The Christian Surfers Podcast

In this episode of the Christian Surfers Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu welcomes follower of Jesus, former WCT surfer, and WSL commentator - Jesse Mendes.Broadcasting from Amigo Studio in Oceanside, CA, Jesse opens up about his journey from São Paulo to the global surf stage, and more importantly, from childhood faith to a lifelong relationship with Jesus. From sharing waves with the world’s best to calling heats on the mic, Jesse has seen it all. But what stands out is his humble spirit, love for his wife Tati and his commitment to living out his faith in the surf industry.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

The 23rd annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic (https://www.instagram.com/tommytant/) in Flagler Beach, FL just wrapped!   It’s easily one of the longest-running, community surf contests in Florida with a greater purpose. In this raw and real episode, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with former pro surfer, speaker, and brother in Christ, Will Tant, at his new home in Flagler Beach. Together, they reflect on Will’s powerful journey from the rebellious currents of surf culture to the steady anchor of faith in Jesus.Will opens up about growing up in the tight-knit surf town of Flagler, the deep bond he shared with his brother Tommy, and the devastating loss that turned his world upside down. He candidly shares how grief led him to wrestle with God, eventually finding peace—not through perfection but through grace and community.From his early surf film days to giving up the sport he loved, being diagnosed with a heart condition, and slowly returning to both surfing and faith, Will’s story is raw, real, and redemptive. This episode is a moving testimony to the power of Christian community, the importance of belonging, and the unwavering hope found in Christ—even in the darkest waves.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donateFacebook:   / csinternational   Instagram:   / @christiansuurfers_   #TalkStoryPodcast#WillTant#ChristianSurfers#FaithAndSurf#FromLostToFound#TommyTantMemorial#SurfTestimony#JesusAndSurfing#GospelInTheWaves#HopeAfterLoss#FaithJourney#SurfCulture

In this episode, Mark Sawyer-Chu interviews Jacob Galura, Southeast Regional Coordinator for Christian Surfers USA, about the growth of surf ministry across Florida and beyond. From leading international mission trips for CSUS, to launching new chapters in legacy surf tows like Cocoa Beach, Jacob shares his heart for using surf culture to share the message of Jesus.Did you enjoy the episode? Please consider donating Jacob or the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donatehttps://christiansurfers.com/donate-to-missionaries/

In this inspiring episode of the Christian Surfers Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with former pro surfer, fitness coach, and WSL Championship Tour Manager, Kayla Durden. Recorded at Shoreline Church in San Clemente Kayla opens up about her journey of faith, life in professional surfing, and how her identity in Christ has grounded her through it all.From her appearance on ABC’s The Ultimate Surfer to her work pioneering Rising Tides in women's surfing, Kayla shares the highs, challenges, and divine appointments that have shaped her story. Hear how she balances her career in the surf industry, personal discipleship, and bold witness for Jesus in spaces not always open to faith.Whether you're a surfer, believer, or someone navigating identity and calling, this episode offers real talk on purpose, pressure, and keeping Christ at the center.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donateFacebook:   / csinternational   Instagram:   / @christiansuurfers_

In this deep and encouraging episode of Christian Surfers Podcast, host Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with Dave Allee, founder of the iconic Almond Surfboards brand in Costa Mesa, California.What starts as a conversation about surfboards quickly turns into an inspiring story of faith, family, creativity, and community. Dave shares how growing up two blocks from the shop's current location shaped his passion for surf culture, craftsmanship, and purpose.We dive into the early days of garage board-building with his dad, the values behind Almond’s beloved "Early & Often Surf Club", and how his faith in Jesus subtly weaves through everything from brand ethos to board design.Whether you're a lifelong surfer or just someone seeking a meaningful life anchored in purpose, this episode invites you to consider how your faith can shape your craft—and how surfing can draw you closer to the Creator. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with pro surfer Alyssa Spencer to talk faith, surfing, and what it means to stay grounded in God while chasing waves around the world.Alyssa opens up about her journey of faith, from growing up in a faith-based home to finding a personal relationship with Jesus through youth group and real-life experiences. She shares how her favorite verse, 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all you do be done in love”, shapes her approach to life both in and out of the water.We dive into the highs and lows of professional surfing - from travel and competition stress to the brutal mid-year tour cuts - and how Alyssa stays rooted in her identity in Christ through it all.Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this episode, host Mark Sawyer-Chu, aka The Stoke Life, is joined by Raul Espinoza, a key leader in the global Christian Surfers familia.Recorded in a living room in Florida, this is a deep dive into God's incredible faithfulness. Raul shares his powerful testimony of discovering surfing and Christian Surfers in his 40s during a difficult season. Through the radical love of Christian Surfers Peru, he found reconciliation with Jesus, experienced healing, and even met his wife.Now serving as Area Director for the entire Americas, Raul shares exciting updates on God's movement across the continents. He tells amazing stories of divine appointments, like a trip to Colombia that led to a new church plant and a thriving CS chapter.Raul also keeps it real about challenges and how we can pray. This episode is both a huge encouragement and a vision-caster for what God is doing. Press play and get stoked!🌐 Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a nonprofit organization, your support will help us continue creating quality content and give more surfers around the globe the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this episode of the CS Podcast, Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with Aaron Trevis, founder, former CEO, and current CTO of the leading wave pool company, Surf Lakes. Aaron shares his life-changing testimony, from growing up in a secular home to encountering God in an incredible way. After a dramatic near-death experience in 1994, Aaron went from scepticism to faith, eventually joining the Gideons and distributing Bibles across Australia. But God had even bigger plans for him. Years later, while serving as the National Executive Director of the Gideons, Aaron felt called to surrender everything and pursue a radical vision: building the world’s most accessible wave pools. Despite early setbacks, including a failed crowdfunding campaign and personal doubts, divine connections and unexpected investors helped bring Surf Lakes to life. Today, the company is working on projects in Texas and California, with a mission to make surfing affordable while sharing the Gospel.🌐 https://www.christiansurfers.netPlease consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Aloha, surf fam! Join us for an inspiring episode of the Christian Surfers Podcast with Noah Snyder; pro surfer turned artist, Outer Banks legend, and founder of Momentum Fitness & Jiu-Jitsu.From charging freezing East Coast barrels to rebuilding his business after devastating floods, Noah opens up about the highs and lows of his career, the unexpected discovery of his artistic gifts: https://www.noahsnyderart.com/ and how his relationship with Jesus has anchored him through every storm.🌐: https://www.christiansurfers.net/ Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donateFacebook: @csinternationalInstagram: @christiansurfers_

Today, we’re diving into the inspiring journey of Brett Barley - a pro surfer, filmmaker, and content creator whose life has been shaped by faith in Jesus and a deep love for storytelling. Brett’s story begins in the world of Christian Surfers, where a 12-year-old kid found both pizza, the Word of God, and eventually his wife - a combination that changed his life forever. From filming waves with a mini DV camcorder to producing high-quality, family-friendly content, Brett has carved out a unique path as a hybrid surfer and creator, often working with a tight-knit team, including his longtime filmer, Jeffrey O’Neal. But his journey hasn’t been without challenges. Burnout, the pressures of professional surfing, and even stolen viral clips of his. Yet through it all, Proverbs 3:5-6—‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart’ has been his compass, guiding him through career pivots, marriage, and even a personal miracle he holds close to his heart. Now, Brett is channelling his experiences into a deeply personal film & his latest release, Ambivalent, exploring the raw emotions of doubt, perseverance, and rediscovery. Brett’s mission is clear: to create with purpose, stay true to his roots, and remind us all that even pros eat it on the waves sometimes.