WeSurf Ep. 9: Surf4Dem with Giovanni Martinez

Nick Hounsfield was introduced to surfing by his father Brian in the mid 1970s on his regular visits to Cornwall in the United Kingdom. He has been an avid surfer ever since.Nick became an Osteopath by trade and founded a successful family business with this wife.But as time wore on and when Nick’s father passed away in the late 2000’s, he started to think about the world a little differently. He began to think about open spaces in nature and the healing aspects of engaging and being in nature. He started to realize that a lot of people's poor health was due to a number of things such as not exercising, not eating well, lack of connection to others, lack of nature connectedness  and so on…He set about trying to pull these different factors together and look at how he could solve some of these issues through one holistic vision. By chance this was around the same time that Wavegarden released a video of their first technology which would bring waves inland, for the first time.Nick had a eureka moment. And this was the start of his mythological quest to bring his concept of The Wave to the United Kingdom. It’s been a long journey for Nick, which involves every obstacle you can think of on his way to realizing his vision. Fundraising, permits, Global Pandemic, shaky economy, Brexit, and a stroke. But, Nick persevered and has succeeded in realizing his vision and pioneered a new business model while minimizing its environmental impact and offering an exceptional surf experience with a safe, inclusive space for all surfers. We think you are going to really enjoy this episode. Thank you for listening… For more information on The Wave you can go to www.thewave.com You can also follow Nick on Instagram at @wavemakernickThe Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com Music: Song: WavesArtist: Sleeper AgentAlbum: About Last NightBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

Often overlooked for the warmer waters of its Hawaiian and Californian counterparts, the Atlantic coast of New Jersey has been home to surfing for 135 years, and in turn has held unsung influence over the history of the sport in America. -   Danny DiMauro and Johan Kugelberg. Our Guests today are the contributors to the latest book from Rizzoli Publishing aptly names: I Heard There Were No Waves in New Jersey: Surfing on the Jersey Shore 1888-1984”. It's a beautiful book and tribute to New Jersey Surfing.Our guests for this episode is one of the editors and former guest, Danny DiMauro. We also introduce New Jersey surf legend,  and infamous Surf Industry Sales Rep, Mark Neustadter. We also have former Atlantic City Heavy, Mike May. May is a founding Member of the NJ surfing Hall of Fame and wrote the definitive story on Duke Kahanamoku protege, Sam Reid. All of them have contributed to this beautiful book. Drawing upon archives of photographs and ephemera from private collections, and from those held in the New Jersey Surf Museum and New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame, this book is a celebration of East Coast surfing, from its pioneering beginnings at the end of the nineteenth century to its heyday in the 1980s as the scene converged with skateboarding and a shared influence on street style.It featured insightful texts that illuminate previously unheralded moments in the evolution of the sport, the book not only introduces some of the greatest unseen surf photography of the last century but also lets the Jersey Shore take its rightful place in the history of American surfing.We hope you enjoy this episode... For more information on where to purchase the book you can go to the following link: https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847899739The Swell Season Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comMusic:Band: Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street BandSong: Glory DaysAlbum: Born in the USABecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

In this conversation, Kwame La Bassiere interviews Dr. Giovanni Martinez, a clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico who works with children with autism. Dr. Martinez started the organization Surf4Dem, which uses surf therapy to help children with autism improve their social communication skills, sensory processing disorders, and muscular tone.The therapy also has a positive impact on the families, as parents are encouraged to surf alongside their children. The program has been successful in providing unique therapeutic benefits and improving the overall well-being of the participants. Dr. Martinez explains the meaning behind the name Surf4Dem, which stands for Surf for the Development of Emotion and Motor Skills. The organization focuses on using surf therapy to help children with autism develop their social communication skills and improve their motor skills.Giovanni emphasizes the importance of trying new and unconventional therapies for children with autism, as different approaches may have a significant impact on their development. He also discusses the potential benefits of medical tourism, where families from other places can come to Puerto Rico for a customized surf therapy program for their children.For more information on Surf4Dem you can go to: https://www.gjcpp.org/en/ or on Instagram at @surf4demThe WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comFollow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

We have a very special episode for you today. We had the good fortune to be asked to host a live Q&A with the 5x WSL Women’s World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Carissa Moore at PIlgrim Surf & Supply to help promote her new book with Rizzoli Publishing named Hawaii Gold. The book is stunning and is Carissa’s homage to her home islands of Hawaii. Our conversation explores her journey  as she reflects on her illustrious career, cultural roots in Hawaii, and community support through events, book launches, and advocacy work. We delve into Moore's achievements, gender equality views, mental health initiatives, and post-retirement projects, encapsulating a vivid portrayal of Moore's life beyond the waves. We hope you enjoy this very special episode of the Swell Season Podcast. For more information on Carissa's Book, Hawaii Gold, you can purchase a copy here:Hawaii GoldYou can follow Carissa here on Instagram at @rissmoore10To Learn more about the Moore Aloha Non-Profit you can go to www.moorealoha.comand follow at @moorealohaSpecial thanks to Martynka & Don from Rizzoli Books, Chris from Pilgrim Surf & Supply, & Andy Wang for the music and good vibes. The Swell Season Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comMusic:Band: Gabby PahinuiSong: Wahine U'iAlbum: Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, Vol. 1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

On this episode, we sit and talk with Stylist and Rockaway resident, Jesse James.  Our conversation follows her journey from Martha's Vineyard to NYC, reflecting on the fusion of community, identity, and the dynamic blend of culture and surfing. We delve into her evolving career and how her unique style and blend of thrift store savvy helped to lead her on an unexpected path. We tackle some of her past life challenges and her fond memories of a dear friend who recently passed.  Jesse embodies some of the best qualities of surfing and community. We are stoked to have her as a guest on this episode. We hope you enjoy... For more information on Jesse, you can check out her website: www.Jessejamesstyles.com or you can follow here on Instagram at @skelly_sisterThe Swell Season Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comMusic:Band: Sure SureSong: This Must Be The PlaceAlbum: Sure SureBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

On this episode, Our guest John Zator and Host Tyler Breuer explore the profound impact of Lido Surf and Sport on New York's surfing scene during the mid 90's. We delve into John's journey, highlighting the shops innovative approach to building a vibrant community hub. John also reflects on his personal triumphs, health struggles, and the transformative power of surfing, emphasizing the enduring importance of community, love, and self-discovery in the face of adversity. John's influence on NY surfing cannot be understated. He helped to lay the foundation of what was to come. We hope you enjoy this special episode. The Swell Season Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comMusic:Band: The Grateful DeadSong: Ripple (Live)Album: ReckoningBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

In this episode of the WeSurf podcast, Kwame LaBassiere interviews two female surfers, Berna and Beah, about their experiences in the surfing community. They discuss how they got into surfing and the challenges they faced as beginners. The conversation also touches on the importance of etiquette in the lineup and the gray areas surrounding who has the right of way. Additionally, they explore the unique experiences and perspectives of being female surfers in a predominantly male-dominated sport. The conversation touched on various topics related to surfing, including representation in the water, and the impact of surfing on their lives. The speakers discussed the lack of diversity in surfing, with it being predominantly a sport for white cis males. They also shared their personal experiences in the water and how their gender and ethnicity may have influenced those experiences. Lastly, they discussed the positive changes that surfing has brought to their lives. They also discuss how surfing can be incorporated into a business, as Berna has done with her surf-inspired clothing brand. The guests share their favorite pre and post-surf meals and their favorite surf spots. They also answer some fun rapid-fire questions.  They discuss the joy of catching waves and the sense of freedom and connection with nature that surfing brings. They also talk about the physical and mental challenges of surfing, including the importance of patience and perseverance. The conversation concludes with a fun segment where they answer questions about surfers and their habits.The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

Patrick Trefz is a multitalented individual known for his work as a photographer, chef, painter, and filmmaker. Trefz has gained recognition for his documentaries, including Thread, Idiosyncrasies, Surfer's Blood, and Man in the Field, which have received acclaim and featured in various publications. In his latest project, Ode to Travel, Trefz's explores the world mixing the metropolitan and the deeply rural by bringing food and culture together in this latest book of recipes and photography.Ode to Travel captures Trefz's innate ability as a traveler to become part of the scenes he finds himself in, not merely as an observer, but as a participant, connecting landscape, seascape, people and food. The book celebrates a worldview of a globe deeply layered and how cultures define communities in the form of its food, traditions and the simple pleasures that bring color to living.  Ode to Travel includes thirty-five recipes from the places Trefz's has come to know intimately. Each recipe that is included is an invitation to experience the local communities through their flavors and traditions.This is his third title with Powerhouse Books, and Patrick Trefz is here with us at the Newsstand Studio at Rockefeller Center. We hope you enjoy... To learn more about Patrick Trefz and Ode to Travel go to https://powerhousebooks.com/ode-to-travel-by-patrick-trefz-in-lookout-santa-cruz/ Or follow him on Instagram at @patricktrefz The Swell Season Podcast is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comMusic:Band: KraftwerkSong: The ModelAlbum: The Man-MachineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

Welcome to episode 7 of the We Surf podcast. Often you will hear surfers referred to as Wave Dancers. On this episode we meet wave dancers who are also ballet dancers. Mei and Shui Lee or as their instagram handle refers to them as The Lee Twins. Kwame discusses speaks to them about how and why they started surfing. How their dance background has helped their surfing. And some of the experiences they have had in the water, both negative and positive. Their energy is infectious and you don’t have to see them to tell that they were smiling throughout the entire conversation while simultaneously exhibiting wisdom that goes beyond their 17 years. Hope you enjoy it.The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comFollow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.

Welcome to episode 6 of the WeSurf podcast. This episode is done a little differently. Co-host Kwame Labassiere, recorded this episode while in Puerto Rico at the International Surf Therapy Organization conference. While there he interviewed professional surfer Chris Dennis from Trinidad and Tobago. Chris is the co-founder of Waves for Hope, an organization that runs youth development programs that utilize surfing and mentorship to provide positive psychology education to at-risk youths in under-served communities across Trinidad & Tobago.Kwame talks to Chris about his upbringing in Trinidad and Tobago, his journey to surfing professionally and the challenges he faced, along with his ongoing commitment to surf therapy through his organization, Waves for Hope. The conversation explores key moments and influences in Chris's life, his perspectives on surfing, and experiences on the international circuit. The back and forth is lively, peppered with humor and insightful anecdotes. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it. To find out more about Waves for Hope go to: www.waves-for-hope.orgor follow Chris Dennis at @chrisdennis_1The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.comFollow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/swell-season--3483504/support.