DAVE KALAMA: Pioneering Jaws, Foiling & the Endless Pursuit of Innovation
In this episode, we sit down with legendary waterman Dave Kalama—a true pioneer in the world of big wave surfing and one of the most influential figures in modern ocean sports. Dave takes us back to his roots growing up in California, trading turns on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain before making the life-changing move to Maui to pursue windsurfing in the 1980s. From there, we dive into his instrumental role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at Jaws (Peʻahi) alongside the Strapped crew, as he helped shape an entirely new era of big wave riding. Dave also shares his candid thoughts on the rise of foiling, how it’s redefining ocean sports, and where he sees the sport heading next. It was an honor to spend some time with one of the all-time greats!Thumbnail photo shot by Patrick McFEELEY
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1:47:16
The Biggest JAWS Has Ever Been in April? (Swell Recap)
This week, the boys dive into what might be one of the latest Jaws seasons ever. Giant swells rolled through well into April, giving them more time in the lineup with minimal crowds—just what they needed to hit their season goals.For Ridge, it was all about leveling up his tow-surfing game, laying down legit turns on massive waves. For Kai, it was chasing high performance across as many sports as possible. Plus, Kai teases what could be the next big revolution in big wave surfing.Enjoy the episode!
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1:06:01
Have The SICKOS Pushed The Limit Too Far? (w/ JACKSON LEBSACK)
This week our friend Jackson Lebsack joins the pod! He's a content creator, filmmaker and adventure athlete from Hood River, Oregon. Best known for his role in SICKOS, a group of friends who have gone viral numerous times for their stunts and various shenanigans, he also has built a legendary career having help build Jamie O'Brian's Vlog channel then transitioning to building SICKOS to what it is today both in-front and behind the camera. Jackson tells us about his early career, how he met JOB, leaving his dream job to start SICKOS, the crew's most memorable moments, and his love/hate relationship with big mountain Kayaking. ENJOY!
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1:12:50
Our Coach Reveals How He Trains Us for the World’s Biggest Waves (w/ SCOTT SANCHEZ)
Our Coach Scott Sanchez joins the pod to give insight into how a life of competing and coaching olympic athletes led him to taking a 12-year-old Kai under his wing, beginning a 20 year coaching relationship that continues to this day. Scott also reveals his keys for bringing the best out of athletes and breaks down the different approaches he's taken to Kai's athletic journey as he's progressed through windsurfing, SUP racing, and surfing at the highest levels. The conversation also focuses on the unique way we train for big waves. Enjoy the pod, we'll see you next week!
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1:11:43
The Viral Moment that Changed Foiling Forever
This conversation delves into the rich history and evolution of foiling, exploring its origins, technological advancements, and the transition from big wave riding to small swell foiling. The boys discuss the influence of military technology on modern foiling, the innovations in design and materials, and the pivotal moments that have shaped the sport. They reflect on how foiling has become accessible and popularized, particularly through downwind racing and the viral moments that captured the attention of the surfing community. This conversation delves into the evolution of foiling, exploring its various techniques and the impact it has had on water sports. They also share personal experiences, innovations in foiling technology, and the emergence of new disciplines like wing foiling. They reflect on the community surrounding foiling, the excitement of discovering new techniques, and the future of the sport as it continues to evolve.
Professional surfers and ocean athletes, Kai and Ridge Lenny, sit down every week to recap their travels, share untold stories from their big wave adventures, and breakdown everything that is ocean sports.
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