The Temple of Surf Podcast

Surfing has become a truly global sport, with athletes emerging from cultures and backgrounds that once seemed far removed from the ocean. In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Fantin Habashi, an inspiring surfer whose life journey reflects resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for waves.
Fantin Habashi's story is unique within the world of surfing. With roots connected to both Switzerland and Egypt, his early life was shaped by movement between different countries and cultures. 
Although Switzerland is a country surrounded by mountains rather than coastlines, Fantin's passion for surfing grew through constant travel to the Atlantic coast. A key place in his development as a surfer was Hossegor, one of Europe's most iconic surf destinations, known for its powerful beach breaks and competitive surf culture.
Training and surfing in Hossegor allowed Fantin to refine his technique and immerse himself in one of the most vibrant surf communities in Europe. Surrounded by talented surfers and world-class waves, he began building the skills that would eventually take him to international competition.
Through dedication, discipline, and relentless commitment, Fantin Habashi rose through the competitive ranks and ultimately became Swiss National Surf Champion, representing Switzerland in international surf competitions. His success demonstrates how surfing continues to expand globally, with athletes from non-traditional surf nations increasingly competing on the world stage.
Fantin's journey highlights the power of perseverance and passion. Surfing requires constant training, travel, and a deep understanding of the ocean. For surfers coming from countries without coastlines, the challenge can be even greater. Yet Fantin's story shows that with determination and commitment, it is possible to overcome geographical and cultural barriers.
In this conversation, Fantin Habashi shares the story of how he discovered surfing and the path that led him to become Swiss champion. We discuss the challenges of building a professional surfing career while representing a country not traditionally associated with the sport.
Fantin also reflects on the rapid growth of European surfing and the increasing strength of surf communities across France, Portugal, Spain, and beyond. These regions have become important hubs for developing surfers who now compete internationally.
For surf fans fascinated by the global expansion of surfing and the inspiring journeys behind today's athletes, this episode offers a compelling look at the life and career of one of Switzerland's most remarkable surfers.
🌊 Topics discussed in this episode
• Becoming Swiss National Surf Champion • Surf training and competition in Hossegor • The rise of European surfing • The mindset required to pursue professional surfing • Overcoming challenges to chase waves around the world
🎙 About The Temple of Surf Podcast
The Temple of Surf Podcast features conversations with surfers, surfboard shapers, photographers, artists, and innovators who shape surf culture around the world. Each episode explores the stories behind the personalities and ideas that continue to influence surfing and ocean culture.

There are moments in surfing that redefine a career. And then there are moments that redefine what is possible.
Michaela Fregonese has just claimed Ride of the Year and Biggest Wave at the SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards, a monumental achievement that places her among the elite of big wave surfing worldwide.
Two of the most prestigious honors in the sport. One surfer. One fearless commitment.
In this powerful new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Michaela to unpack what it truly took to earn this title. Because awards are the surface of the story. Beneath them lies years of preparation, wipeouts, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of heavier conditions.
As an Italo-Brazilian athlete, Michaela carries a rare blend of passion and precision. Brazil fuels her fire. Italy anchors her mindset. Together, they shape a competitor who remains composed when the ocean transforms into moving mountains.
We talk about the wave itself, the size, the speed, the commitment. What does it feel like to paddle into a wall of water that most people would not even consider? What happens internally in the final seconds before takeoff? In big wave surfing, there is no room for doubt. There is only training, instinct, and trust.
Winning Ride of the Year is about execution. Winning Biggest Wave is about courage. Winning both is about mastery.
This episode dives deep into her preparation routines, breath work, physical conditioning, and the psychology required to operate in extreme environments. Michaela shares the unseen side of big wave surfing, the teamwork behind jet skis, the safety protocols, the mental recalibration after heavy wipeouts. Because glory in the ocean is built on structure and respect.
We also speak about what this recognition means for women in big wave surfing. The ceiling continues to rise. The waves do not discriminate. Performance speaks. And Michaela's performance spoke loudly enough to echo through the global surf community.
For the Temple of Surf audience, this is more than a celebration episode. It is a study in resilience. It is a reminder that fear can be transformed into focus. That preparation turns chaos into opportunity. That when the horizon darkens and the swell stands tall, the difference between watching and committing defines everything.
Michaela Fregonese did not just ride a wave. She rode a moment that will stay in surf history.
🎙 The episode is now live on all platforms. Step inside the mindset behind Ride of the Year. Respect the ocean. Honor the commitment.

In this powerful new episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Japanese surfer Masatoshi Ohno to explore his journey through competitive surfing, the evolution of Japanese surf culture, and the waves that shaped his life.
Japan has quietly become one of the most exciting forces in modern surfing. From Olympic recognition to world-class wave pools and a new generation of elite competitors, Japanese surf culture is no longer emerging, it is established.
In this deep and inspiring conversation, Masatoshi Ohno shares firsthand insight into what it meant to grow up competing in Japan, how discipline and respect define the Japanese surf mentality, and how the country's surf scene has evolved over the years.
We talk about his competitive years, the sacrifices, the pressure, the structure of contests in Japan, and the mindset required to perform at a high level. Masatoshi opens up about the intensity of training, the difference between surfing for expression versus surfing to win, and how competition shaped his character both in and out of the water.
Beyond contests, we explore the heart of Japanese surf culture.
What makes it unique? How does tradition influence modern surfing in Japan? From local beach breaks to heavy reef waves, Masatoshi explains how geography and culture combine to create a distinct surfing identity rooted in respect, humility, and technical precision.
We also dive into waves. The type of waves that build champions.
The waves that demand patience.
The waves that change you forever.
From typhoon swells to crisp beach break barrels, Masatoshi describes the feeling of surfing in Japan and what separates it from other parts of the world. For anyone fascinated by global surf culture, this conversation offers rare and authentic insight.
This episode is not just about competition. It is about growth. It is about representing your country. It is about balancing tradition with modern performance surfing. And it is about understanding how surfing connects different parts of the world through shared passion.
If you are passionate about:
Japanese surfing

Competitive surf careers

Global surf culture

Wave knowledge and technique

Olympic era surfing

Surf mindset and discipline

This episode is for you.
The Temple of Surf Podcast continues its mission of documenting surf culture worldwide by bringing authentic voices to the forefront. Masatoshi Ohno's story adds a powerful chapter to that journey.
👉 Listen until the end and let us know in the comments:
What do you admire most about Japanese surf culture?
If you enjoy these deep dive conversations with legendary surfers, rising talents, and cultural icons, make sure to:
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Welcome to The Temple of Surf, The Podcast
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In this very special episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with one of the most influential surfboard shapers of all time Rusty Preisendorfer.
This is a rare interview with a true icon. Rusty almost never does interviews, which makes this conversation not just important, but historic for surf culture.
Founder of Rusty Surfboards, Rusty Preisendorfer helped define the modern era of high-performance surfing. From the explosive progression of the 1980s to the power surfing revolution of the 1990s and beyond, his boards have been ridden by world champions, innovators, and free-surf pioneers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a wave.
In this deep and honest conversation, we explore:
The evolution of surfboard design from classic single fins to modern high-performance shortboards

The hidden details in shaping that most surfers never see

How board design influenced competitive surfing at the highest level

The mindset required to stay relevant in the surf industry for decades

Stories from the golden era of professional surfing

What today's generation of surfers should understand about craft, foam, and rail lines

Rusty shares insights into the art and science of shaping, explaining how subtle adjustments in rocker, volume distribution, and rail configuration can completely transform performance.
For surfers, shapers, and true students of the sport, this episode is a masterclass in surfboard design.
We also talk about longevity. In an industry that constantly shifts with trends, technology, and market cycles, Rusty Preisendorfer built a brand that became globally recognized while maintaining authenticity and performance integrity. 
This episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast is not just about surfboards. It's about vision, resilience, creativity, and evolution. It's about how one shaper influenced generations of surfers and helped sculpt the direction of modern surfing.
If you are passionate about surf history, surfboard shaping, design innovation, or the roots of high-performance surfing, this conversation is essential listening.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📲 Follow The Temple of Surf Podcast for more exclusive interviews with surf legends, pioneers, and cultural icons shaping the past, present, and future of surfing.
This is more than an interview. This is a piece of surf history.

In this episode of The Temple of Surf Podcast, we sit down with Dave Tourjé, the visionary artist and co-founder of California Locos, a collective that helped define the visual language of modern surf, skate, and California counterculture.
Dave Tourjé's work sits at the crossroads of surf culture, skateboarding, fine art, street art, and West Coast rebellion. From board graphics and murals to gallery walls and underground scenes, his influence reaches far beyond aesthetics, it's about identity, attitude, and freedom of expression.
In this conversation, we explore how California Locos emerged from a raw, uncompromising creative energy rooted in Southern California's surf and skate communities. Dave shares stories from the early days, when surfing and skateboarding weren't just sports, but lifestyles — ways to push back against conformity and create something authentic.
We talk about the deep connection between art and board culture, how surfboards and skate decks became moving canvases, and why the DIY spirit of skateboarding still fuels some of the most honest art today. Dave also reflects on the evolution of surf culture — from underground movement to global industry and what has been gained, and lost, along the way.
This episode goes beyond nostalgia. It's a real discussion about creative integrity, staying true to your roots, and why art matters more than ever in an era of fast content and short attention spans. Dave Tourjé explains why California Locos was never about trends, but about community, collaboration, and storytelling.
If you're passionate about surfing, skateboarding, California art, street culture, or creative independence, this episode is for you. Whether you grew up skating empty pools, watching surf films on VHS, or discovering this culture for the first time — this conversation captures the soul of it.
🎙️ Listen now and dive into the mindset behind California Locos, surf art, skate history, and the rebellious creativity that shaped a generation.
👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if surf and skate culture matters to you.