The Kyle Thiermann Show #396 What's Your Big Wave Spirit Animal? - Bianca Valenti
Sep 26, 2025
Bianca Valenti, an award-winning big wave surfer and advocate for equal pay in surfing, shares her inspiring journey from childhood surfer to a Mavericks champion. She discusses the intense mindset required for big-wave surfing, including a near-death experience that fueled her commitment to training. Bianca reveals the power of spirit animals in enhancing focus during challenging surf conditions and talks about channeling emotions constructively to prevent burnout. She also details her surf longevity coaching program, aiming for sustainable success in the sport.
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First Mavericks Awakening
- Bianca's first Mavericks session in 2012 left her awestruck with helicopters and massive waves filming Jay Moriarty's movie.
- She caught a big wave that day and decided to pursue Mavericks seriously.
Near-Death That Fueled Commitment
- Bianca had a near-death beating at Ocean Beach during college that left her blacked out and gasping for air on the sand.
- Rather than scare her off, that moment convinced her to train, get gear, and pursue big waves seriously.
Tap A Power-Animal Persona
- Dissociate into a 'power animal' persona while paddling to the lineup to adopt a focused, assertive mindset.
- Name and visualize that animal to signal determination and deter distractions in crowded lineups.
