The Progression Project

Josh Waitzkin embodies this podcast's core themes of living a life guided by passion, deliberate practice and the art of learning, in fact, he actually wrote the book on it. Josh is an 8x US Chess Champion 2x, Tai Chi Push Hands World Champion, and a Brazilian Jui Jitzu Black Belt under Marcelo Garcia. He was the first guest on this podcast and is a dear friend and training/thought partner. He rarely does any media and it's an honor to have him on the show. Enjoy!

Albert Matheny (@promix) is the founder of Promix Nutrition and the Soho Strength Lab. He comes on the show to discuss the specific nutrition and training demands for foiling. Albert holds a Master of Science degree in Human Performance, Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology and Food Science/Human Nutrition, and is licensed as a Registered Dietitian. Albert was an athlete at the University of Florida, where he competed at the S.E.C. Championships for the Gators in both track and field and cross country. After college, Albert trained and competed professionally under Barb Lindquist, the former world #1 ranked triathlete. Albert co-founded SoHo Strength Lab in New York City , the premier personal training gym in SoHo, winning the Men’s Health Best New Independent Gym. Albert founded Promix Nutrition which has become known for making the World’s Cleanest Supplements and Snacks.

Stacy Peralta (@stacyperalta) is a pioneer in skateboarding but defines himself as a surfer... one who is now foil brained! Stacy recounts his journey from professional athlete, to team manager, how he spotted and nurtured talent like Tony Hawk, why he moved on from stakeboarding into film making, his anti-mentors, and maybe the best definition of flow states I've yet heard. This episode is a personal favorite, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Armie Armstrong is the founder of Armstrong Foils and has been at the forefront of foil design and innovation from the early days. This is a wide ranging conversation, from the design process changes that lead to the new HA line, to recounting the struggles of getting their first foils to market. Enjoy

130 - Paul Cooper by Erik Antonson

Greg is a waterman, engineer and co-founder of Omen Foils. He spent 9 years in the Canadian Military including 4 years in the Special Forces, eventually moving to the coast to pursue his dream of advancing kitesurfing through science and engineering. Greg started working with Ocean Rodeo as the lead on the project which has become known as Aluula Composites. Greg comes on the show to discuss his military background and what he's brought into the foil world, his approach to design and love of riding waves and wind.

Josh Ku comes on to talk about some big changes in his foiling life and his recent dive into foildrive and hybrid foiling. Josh is legend and I couldn't be more stoked for him! No intro on this podcast, but it was recorded a few weeks ago so I hadn't ridden the drive yet when we recorded.

Pedigo and Erik dive into the last 6 months of foiling... Florida's bad winter, surf pro's entry to the game, the Midlength revolution and scary moments in an airplane.

Dominic Hoskyns (@dominichoskyns) is the head of FoilDrive Europe. He's a full-on foil frother who pioneered the ladder start to pump and wake thieving. He's recently taken the leap from being a high school teacher to join FoilDrive. Enjoy.

Simeon (@simboogy) and Kahi (@instakahi) come on the show to announce the Voyager Downwind Camps happening this summer on Oahu and talk all things foiling.

Jason Breen (@jasonthejaw) was hit by a humpback whale while wing foiling in Australia. You've seen the clips, but now hear the whole story, the media frenzy, and what it takes to process an encounter of that magnitude.

Matt Davies (@hazmatt1976) is an Australian waterman laying siege to the world records of big wave and flatwater speed on foil. We discuss what foils do as you get over 35mph, how he tunes his gear, his approach to safety and why he's on this mission.

Oskar Johansson (@oskar_foil) has skyrocketed to the top of the foil world. He holds the record for time on foil in the surf, is a consistent top finisher in downwind races, and one of the best prone and tow. Enjoy!

Balz Müller (@radiculo) is a Swiss waterman who has been at the forefront of wing foiling since its inception. While his impressive riding skills are what initially set him apart, it's his infectious enthusiasm and positive mentality that make him a true standout. In this episode, Balz delves into the creative process behind developing new maneuvers, highlighting the importance of dedication and visualization. With the same unwavering passion, Balz is now exploring the exciting realms of downwind and prone foiling. Enjoy!

Steve Tobis is a Maui-based waterman who's all about downwind racing and pushing the limits of foil surfing. When he's not sending he's building jet skis for heavy water and designing foil-related gear. With a background in mechanical engineering, he brings a precision-focused approach to the world of foiling

Jeremy Wilmotte (@oceanpixels) returns to recount his trips to Hood River and Namotu, where he saved a life, and his recent move to Armstrong Foils. Jeremy sends it as hard as anyone in the sport and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible on foil, especially in heavy surf.

Keith Teboul of KT on his creative process, bringing on Kane DeWilde, the Dragonfly, shaping for some of the world's best, his downwind learning journey and so much more.

Mike Pedigo comes on the show after an insane tow session to recap the last two weeks, Hood River, AWSI, the amazing foil community, foil design, and coming home to the Lee swell. Its been an epic run!

Central Florida frother and anesthesiologist Dr. Rob Novo comes on the podcast to discuss training and staying healthy for foiling. He's also tested tons of gear and goes through what he's currently liking, the solid CFL crew, and then we go deep into flow states from the perspective of his work and turning off the conscious mind in general anesthesia. Enjoy!

Dean Morrison is a legendary Australian surfer who is now frothing on the foil. In this conversation he explains why foiling is important in his surfing life, his journey and personal growth since leaving the tour and the role of mentors like Tom Carroll and Rabbit.