EP 139: Cliff Kapono - How the ocean connects us all, Receiving the 2023 WSL Impact Award, Hawaii and his surfing story, Promoting science through surfing, His current projects, the Vissla Shaper Rankings, and Becoming the surfer/scientist

Marine conservation scientist, ocean steward, and surfer Dr. Cliff Kapono joins the podcast after winning the inaugural WSL Impact Award. He talks about all the amazing projects he’s involved with, from working with the MEGA Lab to elevate scientific literacy and Reef Footwear to 3D coral reef formations at famous surf breaks, creating the Surfer Biome Project, and researching how the ocean connects us all. He looks back at his roots in Hawaii, his reasons for getting into the sport at a young age, learning the balance between pursuing a doctorate and surfing career, working with Vissla, and finding the surfer/scientist identity. Cliff also shares his thoughts on the variety of boards he rides, the connective DNA of ocean bacteria, the relationship between speed, power, and flow, and the new Vissla Shaper Rankings.

Learn more about Cliff and Follow him here.

Check out the MEGA Lab and follow here.

Hear another interview about Cliff’s work here.

Stay up to date with the Vissla Shaper Rankings on worldsurfleague.com. 

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