The Temple of Surf Podcast

This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Job Verpoorte, founder of Jabali Surfboards — a surfboard brand built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and a deep connection to the true spirit of surfing.
In a world where surfboards are increasingly mass-produced, Job Verpoorte continues to embrace the tradition of handcrafted surfboards, focusing on quality, feel, design, and the personal relationship between surfer and board. In this episode, we dive deep into the philosophy behind Jabali Surfboards, the importance of shaping by hand, and why preserving the soul of surf culture matters more today than ever before.
During this conversation, Job shares the story behind Jabali Surfboards, his journey into surfboard shaping, the inspiration behind his designs, and his thoughts on modern surfing and surfboard evolution. From classic surfboard influences to modern performance concepts, this episode explores the creativity and passion that live inside every handcrafted surfboard.
We also discuss surf culture, board design, craftsmanship, alternative surf lifestyles, wave riding, and the importance of supporting independent surfboard shapers who continue to keep surfing authentic and connected to its roots.
Whether you are passionate about longboarding, twin fins, single fins, mid-lengths, fishes, retro surfboards, or high-performance shapes, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the art and mindset behind surfboard building.
If you love surfing, surfboard shaping, surf history, craftsmanship, surf design, and authentic conversations about the culture surrounding surfing, this is an episode you do not want to miss.
At The Temple of Surf Podcast, we continue to share conversations with legendary surfers, surf photographers, surfboard shapers, artists, filmmakers, and underground voices helping preserve the soul of surfing for future generations.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support independent surf culture and help us continue sharing these incredible stories from around the world.
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Season 15 of The Temple of Surf Podcast begins with an extraordinary episode featuring legendary surf photographer Patrick Eichstaedt, known around the world simply as Tupat.
For decades, Tupat has been one of the key visual storytellers of surf culture, documenting some of the most iconic moments and personalities ever seen in the sport. From his early years growing up in Florida to eventually finding himself immersed in the powerful and unforgiving energy of Hawaii's North Shore, Patrick "Tupat" Eichstaedt witnessed surfing history unfold directly through his lens.
In this exclusive opening episode of Season 15, we explore Tupat's personal journey into surf photography, the evolution of surf culture through the decades, and the unforgettable experiences he lived while documenting one of the most influential eras in modern surfing history, the rise of Andy Irons, Bruce Irons and Sunny Garcia on Hawaii's legendary North Shore.
This was not simply competitive surfing. This was a cultural movement. The North Shore during those years represented intensity, progression, raw power and authenticity. Pipeline, Backdoor, Sunset Beach and Waimea became the stage where some of the most fearless surfers on Earth pushed the limits of what was possible in heavy waves. Tupat was there for all of it, capturing moments that today are part of surfing mythology.
Throughout the episode, Tupat shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from life on the North Shore, discussing the atmosphere in Hawaii during that generation and the personalities that shaped the sport forever. His photographs helped define the visual identity of surfing during a transformative period, appearing in magazines, editorial projects and surf media around the world.
What makes this episode even more special is that Tupat personally allowed The Temple of Surf Podcast to feature rare and unique archival video materials directly on our YouTube channel. These are authentic historical moments from one of surfing's most important eras, offering viewers an opportunity to experience the energy and emotion of the North Shore in a way that few people ever could.
For surf fans, historians, photographers and lovers of ocean culture, this episode is a true journey through time. Beyond the famous names and legendary waves, Tupat speaks about the human side of surf culture, friendship, risk, creativity, respect for the ocean and the deep connection between photographers and surfers in the water.
We also discuss how surf photography has evolved over the years, from film cameras and water housings to the digital era and social media explosion. Tupat reflects on what has been gained and what may have been lost in modern surf culture, while reminding us why authentic storytelling and real moments still matter today.
This conversation captures the soul of surfing: early mornings on the North Shore, massive winter swells, the tension in the lineup at Pipeline, the dedication required to document dangerous waves, and the passion that drives surfers and photographers alike to keep chasing unforgettable moments in the ocean.
If you are passionate about surf history, Hawaiian surf culture, legendary photographers, vintage North Shore energy and the generation that changed surfing forever, this episode is absolutely not to be missed.
Watch the exclusive rare footage on our YouTube channel and listen to the full episode now on all podcast platforms.
Welcome to Season 15 of The Temple of Surf Podcast.
 
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In this powerful episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with one of the most fearless and respected figures in modern surfing: big wave legend and multiple world champion Justine Dupont.
Known for her groundbreaking performances in some of the heaviest conditions on Earth, Justine has redefined what is possible in big wave surfing, pushing beyond limits that once seemed unreachable.
From the towering, unpredictable swells of Nazaré to other extreme big wave locations around the world, Justine Dupont has built her legacy on courage, discipline, and an extraordinary connection with the ocean. In this exclusive interview, she shares what it truly takes to ride mountains of water, from the physical preparation to the mental strength required to face fear at its highest level.
We dive deep into her journey, from her early days discovering surfing in France to becoming one of the most dominant athletes in big wave riding. Justine explains how she trained herself to handle high-risk environments, how she reads the ocean, and how she makes split-second decisions when everything is on the line. Her mindset is a masterclass in focus, resilience, and trust, both in herself and in the ocean.
This episode also explores the evolution of women's big wave surfing and the role Justine has played in pushing the sport forward. She has not only broken barriers but also reshaped expectations, inspiring a new generation of surfers to dream bigger and go further. Her presence in the lineup has helped elevate the visibility and respect of women in extreme surfing conditions.
We also talk about the importance of teamwork in big wave surfing. Behind every successful ride is a highly coordinated team effort, from jet ski drivers to safety spotters. Justine explains how preparation, communication, and trust are essential elements when dealing with waves that can be life-threatening. She gives insight into safety strategies, wipeouts, and the reality of what happens when things don't go as planned.
Beyond performance, this conversation touches on something deeper, the emotional and spiritual connection with the ocean. For Justine Dupont, surfing is not just about riding waves; it's about understanding nature, respecting its power, and finding balance within it. Her story is not only inspiring for surfers but for anyone seeking to push their own limits and grow through challenge.
Whether you are passionate about big wave surfing, fascinated by extreme sports, or looking for real stories of courage and determination, this episode delivers a rare and authentic perspective from one of the best in the world.
👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the legends shaping surf culture.
 
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What happens when surfing goes beyond the wave… and becomes pure art?
In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with surfer and surf artist Michael Torquato De Nicola, a creative force who has transformed his deep connection with the ocean into a unique artistic expression. This is not just a conversation about surfing, it's about vision, identity, and the way the ocean shapes not only how we ride waves, but how we see the world.
Michael's journey is a powerful blend of passion, creativity, and dedication. From his early days in the water to developing his signature artistic style, he shares how surfing influenced every aspect of his life. For Michael, the wave is not just something to ride, it's something to interpret, to feel, and ultimately to translate into art.
Throughout the episode, we explore the intersection between surf culture and artistic expression. How does a surfer become an artist? What does it mean to capture the energy of the ocean on canvas? And how can creativity help us understand our relationship with nature on a deeper level?
Michael opens up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his work, and the challenges of staying authentic in both the surf and art worlds. His perspective is refreshing, honest, and deeply inspiring for anyone who feels drawn to the ocean—whether as a surfer, an artist, or simply someone searching for meaning in what they love.
This episode is a reminder that surfing is more than performance. It's a lifestyle, a mindset, and for some, like Michael, a form of storytelling that goes far beyond words.
If you love surfing, creativity, and the stories behind the people who dedicate their lives to the ocean, this conversation is for you.
👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring legendary surfers, shapers, and creatives from around the world.
 
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What does it really take to surf the heaviest waves on Earth?
In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Wilem Banks, a Santa Cruz big-wave surfer who has built his reputation in some of the most unforgiving conditions in surfing. From the raw power of Mavericks in Northern California to the towering walls of Jaws in Hawaii, Wilem represents a new generation of surfers pushing the limits of what is possible in heavy water.
This conversation is not about hype or highlight reels. It's about the reality behind big-wave surfing, the wipeouts, the risks, and the mindset required to commit when everything in your body tells you not to go.
Wilem Banks first gained attention for his performances at Mavericks, a wave known for its cold water, heavy drops, and unpredictable conditions. It's a place where hesitation is not an option, and where every surfer learns quickly that the ocean is always in control. Through years of experience in that environment, Wilem developed the ability to handle late takeoffs, chaotic landings, and the kind of pressure that only big-wave surfers truly understand.
More recently, his name has been connected to one of the most talked-about paddle waves at Jaws. Unlike tow-in surfing, paddle-in requires the surfer to rely entirely on their own strength and timing to enter the wave. At Jaws, that means committing to a massive wall of water with no margin for error. It's a different level of surfing — one that demands absolute focus, physical conditioning, and complete trust in your instincts.
In this episode, Wilem shares what goes into preparing for waves of that size. He talks about fear. not as something to eliminate, but something to manage. He explains how wipeouts become part of the learning process, and how surviving those moments builds the confidence needed to keep progressing.
We also explore the mental side of big-wave surfing. The decisions made in a split second, the clarity required under pressure, and the importance of knowing when to push forward and when to step back. These are not just surf lessons — they are life lessons shaped by real consequences.
Wilem Banks brings a grounded and authentic perspective to big-wave surfing. No exaggeration, no ego, just a clear understanding of what it takes to operate in one of the most extreme environments in sport.
If you want to understand what separates true big-wave surfers from the rest, this episode gives you a rare and honest look inside that world.
🌊 Listen now and experience the reality of big-wave surfing.
 
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