Wave of a Lifetime with Otto Flores

Otto Flores is a Puerto Rican surfer, ocean safety advocate, and environmental activist whose life has been shaped by the OCEAN. After beginning his career as a professional surfer, Flores traveled the world chasing waves and appearing on the covers of major surf publications. One such cover has a story to it, which he shared with us today. Over time, his focus expanded beyond performance to protecting the ocean and the communities that depend on it. He co-founded the nonprofit Granito de Arena, which used surfing to educate youth about ocean conservation and plastic pollution. Today, Flores continues to blend surf culture, environmental activism, and ocean safety training, using his platform to inspire stewardship of coastlines and communities worldwide.  Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Moore @bonfirebeachkids is a designer and co-founder of the sustainable apparel brand Outerknown, launched in 2015 with surfing legend Kelly Slater. A seasoned fashion industry veteran, he brings decades of design and leadership experience to the brand, with a focus on timeless style, ethical manufacturing, and environmental responsibility. Under his creative direction, Outerknown has pushed sustainable materials and supply-chain transparency to the forefront of modern menswear and womenswear. Moore’s commitment to people and planet drives the company’s mission to make clothes that look great, last longer, and tread lightly on the earth.  As the former college roommate of our host, “Juan Mas” has some insight for us on our very own Johnny Brooks. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julian Azulay is an Argentine filmmaker, surfer, and environmental advocate best known as co-founder of Gauchos del Mar @gauchosdelmar. Alongside his brother Joaquín, he has traveled the world by van and sailboat, documenting remote coastlines, surf cultures, and conservation stories. Their independent documentaries blend adventure, social impact, and a deep respect for nature. Julian’s work highlights marine protection, community resilience, and the connection between people and the ocean. Julian joined us for the East Coast Premiere of Antarctica - Domain One, narrated by Kelly Slater. Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are honored to have longtime Florida surfer and shaper, Charley Baldwin @charleybrealtor, on the podcast, and as an added bonus, his daughter, Marcie, chair of the Smyrna Safari Club. Charley managed to find success in competition through grit and love for surfing. CB has humble beginnings, hosting small surf contests on top of his beach wagon, selling hot dogs, competing and winning, and becoming one of the largest surfboard builders and retailers on the East Coast. With these stories, we capture the true essence of what it is to be a surfer, family man, entrepreneur, and positively, phenomenal human being. Enjoy this chat with Hall of Famer for surf and board building, Charley "CB" Baldwin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Other than not sharing the derivation of the nickname, "Wingnut" @thewingnut  is an open book with a candor and flow meant only for us folks in-the-know.  Sure, Robert Weaver, star of Endless Summer 2, is a part of the adult-learner apparatus, but he does it in the middle of nowhere with not a lot of interference at your home break.  Does he deserve this dream job?  We think, yes. But it doesn't matter.  He made it happen through hustle, a rare combination of humor, enviable kindness, and what appears to be a healthy dose of caffeine.  To think he gave us an hour of his time… What a gift.  You can't escape a smile after hitting play.  Now, sit back and pretend you're in the first cabin of Cathay Pacific Airlines with clear, blue spokes reeling below while you get acquainted with the one and only, Wingnut Weaver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glen Casey @glen_casey is an Australian surfer best known for his deep roots in surf culture and his raw, no-nonsense approach to riding waves. Growing up around Australia’s powerful south coast, Casey earned respect for his commitment to heavy water, classic boards, and the kind of surfing driven more by feel than flash, cutting his teeth with uncrowded Wayne Lynch sessions. He represents a generation that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to place. Whether in the water or shaping culture around it, Glen Casey embodies the spirit of Australian surfing—independent, soulful, and grounded in respect for the ocean. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Lovelace, known for blending timeless craftsmanship with progressive design, is based in California and Hawaii. His feature film, Almost Cut My Hair, was officially selected for the 2013 Florida Surf Film Festival and is available on YouTube. Lovelace has built a devoted following for boards that emphasize flow, trim, and feel, drawing inspiration from classic displacement hulls and alternative surfcraft. His work is defined by clean lines, subtle curves, and an intuitive understanding of how boards interact with water. Respected by surfers across generations, he approaches shaping as both art and engineering, creating functional objects meant to enhance the surfing experience. Enjoy this chat with a true master of his craft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen Sarlo, @allen_sarlo known as the “Wave Killer,” is a legendary surfer whose powerful, aggressive style helped define the early days of Venice Beach’s Dogtown scene. A pioneering figure in both surfing and skateboarding, Sarlo brought raw energy and innovation to waves around the world. His fearless approach, competitive drive, and charismatic personality cemented his status as an icon of the sport. From heavy Hawaiian surf to local California breaks, Sarlo’s legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers who push the boundaries of power surfing today. We screened his super 8 time-capsule last year with a great crowd and Allen in attendance, enjoying his humor and stories. Enjoy some more great threads here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live recording from the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach on September 22, 2025: Greg MacGillivray @gregmacgillivray @macfreefilms is an iconic filmmaker, innovator, and master of giant-screen storytelling whose career spans more than five decades. As co-founder of MacGillivray Freeman Films, he has created over 60 acclaimed IMAX documentaries, captivating audiences with breathtaking images and a deep passion for science and conservation. Before becoming a leader in large-format cinema, Greg made his mark in surf culture with groundbreaking films like Five Summer Stories, helping define the visual language of surfing for generations. His work blends adventure, artistry, and environmental purpose, inspiring viewers to see the world—and the ocean—with new eyes. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Gerlach @waveki is one of surfing’s most dynamic and influential figures—a former world tour standout known for his explosive power, progressive style, and fearless approach to waves of consequence. After finishing runner-up to the world title in 1991, Gerr reinvented himself as a big-wave pioneer, tow-surfing trailblazer, and style icon. Beyond competition, he’s become a respected coach, mentor, and thinker in the art and performance of surfing. Whether charging Mavericks or dissecting the finer points of flow and form, Brad’s passion, intellect, and creativity continue to shape the next generation and redefine what mastery in surfing truly means. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices