In Episode 60 we speak with Tom Wegener, a legend in the world of surfboard shaping who has spent the last 4 decades building and riding boards. Tom takes us through the story of his youth surfing and shaping in Southern California, the influence of Donald Takayama that helped guide Tom to pursue the art of shaping and find the spirit of "ohana", or family, that is a key part of longboard surfing culture. Tom describes the evolution of his shaping from fiberglass and foam into wooden boards and his shares his passion for the traditional "Olo" and "Alaia" wooden boards that he continues to focus on building, and teaching others how to build, today. We hear Tom's perspective and excitement for a transformation happening in longboarding with a convergence of high performance and traditional riding he recently witnessed at the famous Noosa Festival of Surfing. A ton of great history and perspective on longboard surfing culture from a man who has been front and center within it for decades.
Thanks for sharing Tom's ocean life with us. You can find pictures and video of him on Facebook, his website, and Instagram. There is also some fun stuff on the This Ocean Life Instagram and Facebook pages. We are also on Twitter ranting about anything cool happening in the ocean.
This episode is sponsored by Mile 22, makers of surf and paddle board straps — including world famous Monster Straps (which I LOVE and use regularly) — designed in California by folks who surf and paddle every day. Check them at www.Mile22.com.
This Ocean Life, Episode 30 - Ryan Levinson and An Adaptive Life in the Water
This Ocean Life, Episode 29 - Pia Oyarzun and Made in Water
This Ocean Life, Episode 28 - Mike Bolton and a Life with Sharks
This Ocean Life, Episode 27 - Josh Riccio and Strength on the Water
This Ocean Life, Episode 26 - Shavardo Wilson and All Angles of the Bahamas
This Ocean Life, Episode 25 - Leane Horton and Changing the Tides
This Ocean Life, Episode 24 -- The Rice Family and Living on the Sea
This Ocean Life, Episode 23 - Nick Ayers and Downwinding Loch Ness
This Ocean Life, Episode 22 - Grace Van Der Byl and Being Better in the Water
This Ocean Life, Episode 21 - Nick Dana and Challenging the World's Oceans
This Ocean Life, Episode 20 - Kyle Faust and Helping Others in the Pursuit
This Ocean Life, Episode 19 - Madelon Ruizendaal-Pilaar and The Waters of Holland
This Ocean Life, Episode 18 - Alban Cornic and the Rugged Brittany Coast
This Ocean Life, Episode 17 - Troy Nebeker and Going Because You Can
This Ocean Life, Episode 16 - Jenn Lee and Crossing the Molokai Channel 3X on 3 Different Craft
This Ocean Life, Episode 15 - Zach Wormhoudt and Going Big Because You Love To
This Ocean Life, Episode 14 - Shrek and the Noob Spearo
This Ocean Life, Episode 13 - Jonathan Steinberg and Style for the Ages
This Ocean Life, Episode 12 - Jonathan Cowen and Paddling Alone in Tasmania
This Ocean Life, Episode 11 - James Marko and Goliath Groupers
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