13 Richard Bennett - Performance Psychologist & Author of 'The Surfers Mind'

How can you unlock peak surfing performance by mastering your mind, overcoming fear, and embracing spontaneity?

Join this episode of Surf Mastery Podcast as host Michael Frampton sits down with performance psychologist Richard Bennett, author of The Surfer's Mind and former psychologist for the World Surf League. They explore how mindset, preparation, and intuition are the keys to surfing your best, regardless of the conditions. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just starting, this conversation provides insights to elevate your approach both in the water and in life.

1. Discover the "Three C's" of big-wave surfing—calm, confidence, and commitment—and how they can transform your surfing experience.

2. Learn practical strategies to manage fear, improve focus, and cultivate mindfulness both on and off the waves.

3. Understand how elite performers across disciplines leverage preparation, intuition, and adaptability to achieve greatness.

Press play now to learn how to align your mind, body, and soul to surf with confidence, clarity, and joy!

Key Points

• Richard's background in psychology and how he got interested in applying it to surfing.

• The importance of awareness and mindfulness in optimizing surfing performance.

• Strategies for maintaining calmness through posture, breathing, and being present in the moment.

• The three C's of big wave surfing: calm, confidence, and commitment.

• Developing confidence through preparation of mind, body, equipment, and understanding the ocean.

• The role of commitment in surfing, including letting go of good waves for better strategic opportunities.

• Unlocking intuition through being calm, confident, and committed in the moment.

• Observations of elite surfers' mindset of constantly exploring and believing anything is possible.

• Transitioning from competitive surfing to other pursuits like big wave surfing or family life.

Richard's websites:

http://www.ompsychology.com/

http://www.thesurfersmind.com/

For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we'll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we're here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.