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In this episode of the Basis Surf Podcast, we have Rafael Kroeff a.k.a. RK (@rktraininghawaii) who’s a big-wave surfer/surf coach on the north shore of Hawaii. He has trained athletes like Rio Waida, Erin Brooks, and Shino Matsuda and other big-wave surfers like Jack Robinson and Ian Gentile. Tune in as we talk about his innovative surf training methods—combining physical conditioning, cognitive drills, and breathing techniques—to help elite and everyday surfers improve reactivity, creativity, and performance in unpredictable surf conditions.
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Chapters
00:00 Reactivity and Surfing Performance
02:01 The Purpose of Reactive Drills
03:31 Stability as the Foundation
05:18 Overloading the Brain to Unlock Creativity
08:07 Innovative Tools: Body Blade & Muscle Activation
12:19 Skate Balance vs. Indoboard
18:31 Mini BOSU Ball Plyometrics
21:22 Surfing’s Resistance to Innovation
26:01 General vs. Maneuver-Specific Training
28:54 The Full Training Protocol
31:52 Advice for the Everyday Surfer
35:33 Foundational Plyometric Progressions
36:34 Lightbulb Moments & Training Insights
42:06 A Fins Revelation at Jaws
45:30 The Role of Paddling in Big Wave Surfing
50:12 Surfing as a Spiritual Experience
52:16 Where to Find Rafael Kroeff
Cover Image Credits:
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