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

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -1000

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

The SantoLoco Podcast

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