He Sold Ice Cream to Fund His Surfing! Aerial Pioneer Davey Smith | Surf Splendor (Full Episode 562)

#surfingpodcast #daveysmith #georgegreenough Davey Smith | Surf Splendor (Full Episode 562) In today’s show, aerial and floater pioneer Davey Smith reflects on Greenough’s early influence, how selling ice cream help fund his pro surf career, Russel Short’s hypnotic tube prowess, introducing Channel Islands to the North Shore, how shaping informed his surfing, and the value of taking time away from surfing. Enjoy! Sponsored by: DrinkAG1.com/surf Sponsored by: WaterwaysTravel.com Presented by: Surfrider.org Presented by: REALWatersports.com Presented by: VAERWatches.com/surfsplendor Jump Around 00:00:00 Introduction to Episode 562 with Davey Smith David Lee Scales welcomes aerial pioneer Davey Smith for a conversation spanning six decades of surfing innovation and culture. 00:01:50 Shoutout to Sponsors — DrinkAG1, Waterways Travel, Surfrider Foundation, REAL Watersports, VAER Watches Support the brands that keep Surf Splendor going and help protect the ocean. 00:03:12 Always Embracing the Cutting Edge – Davey’s innovation-first mindset Davey shares how curiosity and a willingness to experiment led him to innovate aerials and floaters before they were mainstream. 00:04:03 Early Roots of Surfing & Skating – Growing up in SoCal surf culture of the '60s/'70s Growing up in Santa Barbara, Davey was immersed in the golden age of surf and skate alongside future legends. 00:11:40 Channel Islands & Wilderness Surfboards – Influence of shaping and board design on performance He reflects on shaping lessons from Al Merrick and the performance revolution that Wilderness Surfboards sparked. 00:12:30 George Greenough’s Game-Changing Impact – Greenough’s legacy and early influence on Davey 00:14:30 Channel Islands Early Days – Building the first CI surf team The origins of Channel Islands' competitive surf team come to light, with Davey as one of its original members. 00:17:30 Style vs. Airs – Balancing elegance with aerial progression Davey discusses how to push surfing's boundaries while respecting classic form and flow. 00:21:20 The Surfing Floater – Davey Smith Invents Floater 1976-ish In the mid-’70s, Davey unintentionally invents the floater maneuver—now a staple in competitive surfing. 00:24:30 Davey Recalls First Ever Air in Surfing Anecdote-rich moment where Davey describes one of surfing’s earliest aerial attempts—pre air-rev era. 00:31:11 Documenting the Evolution – Bob Barber, Chris Klopf, Joe Mickey Surf photographers like Joe Mickey and Chris Klopf captured Davey's progression and the aerial surf revolution. 00:34:00 Davey's Interesting Pro Career From fringe figure to influential innovator, Davey’s pro career reflects a unique blend of outsider grit and core credibility. 00:39:40 Funding Pro Surfing with Ice Cream He humorously explains how an ice cream gig funded his surf travels and contest entries in the early days. 00:42:00 Teaching Conner and Parker Coffin and Bobby Martinez Davey mentored a young Conner Coffin and Bobby Martinez, helping them refine technique and mindset. 00:43:35 Shaping for Al Merrick at CI His time shaping boards under Al Merrick further deepened his design knowledge and attention to detail. 00:48:20 Alan Gibbons and Malcolm Campbell Davey credits underground shapers like Gibbons and Campbell Brothers (of Bonzer fame) with influencing surfboard evolution. 00:50:30 Barrels of Fun (1986) + Off the Wall 2 He reminisces about filming parts in cult classics like Barrels of Fun and the wild DIY energy of Off the Wall 2. 00:56:00 Skip Frye and Gliding Davey honors Skip Frye’s influence and the gliding soul style that shaped his late-career surfing. 01:01:35 Surf Media Davey Still Consumes Davey shares his favorite surf media, including youtube clips and of course Surf Splendor. 01:07:20 The Best Surfing Davey Ever Witnessed From Curren to Slater to Russell Short, Davey describes the most awe-inspiring moments he's seen in the water. 01:10:18 At 66, Davey Still Surfing Now in his mid-60s, Davey still paddles out with passion and purpose, defying age with a smile. 01:14:00 Growing and Working His Central Coast Farm Life on the Central Coast now includes tending his organic farm and staying connected to nature daily. 01:15:40 Playing and Releasing Music Davey talks about making music and self-releasing albums that feel very country! 01:18:45 The Importance of Diet and Fitness (Editor's Pick) One of the episode's most insightful segments: Davey breaks down his wellness regimen that keeps him ripping into his 60s. Hint: It's walking daily like his parents did to live into their mid 90s 01:24:00 Davey's Phone Number A classic Surf Splendor closer—Davey gives out his number to connect with listeners old-school style.