Professional surfer, business owner and WSL commentator, Strider Wasilewski tells all in this episode of Cold Beer Surf Club. Strider sits down with Conner Coffin at WSL HQ and kicks off the conversation with a jaw-dropping story about an old photo of a shark they encountered during a Bali trip, courtesy of Marty Hoffman. He takes us through the harrowing experience of surviving a shark attack at Gordo Bank alongside legends like Marty, Peter McGonagle, and Terence McNulty. From recounting the adrenaline-pumping moments during the infamous Mick Fanning incident at Jeffreys Bay to the transformative experience of swimming with sharks in the Maldives, Strider shares his most gripping encounters with these ocean giants. Strider also reflects on his roots in the iconic Dogtown scene, growing up alongside skate legends Tony Alva and Jay Adams, and the pivotal moments that shaped his surfing journey—from epic trips to the North Shore to gracing the cover of SURFER Magazine. He dives into his time with Quiksilver, unforgettable moments flying on a private jet with Kelly Slater, and the excitement of signing Dane Reynolds and securing Volcom’s legendary Pipe House. As Strider and Conner discuss the evolution of surfing culture from the “surf all day, party all night” scene to the current era of incredible professionalism and progression, Strider shares what continues to fuel his passion as a surfer and a commentator. He divulges his ventures with Shade Sunscreen, supporting talents like Griffin and Crosby Colapinto, and his journey of writing a book.
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great job Connor and Strider.
Wow… that was a heavy story.
Hey WSL more back stories about the people that grew the industry, this was insanely good and so interesting!! Yeah Strider 🤙🏼
Best interview I’ve ever seen… I wanna know more about this Marvin guy anyone know where I can see some pictures or something ?
Stride or die! Classic
Fantastic podcast! Thanks Conner, Strider, and the team!!
Need an audio producer?
Amazing pod!!! Rad guys
Strider: crazy story
Connor: gnarly!
Strider: another crazy story
Connor: damn that’s crazy!
Strider: even crazier story
Connor: no way!
Strider: yet another crazy story
Connor: so sick!
.
For 110 min straight 😂. This is such a killer podcast, hopefully they do it again!
More importantly how’s Connor’s boat project going? I worked as a tender on an urchin boat the Risa Lynn out of SB that was docked in a slip right across from Connor’s boat.
Behind the scenes. The surf world isn’t all glitz and glamour.
AWESOME THANK YOU 😎
Conner did not contribute but Strider was a charmer as always
Strider is the man. Never met him though I grew up surfing many same spots rnd same time. Known who he was since early 90s, but never knew majority of his path. Best po d so far. Thanks for both you guys time.
Unreal
where can i find the Photo of The SKARK that nearly killed Strider?
Epic podcast! From our early small kid time days on the WSA to early 90's sessions all over Calif. through Quik times and up to present day he has always been exactly the same. As real as it gets and a true friend.
Lekker Strider!!
I never really knew anything about Strider… Didn't really find him interesting before.
That's all changed now.
He has great tales to tell…and I'm only halfway through this!
Yeah Strider! Great job Conner!
Strider needs to write a book.
Hmmm….they skipped over the Lost years, was looking forward to that chapter.
That was the best pod cast I’ve listened to in some time . Strider encapsulates the culture and Connor did a great job talking story. Epic guest , refreshing vibe , true core 🌊
Good stuff. Thanks. Bless
Holy shit what an amazing podcast ! I never knew Strider's story even though I am a really old (66) lifelong surfer…. Best thing WSL ever put out, bar none. Reminds me of The Surfer's Journal stories…. Bravo to Strider and Connor !
This is the realest I’ve ever seen strider. Rad stories. Connor does a good job of letting people talk- that can be tough as an interviewer
Why do you guys censor half of what Strider is trying to say? Makes it frustrating to watch personally when you blank out a lot of parts but you see his lips moving
I mean this coulda been 3 hours with a lotttt of knowledge and insight but instead we got “that’s crazy”. Someone needs to get this guy in a much longer conversation
Holy $## !!!!!!!
Now this is the best podcast the WSL has done. Congratulations to Connor for just letting strider talk
For those that don't know Marvin Forster was THE craziest scariest Hawaiian surfer.
Striders been there and done it ALL but I've never known about his younger years and the adversity he faced.
Thank you so much Strider and the WSL
The best podcast EVER. Didn’t know Striders story had t was GREAT!!! Make a book brother 🤙🏼
Yeah, this story should be a movie 💯💙💙💯
Strider is the best… Love this dude.
Most legit surf Interview ever,,Kelly not wanting to tour eastcoast"strider"what these are your people's "lolz fecking legend ya
Very good interview. Strikers history is very interesting. Love the slam on Danny kwok.he was in that elightist Newport crew,who thumbed their noses at us regular surfers.funny thing I never saw any of them in big surf in Hawaii in early 70s thru early eighties.only John van ornum who was a kind gentleman and great surfer in big stuff in hawaii.
I love Strider. He keeps the broadcasts loose and funny. Thanks for another good chat. I agree about the women's surfing. It has gone to another level the last few years.
The man is in pumping surf commentating all the time and connecting the casual fan to the sport we all love. Freaking legend and what a gnarley life. Thank you Strider for still helping the industry and making I feel more accessible! ❤
Totally cool interview. Who doesn't love some Strider!
Strider's story HAS to be made into a movie. North Shore 2.0!
That is not Strider that is Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man WOW wonderful story. Yea now we really love Strider good job.
!!!
Always wondered why he was employed, surfing media is so weird, but man he has lived a life
Hey Stider,
Ah yes. We all find our path through surfing.
Yours is very entertaining. All those stories become our lives.
Good to hear yours. Yeew.
P.j. Rincon Calif.
Wow, didn't know Strider's backstory. Like him even more now. The real deal…
the shark story is crazy. Only just started and can tell this is going to be a good one.
Surfing is great, unfortunately the obstacles such as the overcrowding, dangerous people with not much ability, wrong conditions, closeouts, shapeless waves make it an extremely frustrating sport. I hate having to compete with others for waves, getting japped by kooks who don't have a clue about rules or etiquette in the water. Where do you go to have a good time in the water? How do you get away from this and get to a more enjoyable place?