#1 | Aaron Gold | Inside the Mind of a World Record Big Wave Surfer

Welcome to The Santo Loco Podcast: Episode 1 On the premiere episode of The Santo Loco Podcast, Ronaldo sits down in the newly built-out Santo Loco shop with legendary big wave surfer Aaron Gold. Aaron, celebrated for holding the Guinness World Record after paddling into a massive 63-foot wave at Peahi (Jaws) in Maui, shares his unique journey from growing up in Hawaii’s surf culture to conquering some of the world’s largest waves. The conversation dives deep into Aaron’s upbringing, the influence of family and local mentors, his faith, and the lessons learned from both triumphs and near-death experiences in the ocean. Together, they explore the culture and community that surfing creates, the responsibilities that come with tackling dangerous waves, and the true sources of fulfillment—both in and out of the water. Whether you’re a lifelong surfer or new to the sport, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, ocean wisdom, and inspiration. 00:00 Growing up surfing on Big Island 05:50 Learning to surf with Dad 13:20 Learning big wave surfing alone 16:36 Challenges of transporting surfboards on buses 24:05 Growing up on the Big Island 26:38 Childhood adventures with hatchets 33:12 Surfing big waves with family 36:45 Inspired to surf big waves 45:39 Getting into the big event 52:25 Surfing as a personal ministry 54:09 Sharing faith through surfing 01:00:44 Balancing Surfing with Family Life 01:04:07 Surfing with my kids 01:10:54 Feeling Alone on Holidays 01:17:43 Experiencing the waves' grandeur 01:21:12 Describing the thrill of big waves 01:26:33 Facing outdoor challenges without limits 01:34:05 Shaping my own surfboards 01:36:29 Building and glassing a surfboard 01:44:59 Missing out on surfing opportunities 01:49:22 Talking about Jeff's surfboards Sentoloko podcast, big wave surfing, Guinness World Record, Peahi Jaws Maui, Hawaii surf culture, childhood surfing, surfboard shaping, Waikiki surfing, Kalapana Big Island, family and surfing, surfing alone, surf community, surf contests, Eddie Aikau Invitational, surfing mentors, surf magazines, surf shop culture, faith and surfing, ocean safety, impact vests, surf etiquette, bodyboarding, outdoor lifestyle Hawaii, wave selection, surfboard design, miracles in surfing, Christian surfers, surf travel, surfing as ministry, surf parenting