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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:

• @yusurf

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 Martinez, and more!

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