin setups, and his recent shaping residency at Pilgrim Surfing Supply in New...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast , we connect with an old college roommate and long-time friend, Enrique Moose Huerta. We  reminisce about our  time at Flagler College, including our surfing adventures and dorm room antics. Moose shares his journey from college surfer to creative producer and independent consultant, shedding light on his experiences with Vice Media, Nike, and starting his own consultancy, Land Sea.
The episode also delves into Moose's latest project, the East Coast Special podcast, which beautifully encapsulates the charm and grit of East Coast surf culture. Moose describes the podcast as a love ch...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome Claudia Lebenthal, a force in visual storytelling and editorial design, to discuss her illustrious career and her love for both sports and fashion. Claudia shares her journey from growing up in New York City to cultivating a deep passion for ocean sports, ultimately leading to her latest project, 'Surfer Stories.' This book pairs the world's greatest surfers with acclaimed storytellers, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into their lives. We dive into her experiences, from her first surf at San Onofre to her editorial roles at Allure and...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we talk  with Brooklyn-based artist and sign painter Jon Bocksel. With nearly two decades of experience, Jon's work artfully combines history, typography, and his love for hand-lettered signs. We discuss Jon's meticulous creative process, the timeless craft of hand-painted signage, the evolution of written language, and how these elements intersect with surf culture and everyday spaces. Jon shares insights into his artistic journey, his background in printmaking, and the influence of surfing and skating on his work. It’s a fascinating conversation on creativity, craft, and culture.  We hope you enjoy… 

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer discusses 'The Inevitable Return,' a short documentary film with filmmaker Zachary Zezima and Kumeyaay surfer Shuuluk Leo-Retz. The film explores the entanglement of military technology, atomic testing, and contemporary surfing on the militarized beaches of San Diego. Our conversation highlights Shuuluk’s journey in reclaiming surfing as a practice of joy and connection on his indigenous land. We preview the 'Shredding: A New Lens in Surf Filmmaking' program, which challenges outdated stereotypes in surf culture and showcases diverse voices from around the world.

To Learn mo...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Chel Mendell, a queer gender expansive Jew from the San Francisco Bay Area. Rabbi Chel, (they/them) is the founder and creative director of the Tzimtzum community, located on the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe. Chel is dedicated to reimagining Jewish community through creative ritual and envisioning how Judaism can evolve for the future. They are a curator of alternative Jewish community spaces. They received smicha from the Academy for Jewish Religion CA and an interdisciplinary MFA from Sierra Nevada University. They can be...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we delve into pressing environmental issues with Dr. Chad Nelson, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. We explore the impacts of Donald Trump's administration on environmental protections and the urgent challenges faced by organizations like Surfrider. Dr. Nelson, who has been an ocean advocate for over 25 years, discusses the rollback of policies that safeguard our oceans, beaches, and climate, and what individuals can do to counter these changes. The conversation also covers recent legal battles, local and national victories in environmental conservation, and the importance of civic engagement in protecting our coastlines...

In late May, Costa Rican police arrived in central Pavones at 4 a.m.—dressed in body armor, rifles in hand, and gas masks on—to escort demolition crews. Their mission: tear down local businesses. Residents, caught off guard, had to scramble just to salvage food and goods from inside the buildings. Shockingly, the local government of Golfito appears to be backing developers and demolition teams over the very citizens they were elected to serve.At the heart of the issue is a controversial slate of proposed luxury real estate developments. These projects threaten to reshape Pavones—impacting the environment, limiting beach...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we ‘talk story’ with Chris Gentile, the proprietor of Pilgrim Surf + Supply in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We dive into Chris' diverse background in woodworking, photography, art, and fashion. We also cover Pilgrim Surf + Supply's upcoming Shapers Residency program featuring renowned shapers like Malcolm Campbell, Christian Beamish, and Rachel Lord. Chris opens up about the cultural and communal aspects of surfing, his approach to shaping boards, and the journey of founding one of the most influential surf shops in New York. We explore some of the highlights and evolution of Pilgrim Surf + Supply, the...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we do a deep dive with legendary surfer and surf historian Sam George. Known as one of the most traveled surfers in history and former executive editor of Surfer Magazine, Sam shares his incredible insights and stories from a lifetime dedicated to surfing. We discuss Sam's latest book, 'Child of Storms,' his influence on surf culture, his relationships with icons like Tom Curren and Laird Hamilton, and the enduring mystique of surfing. This is a rich conversation that covers the evolution of surfboards, the joys of diverse surf cultures, and...

On this episode of the  Swell Season Surf Podcast we meet Alistair Thompson, the author of 'A Surfer's Guide to Enlightenment’, a beautiful and reflective book that blends surfing, spirituality, and self-discovery. It’s part memoir, part philosophy, and full of lessons drawn straight from the ocean. Alistair shares his journey from a life of 'monotonous discomfort' to one enriched by surfing, discussing themes of fear, ego, love, forgiveness, and faith. In his book, he explores everything from fear and ego to love, forgiveness, and faith—all through the lens of the sea. Whether you’re a surfer or not, this conv...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we do a deep dive with journalist and podcaster Matt Barr to explore the implications of Patagonia founder Yvonne Chouinard's groundbreaking decision to transfer ownership of the company to entities that prioritize the environment. Matt discusses his three-part podcast documentary series 'The Announcement,' which provides a comprehensive investigation into this transformative corporate model. The conversation tackles whether capitalism can truly be a force for good, the scrutiny faced by Patagonia, and the broader implications for the future of capitalism and sustainability. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Matt Barr's...

On this episode of Swell Season Surf Podcast, we go dumpster diving through history and dig up memories of the vibrant New York surf community of the early 2000s with special guest Will Hallett. We reminisce about the iconic message boards of NYNJsurf.com and NewYorkSurf.com that unified surfers of the region, sharing stories, debating issues, and coordinating surf sessions. Will Hallett, the owner of NYNJsurf.com, shares his experiences as an OG New York surfer, his impressive collection of surfboards, and his journey into public speaking. We discuss the impact of social media on surf communities, memorable threads...

In this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio’s Art and Design series, hosts Chris Labzda and Chris Coffin  welcome special guest, Em Joseph, a former student of Chris Coffin and now a distinguished artist and educator. The episode dives into Em’s journey from student to accomplished artist, her impactful projects like the ‘Cedar Exodus’ at the New Museum, and the profound influence of surfing on her life and creative practice.

She discusses her roots, passion for surfing, and how she balances her life in New York between teaching and surfing. She shares her insights into teaching philosoph...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sits down with Australian gender equality advocate and professional surfer Lucy Small, along with UK filmmaker Maddie Meddings, to discuss their latest powerful film 'Ceibo'. We delve into the intimate journey of women shaping the future of Ecuador's lands and waters, following surfer activist Pacha Light. Discover the process of creating a multi-layered narrative that merges women's rights, environmental activism, and surfing, all set against the backdrop of Ecuador's diverse landscapes. The conversation covers the film's development, the challenges faced, and the inspiring stories of the individuals involved. Don't miss...

On this episode of Swell Season Surf Radio's Art and Design series with Chris and Chris. They sit down with artist Kris Chatterson, who is a returning guest. , Chatterson reflects on his transition from the surf scene in Rhode Island to his current life in New Jersey. He discusses the profound changes and creative shifts he's experienced, including his recent immersion into the punk rock music scene with his family band, The Dot Tones. The conversation delves into his artistic evolution, the influence of punk rock on his latest artworks, and his strategic use of social media. Kris Chatterson shares...

On the latest episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we  welcomed back to the show, the legendary surfboard shaper Charles Mencel, who is joined by his wife Rebecca. The Mencels, who hail from Monmouth County, NJ, share their deep-rooted connection to the ocean and their community. They discuss the intricate balance of maintaining their passions for surfing and shaping, while raising five daughters and managing their surfboard brand. Charles reveals the magic behind his sought-after surfboards and recounts his experience riding one of New Jersey's greatest waves. Additionally, they delve into the creation of their new surfboard glassing house, G...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, our guest is Bruce Sutherland, co-author of the iconic Stormrider Guidebooks. We discuss the origins of Bruce's surf travel adventures, the indispensable role of the Stormrider Guide in global surf exploration, and the meticulous process of documenting surfing spots worldwide. Bruce shares anecdotes of surf trips, the influence of urban surfers, and details on the new digital version of the Stormrider Guide. We also delve into his commitment to environmental causes, surf culture evolution, and future plans for the guide. This episode is a deep dive into the heart of surf...

On this Episode of  the Swell Season Surf Podcast we take a dive into the multifaceted life of Justin Schwartz. Known as a charismatic and controversial figure in the New York surfing scene, Justin has worn many hats – from a competitive surfer and finance professional to a successful taco business owner. In this candid episode, Justin shares his early surf memories, his adventures on Long Island and beyond, and the life-altering experiences he faced, including horrific accidents and a house fire. Listen in as Justin talks about his deep-seated passion for the ocean, the surf community, and how he finds pur...

On this Episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast,  host Tyler Breuer is joined by Swell Season contributor Paul Colbert and former guest Ken Lewis as they welcome legendary surfboard shaper Rusty Preisendorfer and Rusty Surfboards' GM Jen Cassidy. We dive into the rich history of Rusty Surfboards, their impact on surfing, and the significant changes they are undergoing to return to their core roots. We discuss iconic moments in surf history that were shaped by Rusty boards and learn about their fresh initiatives and philosophies in bringing Rusty Surfboards back to their original spirit. From shaping insights to personal s...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Coley, the award-winning director of the documentary film 'Point of Change.' The documentary explores the unintended consequences of surfing's colonial culture through the story of Kevin Lovett and John Giesel's discovery of a perfect wave in Lugundi Bay, Indonesia. We discuss the film's journey, the impact of surfing on indigenous communities, and the importance of mindful travel.

We also explore the powerful storytelling within the film, showcasing the voices of the local community and their perspectives on the environmental and cultural changes brought...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast we dive deep into a conversation with Palestinian American Zane Elias, hearing his emotional recount of the past year’s turmoil following the events of October 7th and discuss his role within the New York surf community and helping to raise awareness over the suffering the Palestinians are experiencing. Zane shares his unique journey from environmental studies to becoming a voice for social justice through his artistic endeavors. Despite the toll of ongoing conflict, Zane is still able to find solace and inspiration in surfing and his community, while exploring themes of...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome Erin Meza Ashley, also known as Worm to the show. Erin shares their unique journey into surfing, starting in college, and quickly mastering the art with her distinctive style on heavy single-finned longboards. Beyond surfing, Erin's life is intertwined with music, as a saxophonist in the band Go Go 13, and her passion for making desserts, especially gelato.

The episode delves into her multifaceted life, touching upon her recent controversial decision to step down as head judge of the Mexi- Log Fest due to their trans policy, reflecting...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, Farmata Dia & Autumn Kitchens embody what NY Surfing is today. Young, stylish, committed to their community, actively involved in giving back and making their lineup a better place for everyone. They open up about their inspiring journeys and contributions to the sport. The discussion ranges from their personal introductions to surfing and the profound impact it has had on their mental health, self-esteem, and community involvement, to addressing broader issues such as racial discrimination and systemic barriers. 

The conversation highlights their work with the nonprofit Laru Beya Collective, which e...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast we have an incredible in-depth conversation with the legendary Mike May, a former New Jersey surfing champion and surf historian. The episode explores May's efforts in uncovering lesser-known historical narratives about early surfing in the U.S. East Coast, discussing figures such as Sam Reid, who was a protégé of Duke Kahanamoku. The discussion highlights the cultural ties between Hawaii and Atlantic City, Sam Reid’s complicated friendship with Tom Blake and their being the first to surf Malibu.

We also touch on the underinvestment issues facing Atlantic City...

On this episode of The Swell Season Surf Podcast, we discuss The Surfrider Foundation's landmark lawsuit against Exxon for allegedly misleading the public about plastic recycling and contributing to pollution. The episode's guest, Dr. Chad Nelson, CEO of Surfrider Foundation, shares insights on the lawsuit's objectives, addressing decades of misinformation and environmental impact caused by Exxon's plastic production. The conversation further explores broader environmental initiatives, including New York Climate Week events, ocean conservation, beach access issues in New Jersey, and the challenges of balancing surfing interests with environmental concerns. The episode underscores the organization's efforts in advocating for laws, strategic...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, We talk to filmmaker Jason Baffa about his significant contributions to surf cinema and the broader impact of his work. We discuss his landmark film 'Single Fin Yellow,' and his subsequent projects like 'Loopers: The Caddy's Long Walk,' and the Disney Plus series 'Chasing Waves.' Baffa shares his experiences with integrating high-definition photography with live music in his latest project 'Confluence,' and reflects on his career, his Italian heritage, and his organic wine collaboration with Zio Baffa.

Our conversation covers a range of topics from...

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we talk with Dr. Tara Ruttenberg, a surf tourism expert, about the negative impacts of surf tourism and the search for empowering tourism models that benefit local communities. Dr. Ruttenberg, a writer, researcher, and PhD in development studies, shares her journey into surf tourism study, inspired by her surf experiences in Costa Rica. The conversation covers the impact of surf travel on local communities, the concept of sustainable surf tourism, the role of localism, and practical ways surfers can travel more responsibly. Dr. Ruttenberg explains how her research aims to create...

Our Guest on this episode is freelance content creator, Jon Coen from Long Beach Island. Jon has been a consummate champion of Northeast surfing for over 20+ years. When the surf magazines were still in their heyday, Jon would be the go to guy for anything in the Northeast happening. He always fought to get local events, surfers, and creatives to get the greater promotion and exposure when the west coast would ignore us. 

On this episode we touch on various facets of his career, including content roles with notable brands like Jetty Surf, Vuori, and Red Bull. Jon e...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer and co-host Paul Colbert engage in a profound discussion with Ken Lewis, a key figure in San Diego's surf, skate, and music scene. Ken Lewis has been described as a pillar in the San Diego surf/skate/music community. Ken shares his life story, from growing up as the son of a spear fisherman in La Jolla Cove to becoming a skate shop owner, Tavarua boatman, and a 30-year industry veteran. He reflects on mentorships from legends like Bird Huffman and Skip Fry, overcoming disenchantment...

Dr. Bill Rosenblatt, AKA “Dr. Bill” has been surfing for 50 years all over the world. He’s a licensed psychologist and Senior Fellow in Biofeedback. He holds a doctorate in Counseling from Lehigh University and did post-doctoral work in Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Harvard Medical School. He has taught at universities, directed programs at hospitals, He was the freaking Mayor of Loch Arbour in NJ for 10 years!!!! and has written extensively on surfing and life. 

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Bill Rosenblatt, to discuss...

Sid Abruzzi: Shaping Surf and Skate Culture - A Live Conversation
In a special live episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, host Tyler Breuer engages in an in-depth conversation with Sid Abruzzi, the legendary figure behind Water Brothers Surf Shop in Newport, Rhode Island. Recorded on July 30th at Pilgrim Surf and Supply Shop in Brooklyn, New York, the episode explores Sid's vast influence on East Coast surfing and skateboarding culture, as well as his personal journey depicted in the documentary 'Water Brother.' Highlighted topics include Sid's experiences with renowned surfers and musicians, his sobriety...

If you don’t know who Scott Hulet is, do you even surf? He was the editor of The Surfers Journal from 1999 to 2014 and stayed on as a creative editor since. Some can argue he is one of the most important curators of our culture.  We delve into Scott's career, his tenure at Surfer's Journal (1999-2014), and his latest book 'Flow Violento'. It is a beautiful exploration of his travels south of the border. It’s filled with compelling observations, surfy  musings, and some eye popping fishing tales. 

Our discussion covers Scott's travels, his personal philosophy on writing, and the...