

Dropping In Surf Show Podcast
Rob Case
We drop in a little bit of math and a little bit of science with a whole lot of surfing. Rob Case, a paddling technique coach, discusses science and math in the world of surfing and how surfers can improve and progress from it. Special guest appearances and experts in their field share stories and research.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 29, 2022 • 1h 6min
Skill Acquisition Methods, Benefits and Limitations
Barry Green, surf coach at Centered Surfing who specializes in technique and skill acquisition, talks training tools and travel. They compare Lakeside reps, Surf Ranch barrels, boat wakes and surfskates. Short, repetitive drills, sequencing tools and translating tight movements to ocean scale are highlighted. Coaching trips and community-driven practice motivate progression.
Jul 22, 2022 • 49min
How Much Force Do Surfers Apply When Sprint Paddling
In this episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob shares the amount of force a surfer is applying when taking a stroke. Does a surfer really need to “paddle hard”? Additional metrics are shared and discussed as well as what makes a paddling stroke effective versus ineffective.
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
Jun 19, 2022 • 1h 20min
What Experienced Surfers Know About Waves That You Don’t
This Dropping In Surf Show episode extrapolates information from a Scripps Institute of Oceanography Report on what makes a good wave for surfing. Throughout the discussion, Rob outlines key items from his Level 2 course that help surfers read waves, find ideal takeoff spots, and catch waves with ease. This is the information that experienced surfers use but don’t know why, and how you can save years of struggle.
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
May 22, 2022 • 45min
Takeoff Angle of Attack - Shortboards vs Longboards
In this special Dropping In Surf Show episode, Rob investigates and analyzes takeoff video of five different surfers, which provides unique observations because he is able to see the underwater angle of attack as well as the above water sequence of the surfers getting to their feet. He finds some consistency between the surfboards and is able to see some similarities between the shortboard surfers vs the longboard surfers. This analysis yields several questions regarding effortless takeoffs, and begins a thought-provoking exercise towards better understanding the physics behind what is ideal.
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
Apr 22, 2022 • 54min
History of Science in Surfing with Matt Warshaw
This Dropping In Surf Show episode features guest Matt Warshaw, surfing’s masterful historian and creator of the Encyclopedia of Surfing. Matt and Rob discuss the role of science in the history of surfing, currently, and future speculations. They also dive into how science in surfing could work within surf culture, business, and sport.
Support the Encyclopedia of Surfing: https://eos.surf/subscribe/
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
Feb 22, 2022 • 1h
Surfing SCIENCE! with Dr. Jeff Nessler and Dr. Sean Newcomer
Zuhair Belcora, a board builder who returns to discuss shaping and rider preferences. Dr. Sean Newcomer, a physiologist researching wetsuit thermoregulation and cardiovascular responses. Dr. Jeff Nessler, a biomechanics researcher studying paddling, board volume, and surf instrumentation. They explore wetsuit materials and heat loss, paddling biomechanics and intensity, board design vs. efficiency, and novel measurement methods used in surf research.
Jan 21, 2022 • 46min
Length or Volume? A Paddling Experiment with Zouhair Belkoura
In this episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob sits down with Zouhair Belkoura, boardmaker and thought provoker. Zouhair proposed a question to Rob – what paddles better – a board with more length, or one with more volume? So they embarked on a paddling experiment to find out. Check out the full write up at https://www.zboatsurfboards.com/post/what-paddles-better-length-or-volume
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
Dec 26, 2021 • 1h 4min
Surfing Rebirth, Being Humbled, Willful Resolve with Jay Haldeman
Today’s episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob sits down with Jay Haldeman, creator of the SurfinShape board. Jay has not only created a valuable asset for surfers to improve the surfing experience but also has a unique and relatable story. Rob and Jay discuss falling in love with surfing, losing it, finding it again, the origin of the SurfinShape Board, the ups and downs of the design process, focus on quality, and the future.
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
Nov 19, 2021 • 46min
Mathematics, Breaking Glass Ceilings, Surfing Lifestyle with Amber Puha
In this episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob has a conversation with Amber Puha, Department Chair of Mathematics at California State University San Marcos. Not only is Amber a wiz at Mathematics, and an incredible teacher, but she is an extremely accomplished free surfer and competition surfer. Rob and Amber discuss mentoring and teaching the next generation, breaking through glass ceilings, why she opted to pass on pro surfing, surfing as a great life lesson, and following your passion.
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show
Oct 14, 2021 • 48min
Overcoming Obstacles, Setting Records, Living Aloha with Fred Haywood
In this episode of the Dropping In Surf Show, Rob has a conversation with Fred Haywood. We discuss growing up on Maui, being teammates with Mark Spitz, swim technique changes that let to becoming a swimming record holder, starting an iconic surf/windsurf shop, breaking wind speed records, surfing with Gerry Lopez at G-Land, and more incredible stories. Fred is a shining light of inspiration, and he shares words of wisdom on how to live life to the fullest.
To order Fred’s book, Racing with Aloha, check out https://racingwithaloha.com/
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.surfingpaddling.com/dropping-in-surf-show


