Katie McConnell: Paddling Into Death-Defying Waves

Summary

---

Welcome to the Party: Katie McConnell – Paddling Into Death-Defying Waves

Episode Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Treat Media | Abby Wambach & Julie Foudy
Guest: Katie McConnell, big wave surfer, scientist, and ocean advocate

---

Episode Overview

In this riveting episode, soccer legends Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy sit down with Katie McConnell—one of the world’s top big wave surfers. Katie shares her unconventional journey into surfing’s most extreme arena, the spiritual draw of massive waves, and her fierce advocacy for women in the sport. They delve into the mindset it takes to ride skyscraper-sized waves and the fight for equality in big wave competitions. This is an episode about audacity, discipline, and changing the tides for women athletes.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Allure and Challenge of Surfing

• Hosts’ Reflections:
  • Abby and Julie open by discussing their own (decidedly amateur) surfing experiences, highlighting surfing’s difficulty and spiritual joys.
  • Abby (02:19): “There’s something so connecting, like spiritually connecting, to the earth when I’m surfing. It’s one of those few sports…the earth literally moves you.”
• Progress in the Lineup:
  • Julie notes a visible change: “Now…the lineup is like half women and half men, and it’s great. I wish I had [started younger]…when you learn as a child, it’s much easier as an adult.” (05:57)

2. Katie’s Unlikely Path to Big Wave Stardom

• Late Start, Fast Rise:
  • Katie discovered surfing in high school, not as a child, and didn’t grow up in the competitive circuit. “I didn’t catch my first wave where things clicked until I was in high school…starting at like 15 and a half or 16, that’s starting pretty late.” (14:33)
  • She describes surfing as a “healthy outlet as a teenager” and credits the ocean for building her confidence.

Notable Quote

Katie (16:08): “The ocean can feel like a teacher, can feel like a friend. It can sometimes feel like it’s in a bad mood and it just wants you out of there…you respect and listen, and that’s where you enter almost that spirit realm.”

3. Big Wave Mechanics – Paddling vs. Towing

• What Counts as a Big Wave:
  • “In the sport of big wave surfing, a big wave tends to start at around a 20-foot face… For somebody surfing, a big wave is relative to their skill level.” (17:27)
• Techniques:
  • Paddling: “Just kind of like regular surfing…using their own two arms…”
  • Towing: “Jet ski driver with a surfer on the back…literally towed in like water skiing, getting whipped into these waves.” (17:27–18:32)
  • Boundaries are constantly evolving—what was once considered too big to paddle is now challenged by athletes.

Notable Moment

Katie (19:06): “[Nazare] was previously thought impossible to paddle… now a group of guys started going out and paddling it.”

4. Inside Nazare: The Sea Monster of Portugal

• Why Nazare is Special:
  • Location’s submarine canyon combines swells for record-breaking waves: “It creates those tall teepees because it’s literally two different waves combining to get so tall. It’s awesome.” (21:56)
• Atmosphere:
  • “In the lineup, it can feel a little chaotic…like there’s no safe place to be.” (22:34)

Notable Quote

Julie (22:28): “They call it in the film ‘a sea monster,’ right? It just like comes up.”

5. Mindset: Adrenaline, Fear, and Harmony

• Why Do It?:
  • For Katie, it’s about harmony, not conquest: “I’m going out to practice getting in harmony with nature…to have a relationship with the ocean.” (23:28)
• Taming Fear:
  • “The love kind of always overcomes the fear…It really unifies mind, body, spirit into this holistic experience because it takes strength, smarts, and stoke…” (25:10)
• Life vs. Death Stakes:
  • Abby (24:26): “How do you work with the fear of what you’re up against? You’re like, I’m going to live this day or die this day.”

6. The Fight for Women’s Equality in Big Wave Surfing

• The State of Play:
  • No established world tour for women right now—evolving efforts, more events popping up, but also uncertainty and ad-hoc invitations. (27:20)
• Barriers:
  • Lack of equal opportunity, costs, last-minute travel, and misconceptions about how many women are capable.
  • Katie (30:08): “It’s tricky to hold down a real job…because the ocean is so tricky to predict.”
• Direct Action:
  • Katie personally networks for inclusion: “I’m like emailing them…Hey, are there going to be women in it? If so, I would like to participate…I can rustle up a bunch of girls.”
• The Numbers Excuse:

  Katie (31:56): “It still is a little bit tricky. Sometimes they only invite a few…one thing I’ve heard is: There’s just not enough women. I sat down the other day…and I thought of like 30.”

7. Making It Work: Life Beyond Sponsorships

• Katie’s Hustle:
  • Not a full-time pro: “I do juggle several jobs as both a substitute teacher, I teach surf lessons, I do some gig work in the nonprofit and conservation sphere…whatever I can get my little paws on, I’ll do.” (33:15)
• How to Help:
  • Listeners/supporters can follow, sponsor, reach out to Katie on Instagram (@katiemcconnell or Katie Marr).

8. Closing Reflections & Solidarity

• Abby and Julie’s Reactions:
  • Deep admiration, awe at risk management, and the unique spirit required to ride at the literal edge
  • Abby (41:08): “What kind of a spirit is a person who wants to live on that edge, on the line of life and death so closely and so often?...She’s a human. She’s a real person. And doing this.”
• Legacy and Hope:

  Abby (37:49): “Just think about 10 years from now…you’ll be in our position, podcasting, going, ‘Gosh, look at what I helped create.’ I believe it.”

---

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Katie:

  “The ocean can feel like a teacher, can feel like a friend. It can sometimes feel like it’s in a bad mood and it just wants you out of there…you respect and listen, and that’s where you enter almost that spirit realm.” (16:08)

• Abby:

  “How do you work with the fear of what you’re up against? Because you’re not just like, oh, I’m gonna win this day or lose this day. You’re like, I’m gonna live this day or die this day.” (24:26)

• Katie:

  “The love kind of always overcomes the fear at some point. And…because I love it…I want to be smart about things and…I approach it with curiosity…It really unifies mind, body, spirit into this really amazing holistic experience because it takes strength, it takes some smarts.” (25:10)

• Katie:

  “It still is a little bit tricky at times, you know, sometimes they only invite a few of us, sometimes they don’t really know where to put us…one thing I’ve heard is: there’s just not enough women. And I…thought of like…30.” (31:56)

• Julie:

  “That’s always the excuse, too, Katie…Like, this is the world that we women, female athletes live in is like, well, no one cares about it, or there’s not enough…So you keep on fighting that because there are enough.” (32:16)

---

Timestamps for Important Sections

• Surfing spirituality & gender progress: 00:19–06:14
• Katie’s intro & story: 12:24–14:33
• Big wave mechanics (paddle vs. tow): 17:00–20:18
• Nazare explained: 20:49–22:34
• What it feels like to ride a big wave: 23:09–24:26
• Fear, adrenaline, and harmony: 24:26–26:23
• Women’s equality & Katie’s advocacy: 27:20–31:56
• Professional challenges & sponsorship: 32:16–33:15
• How listeners can help: 33:25–34:12
• Reflections on risk, legacy, and bravery: 39:04–41:14

---

Memorable Moments

• Hosts’ awe: The genuine respect Abby and Julie express for Katie’s courage and skill sets the episode’s admiring tone (14:06, 24:26).
• Katie’s groundedness: Her humility about juggling jobs and hustling for sponsorships puts her achievements in perspective (33:15).
• Refusing excuses: Katie and Julie’s discussion of “not enough women” directly challenges outdated narratives (31:56–32:16).
• Community call: Katie actively invites listeners and sponsors to connect and support women in big wave surfing (33:25).

---

Final Thoughts

This episode is both a celebration of the frontiers women are pushing in sports and a reflective rumination on what it takes—mentally, physically, and logistically—to surf the planet’s deadliest waves. Katie McConnell embodies a mix of thrill-seeker, scientist, and activist, making her both a role model and a trailblazer. Abby and Julie’s mixture of humility, humor, and genuine curiosity make this episode accessible and inspiring for surfers and land-lovers alike.

---

Find Katie McConnell:

• Instagram: @katiemcconnell / Katie Marr
• For sponsorship or connection: DM, mention the podcast

Hosts:

• Abby Wambach: @abbywambach
• Julie Foudy: @juliefoudy
• Show: @welcometothepartyshow

Tagline:

“Bring it in, Party People. First Party Rule: have a sh*t ton of fun.”

---

Transcript

[A]

There's definitely this, like, feeling of, like, okay, man versus nature. We're going out to conquer a big wave. There are more women now than ever before. They are hard charging, expertly skilled.

[B]

I paddle on a surfboard a lot, and every once in a while, I get to stand up and I fall a lot.

[C]

Surfing is a young person's sport, that's for sure. As you get into your 50s, the pop is not so popping. Attention.

[B]

The party is to commence.

[C]

Welcome to the party. What's up, party people? I'm Julie Foudy.

[B]

I'm Abby Wambach. Hi, Jules.

[C]

Hi, Abs. How are you?

[B]

I'm really good. You know, it's so interesting because I'm, like, doing more things outside of the house.

[C]

Good. That's always good.

[B]

Yeah, no, it. Like, it takes more effort. I'm feeling more filled up by it.

[C]

Good. Are you surfing? Because we have a big surfer on. Is that part of your outdoor exercises?

[B]

I. I cannot tell you how excited I am to talk to Katie.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah. Because you're, like, a legit surfer. I mean, I just dabble in it a little bit and wear my flannels so I look like it.

[B]

I. I wouldn't say that. I'm a surfer. I. I go out there and I try really hard, like, and I'm not being, like. I'm not being, like, uber humble either. Like, surfing is so hard.

[C]

Oh, God, it is so hard.

[B]

And, like, in Southern California, where I live, the break isn't, like, long. Like, you don't have a lot of. Like, it's called shore break. So, like, the waves are breaking right on the shore. So. So, like, it has to be a particularly good day. And also, you have to stand up, and then you have to get down really quickly. Otherwise, like, you're on the shore.

[C]

Well, see, that's why you need to come to San Clemente. Then we have two of the best longboarding breaks in the world.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

In Doheny and Sano. San Onofre.

[B]

San Onofre.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. I wonder what that drive. It's like, an hour down. It's an hour south of me.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

From la. But, like. Yeah. There's something so connecting, like, spiritually connecting to the Earth when I'm surfing because it's one of, like, those few sports you can do that the Earth literally moves you, you know?

[C]

So true.

[B]

And, like, you have to be in connection with the ocean to, I think, really understand, like, the movement of the waves and the way that they. The way that it's supposed to happen. And it's really hard, like, to get the. The popping up motion. Like, I'm a slow popper upper, which makes surfing very difficult for me. So the way that I like to call myself is I am a paddler. I paddle on a surfboard a lot. And every once in a while I get to stand up and I fall a lot.

[C]

Surfing is a young person's sport, that's for sure. Because the pop, like you talked about, is something. As you get into your 50s, the pop is not so popping.

[B]

Yeah. But the other thing too, Jules, that, like, I've just been kind of dabbling into. Have you heard of stand up paddle surfing?

[C]

Yeah, I do. That's what I actually do. Because you don't have to start in a. In a position where you have to pop up. You're already up. That's actually what I love. At Sano, I'll do that. You go to the very end of Sano and you can do that. And it's. I mean, it's still hard because you're having to paddle out still. I mean, but you have your paddle. But it's so fun. It is really fun.

[B]

It's so fun.

[C]

My niece, Shay Foudy, is all into. She's a rad surfer and an awesome paddleboarder. She's all into that foil surfing. Have you seen that?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That's where you, like, pump it. Underneath it has that big rod that goes down and it catches the current.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

It's crazy.

[B]

It has, like, the fin that goes into the water.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And the fin literally lifts your board up off the water. So all that's in contact with the ocean is the. I don't know what they call it. You said fin, so I'm going to. It's like the.

[C]

Yeah. I don't think the wing.

[B]

They call it the wing.

[C]

They do. Okay. The wing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And it catches the current underneath it, which is what gets you.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And like, imagine electric motor on it, I think.

[B]

Imagine, like they have those too. Yeah, I think they have the e.

[C]

Foil more for my.

[B]

Oh, I guess it's a foil. It's not just a wing. It's a foil that's going down. Yeah.

[C]

Do they call it a foil? Maybe they call it a foil. Okay.

[B]

Foil and wing.

[C]

That makes sense.

[B]

Um, yeah. But it's just, like, so awesome to be out there. And there's never a day that I'm out in the ocean.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Where a seal or a dolphin will swim by. That I'm not just like. I'm just, like, marveling at that.

[C]

True.

[B]

It's a little scary at first, but then you start getting used to them and you're just like. And it never gets old. Never one time in five years that I've been in the water, like, I'm just like, this is so.

[C]

And you see, like, why it is literally a spiritual experience for people because of that. And I get that. Yeah. I wish I had started a lot earlier. And I, you know, I was born and raised pretty close to the ocean, so I did a ton in the ocean, like boogie boarding and body surfing, but. Because I just never saw any other women doing it. Even my brothers. My older brothers were surfers. And I never thought, oh, I could surf, because I didn't see it.

[B]

Annoying.

[C]

Yeah, I didn't see it. And now you look out at the lineup, which is what they call where the waves break. They call that the lineup is like half women and half men. And it's great. I'm like, oh, I wish I had. Because when you learn as a child, it's much easier as an adult.

[B]

It really is.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Did you teach your kiddos how to surf?

[C]

Yes, for sure. Izzy is a. Is a really good longboarder. And Declan says he can surf, but he's more like me. He's more like a body surfer, boogie boarder.

[B]

Amazing. And you know the women. The World Surf League that the women compete in, you know that that's equal pay, right, Jules?

[C]

Yeah. That's awesome. I know. I love that they got that in 2019. Yeah, they had a lot of women surfers fighting for it. Of course, it always takes a huge fight, but good for them. For the wsl, the World Surf League.

[B]

And Jules, our guest today is not surfing the little waves outside here in Southern California. She is surfing mega waves, like skyscraper sized waves. I cannot wait to hear big waves. Why she does this.

[C]

Abs. You know how I feel about Vuori. It's. It just understands what we actually want to wear. I am not trying to choose between comfort movement and looking put together. I want all three.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

And that's exactly why, as you know, I'm obsessed with their dream knit performance. Joggers. In fact, I have them on right now. Can you see them?

[B]

Yeah, baby, let's. Cute.

[C]

I don't know if you could see that, but my cute little pink, pink pear. The fabric is crazy smooth. It's lightweight, it's breathable, and literally one of the softest things I've ever put on my body. And yes, they. They do somehow feel like pajamas. But here's the trick. They look polished enough for errands, zoom calls. Except that you can't see that usually. Or a quick workout, which means I end up wearing them all day and even to bed. We've had this discussion. Vori is an investment in your happiness. For our listeners. They are offering 20 off your first purchase. So get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the [e-mail] welcome to the party. That's V-U-O-R-I.com welcome to the party. Exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions. And not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but you get free shipping on any US orders over 75 and free return. So go to Vuori.com welcome to the party and discover the versatility of Vuori. Clothing exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.

[B]

Okay, so Jules Peloton is shaping the future of fitness with the brand new Peloton cross training Tread plus power. It's the most incredible thing. It's powered by Peloton iq.

[C]

Yeah. Have it. It is amazing. And as you can imagine, abs, I'm pretty particular about how I work out because I can't just like run on my own anymore. I can't just run like that. Like, obviously we spent our life doing that and training that way, but it is the hardest thing and I won't do it. I just won't. I won't do it anymore. It's not enjoyable. And that's why this new Peloton Tread plus is amazing, because you get all the classes, of course, in front of you, so you feel like you're in a class, but you can totally mix things up. You're not just running. You can swivel that screen and you can get off and start doing a little boot camp on the side. It's so cool. The swivel. I was like, what?

[B]

It's the best. Also, it's been a game changer for me because, like you, I can't run, but I can't run because I have foot problems. And so the tread and the forgiving nature of the actual tread helps me to be able to actually move. I can walk on there, I can get an incline on there. I can swivel that screen. But I think what I love most is that the screen swivels in a way where I can guide and I can do the pilates on the ground. I can do weightlifting. I'm like, literally looking at this Peloton plus tread. It's.

[C]

It's just it's in your basement. It's down in your basement. My wife loves it.

[B]

Seriously, I'm stunned how much I actually didn't know I needed this. It mixes up my weekly routine. It's guide guides by instructors. Like, I feel like I've got friends and I've got trainers on my side now.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. I love it too. I love it. So let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and go.

[B]

It does it all.

[C]

Explore the new peloton cross training tread [e-mail] New Year Jules New energy.

[B]

Yes. And Cozy Earth makes finding that fresh start feeling so, so easy. Jules Their new Baja bedding set is just stunning. It's their first fully matching collection. Sheets, duvet, quilt, coverlet. Everything works together. And the fabric, it's premium, breathable and reversible so you can switch things up without having to buy more. And then there are the luxe bath towels. These are outrageously soft. They're this blend of cotton and bamboo so they feel plush and super absorbent. They also look beautiful. We are in a golden age of towel technology, folks. Best of all, Cozy Earth makes it risk free with a hundred night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty. Start the new year off right and give your home the luxury it deserves and make home the best part of Life. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code WTTP for up to 20 off. And if you get a post purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here. Refresh your routines with comfort that make every day feel like a new year.

[C]

And now party people, to the parties part of our party. This one is rad. Our guest is one of the top big wave surfers in the world, which means she paddles or gets towed into towering walls of water. Most surfers honestly never even consider surfing in conditions where timing and judgment and calm can literally be the difference between life and death. And she didn't even grow up on the surfing circuit. She came up through the ocean itself. Lifeguard training, marine biology, and SC diving. We'll get into all that. Katie McConnell didn't even start her pro surfing career until 2020. Two years later she was on the podium at Red Bull Magnitude, earned rookie of the year honors, and she's been on the podium at every major big wave events since. She's a scientist, a National Geographic explorer, a fierce advocate for the ocean, constantly wrestling with the tension between chasing swells and protecting the planet that makes all of this possible. And we're going to talk about the Adrenaline, the fear, the discipline it takes to surf waves where literally there's no room for error. And how Katie's pushing open doors for women in one of the most extreme sports on the planet. Katie McConnell, welcome to the party. Yes, to the party.

[B]

Katie. My gosh.

[A]

Hello, party people.

[C]

Katie, what you do is insane. Abby and I have been watching the documentary you told us to watch, 100 foot wave. And if y' all haven't seen it. Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Yeah, I've been watching it for a while, though. I'm actually, like, a fan of yours and, like, a fan of surfing and big wave surfers, mostly because it's something I know that I couldn't do. But you're just freaking. You're just. I can't. I can't tell you how much I am inspired by you. Why did you get into big wave surfing? Like, what was the pull to it?

[A]

First and foremost, when I started surfing, I was in high school. I grew up in Encinitas, California, which is a small coastal town in North County, San Diego. And my family, we would go to the beach and stuff growing up, but I didn't start, like, surfing, and I didn't catch my first wave where things clicked until I was in high school. And from there on out in that community, starting at like, 15 and a half or 16, that's starting pretty late. And so, you know, I was never part of, like, the cool surface kids on the surf team or anything. I didn't really compete until I just did some, like, body surfing competitions when I was a lifeguard. And it was more just. Just for fun, you know, and. But there's something about it where, especially I think for me at that time, surfing was such a healthy outlet as a teenager, and it was such a place of soulless and then feeling good in myself and in my body and building confidence and just, like, getting bathed by salt water and getting rolled, you know, it just is. Just feels great, you know? And so I think that really got into my core, and it's something that I naturally looked for wherever I went throughout my life. I also love a challenge. And so it was just kind of like, I started small, you know, once I figured out how to navigate, you know, I caught the biggest wave of my life yet, and I made it, and it was fun and I survived. And then the next day I would go a little bit bigger and a little bit bigger, and it just turned into this, like, runaway experiment that just got, like, so wildly out of control. It's an active relationship with a real like alive entity. It's everything. The ocean can feel like a teacher can feel like a friend. It can sometimes feel like it's in a bad mood and it just wants you out of there. And you and you and you respect and, you know, it's everything. And so I think part of that is going into it with, at least for me, going into it with an open mind and open ears and listening. And that's kind of where you enter almost that space spirit realm.

[B]

Okay. I just have to like circle back and like, let's stop and get grounded in what is like a big wave. Like, what do you consider a big wave? And I would love for you to explain to the party people the difference between like paddling into a wave versus getting towed into a wave. And like, what is the, what is the barometer that you're like, no, today is a toe in day rather than a paddle in day.

[A]

Wow, those are excellent questions. So I also am a teacher and I teach little kids and adults and surf lessons. And so, you know, really for somebody surfing a big wave is relative to their skill level and confidence level given the conditions of the day. But in the sport of big wave surfing, a big wave tends to start at around a 20 foot face. Paddling versus towing. So paddling is where it's just kind of like regular surfing. There's one surfer on their surfboard using their own two arms to position themselves and paddle into the biggest wave they can find and ride it the best and most stylishly they can. Towing is really interesting and rapidly evolving field where there is a jet ski driver with a surfer on the back being literally towed in like water skiing, getting whipped into these waves, Paddlers are continually pushing the boundary between when does it become too big to paddle and becomes a tow. Only session paddlers continually are pushing what's possible. For example, I mean, people only windsurfed or towed peahi jaws right here in Maui until like the early. I forget exactly which year it was, but it was the early 2000 teens when a group of guys started going out and paddling it.

[C]

Oh, really?

[A]

Yeah. It was previously thought impossible to paddle. Yeah.

[C]

And that's because you're so high up on that wave, right. Like, and then you have to drop into it, which is so steep. Jet skis kind of throw you into the sweet spot, right?

[B]

True.

[A]

And when these waves become so massive, they often are moving so quickly that they kind of like create their own weather system in a way. So you're paddling into a wave and unless it's like soup. Even if it's like dead, glassy, no wind. They're compressing so much air as they're going forward and you are like contending with this like jet of blinding wind coming up the face. So. Oh, interesting to catch them with the speed and to position yourself and to like get through this. Like the wind and the bumps, it's, it's a lot to contend with and it's a challenge, but it's not impossible. And so with, especially in places like we see at Nazare in Portugal which is, you know the, the main setting for the 100 Foot Wave documentary. Yeah, that's where a lot of, that's where the current world records for the largest waves have been set.

[B]

What is the biggest, what is the biggest wave? Obviously estimate that you've ever surfed.

[A]

I think in general, like in a season I'll catch like a 30 foot face.

[C]

In general, no big deal.

[A]

Towing. I've gone a little taller recently. Like at Nazare, like Alemao de Marizilles towed me into a bigger one. Probably above, solidly above 40ft on the face last year.

[B]

That was cool. Tell us about Nazare. Like why does this place produce the biggest wave on the planet?

[A]

Nazare is one of a couple like canyon fueled big waves in the world. So one of the most, it's just the most amazing place. And if you like would like to ever go watch big wave surfing in person, it is an excellent place to go. So you have this kind of peninsula with the lighthouse on it, this classic red lighthouse and then this big beach, sandy beach all the way to the north called Praja the Norge. And so it's kind of, it's facing the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal. And so you get these winter swells generated from storms that are swirling back up towards Ireland usually and they send wave energy that comes down in the northwest direction. Well, right next door, protruding off the backside of the lighthouse is a super deep submarine canyon. But what that does is there's a flat finger of the canyon where at the correct swell angle, the energy enters the canyon and then gets bent back around and shot back at the wave. So it's a really crazy experience where you get constructive interference where the predominant swell direction coming in rejoins with this new like canyon pushed out wave and it creates those like tall tepees because it's literally two different waves combining to get so tall. It's awesome.

[C]

And they call it like they called it in the film, a sea monster. Right. It just like comes up.

[A]

It's so true, like, and it's a little. I think that's why Nazareth is so scary to people, because it. In the water, in the lineup, it can feel a little chaotic and, like, there's no safe place to be. I remember when the first clips were coming out, I didn't even surf big waves at the time, but I was with my housemates and we were just like. Like the wave doesn't even fit in the screen. And they're like, out beyond the lighthouse.

[B]

And the person is puny, like you.

[A]

Said, these puny humans out there.

[C]

Describe the feeling, because I. I imagine I'm thinking in my head, why in the hell would anyone do this? This seems insane.

[B]

Insane.

[C]

Like, describe to me the emotion of what riding a big wave feels like, because that has to be why you keep coming back for it, right?

[A]

Well, you know what's interesting is I find that every single person has their own approach. So it's like, very personal. So there's definitely this, like, feeling of, like, okay, man versus nature. We're going out to conquer a big wave. You know, for me personally, it's more of this idea of I'm going out to practice getting in harmony with nature and, like, have a relationship with the ocean. But, yeah, I just love it when there's so much energy in the water. Like, it's really electrifying. And I just love even to just be out in the lineup on these days when the ocean is really doing its thing. There's no freer feeling in the world where you're so present in the moment and then you have like, this now. That's when the art happens. You know, it's like, that's when the dance begins. And it's just so exciting and so thrilling.

[B]

Okay, I want to dig into the fear part a little bit because I think that, you know, I've been kind of obsessed with this throughout my life because I've been kind of a person who doesn't. I don't want to say fall victim, but I don't experience fear in my body often. And it has absolutely allowed me to do wonderful things in my life and be a risk taker. And it's also gotten me in some trouble. How do you work with the fear of what you're up against? Because you're not just like, oh, I'm gonna win this day or lose this day. You're like, I'm gonna live this day or die this day.

[A]

For me personally, I think it's always just. It's just this natural Thing for me where I just love it. And so in a way, like the love kind of always overcomes the fear at some point. And because I love it and I would like to keep doing it for a long time because I also love life. Like I don't have a death wish, you know, I, I want to be smart about things and I want to see how far can I really take things. It's like I approach it with curiosity always, but I think in order to overcome the fear, you know, it's like I really get down into, into that. Why? And it's really just, just the love of it. Like on like the mind, body, spirit level, it really kind of unifies the three of them into this really amazing holistic experience because it takes strength, it takes some smarts. And in surfing, you know, a lot of times we say, like, man, I'm so stoked, I caught a great wave today. I'm glad I had an opportunity to connect with the sea.

[C]

And for us it's like, oh my gosh, that four foot wave that came in that set almost took me out, right? And thinking like, we've all understood the power of mother Nature in a moment where you get crunched under a wave. But that's what blows my mind is like you're, it's like 10 times that or a hundred times that in terms of size and force and what I mean, even just looking at on tv, the force of Nazare, in terms of just how it, when it smacks against the rocks and it's like the TV is vibrating almost, that is what just blows my mind with what you guys are, are doing. I know also, Katie, that you have been very vocal in advocating for equality with women big wave surfers.

[A]

You know, Big wave surfing is at this transition phase where there isn't a World championship track. Currently, traditional traveling around the world to accrue points to become the World Championship has fizzled out for paddle surfing. And now there is a rebirth of that under an entity called the Big Wave alliance, which is actually from the brains of the same guy who started the original Big Wave World Tour, Gary Lyndon. And it's a really interesting concept because it decentralizes the tour into a bunch of worldwide events that identify their local champions who will then go on to battle it out at a final world Championship event. And so there have been events going on around the world for the last two years, but we're looking for our world championship event. Like we've got a bunch of local champions and so it still is kind of Nebulous and to be defined, which is a really exciting time. It's an opportunity to help shape and create this new league. Basically there are more women now than ever before and there are more and more all of the time. And they're not just like dabbling. They are hard charging, expertly skilled, super motivated women from all over the world. The reason I've been able to compete and participate even is because I just nerd out so hard on it. And I try and stay abreast of every competition I've ever heard of and as soon as I see an announcement there's a competition, I'm, I'm like emailing them and pinging them like, hey, hey, are you, are there, are there going to be women in it? If so, I would like to participate. Are you going to have a women's division? I can wrestle up a bunch of girls, you know, and it still is a little bit tricky at times, you know, for sometimes they, they only invite a few of us, sometimes they don't really know where to put us. And so one thing that has, it.

[C]

Has to be hard as well for, for women to afford that, right? Because isn't a lot of it just dependent on the swell? And so you are suddenly having to buy a flight to follow a swell like because, because obviously you need the big waves and then so there's no like set date for when, you know, like it's a little disruptive, I guess in life.

[A]

Yes, it's, it's, it's tricky to hold down a real job that doesn't have the same flexibility because the ocean is so tricky to predict. Usually the way they announce a Big wave competition is they have a waiting window that's about a month or two or even an entire season. And so at any point during that time, if the stars align with the swell, size, direction and conditions, they could call it on. One thing I would like to at least a small win is. Although ideally we have equal participation of men and women someday, at least for now, what has worked really well is having a finals heat. So they have the competition and we have six or seven women, including at least one local regional woman. And they put on like a whole, like we have our whole heat, we have a whole division to ourselves. And so if organizers in the, you know, these future Big Wave alliance events had, you know, our list or we, you know, they just reached out immediately and we could plan a little bit more even just to know that we were invited, it would, it would make a huge difference to have at least Six women and six alternates. That way, it's like, we're for sure. And we. We for sure have 12 women in the whole world that could do that. And that's one of the things that I've heard is like, there's just not enough women. And I sat down the other day and I, like, took five minutes and I thought of, like, a list of 30, so.

[C]

And it took you five minutes. That's always the excuse, too, Katie. Like, this is. This is the world that we women, female athletes live in is like, well, no one cares about it, or there's not enough. I mean, there's so many excuses that they're going to put out there. So you keep on fighting that because there are enough. Clearly, in five minutes, you put 30 together.

[B]

Do you have a job right now? Are you. Are you sponsored enough to not be able to have to work? Like, what is your life like there?

[A]

There are a few of a select few surfers who are able to surf for a living and focus on surfing, but it usually comes, you know, with other, you know, aspects of, like, photo shoots and product placement and stuff. I. I am actively searching for sponsorships and I do have a few that are really helping. You know, like Finister and of course, Gary Linden has shaped my surfboards and. And that's a huge, you know, equipment help and. But yeah, I'm actively searching for additional sponsorships. So right now I do juggle several jobs as both a substitute teacher, I teach surf lessons, I do some gig work in the nonprofit and conservation sphere, and pretty much whatever I can get my, my little paws on, I'll do.

[C]

Yep. Right. Word. We're there for you. This is the start of it. How can. How can the party people help? What can we do to help with that?

[A]

Honestly, if anybody is. Is interested in the Big Wave alliance or any more of these events, and honestly, I'm open. If anybody wants to talk with me more about this, you know, you can reach out to me, my Instagram. You can find me with my name, Katie McConnell or Katie Marr is the tag, and I can help connect. Anybody, if anybody, would like to support as a partner or a sponsor for these events. If anybody wants to talk about what women in the world would be incredible athletes to partner with and support, really, anything, I'm there for it.

[C]

Abs, here's what I've learned the hard way. When you run a business, I mean, and you know this. Well, doing it yourself quietly turns into doing absolutely everything yourself.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

And eventually that stops feeling brave and scrappy. And it starts feeling exhausting, as you know. And that's why QuickBooks has been such a relief. Because QuickBooks gives you an actual team, AI agents and trusted experts. So doing it yourself no longer means doing it alone. I am such a fan of that. Accepting the support you and your business so critically need and deserve. And there's a reason so many people trust QuickBooks, right? Everything works together. It's all in one place. The data is connected. Your books stay accurate. You actually get real insights you can use in real time. So instead of just juggling a million tools and kind of guessing your way through things, you get to make smart, confident decisions about your business. Outdo it with Intuit QuickBooks. Learn more about Intuit [e-mail] this show.

[B]

Is brought to you by Shipt. With Shipt, same day delivery, I never worry about how I'm going to get my shopping done for a few reasons. Honestly, it's because shipped just gives me my time back. And on days when everything's stacked, Jules, like work and family stuff, like, I don't have time to carve out an extra hour to run errands.

[C]

Same.

[B]

I can order groceries and household things and it all shows up the same day from stores nearby. This is the gift to all mothers. Mothers unite. Shoppers are incredibly thoughtful and detail oriented. And you can text them one on one, which is huge for me because I'm particular. Like, I have very specific feelings about produce, especially bananas. And I can actually say, hey, not too green, not too ripe. Save. They get it. I don't understand. Like, why would you get me green bananas?

[C]

Yes. So green. They're like, that's.

[B]

Or. So it's like 12 days to ripen anyways. Plus, with an annual ship membership, you can order as often as you want, get zero delivery fees on orders over $35, unlock exclusive deals, and even request your favorite shoppers again. Download the app or order now at Shipt.com that's S-H-I-P-T.com.

[C]

Katie, we will be cheering you on. We will be doing whatever we can to keep talking about this. And thank you for all the incredible, incredible work that you're doing in this space. Because as we've lived and as the King has lived, like, it takes people like you who care deeply about this advocating for it on a daily basis. And that is no easy task, as we know well. So thanks for continuing the fight to get more women out there in the water surfing these big waves as puny humans.

[B]

Totally.

[A]

Yeah. And it's just been so great to talk with you too. Thanks so much for the opportunity, and thanks so much for everything you've done in your careers. You basically, you know, built the world that you could thrive in from the ground up, and that has set so many precedents for women like me to be able to continue to thrive. And so, yeah, it's so awesome. And thanks so much.

[B]

Yeah. Just think about 10 years from now, and big wave surfing for women is going to be a thing, and you'll be in our position, podcasting, going, gosh, look at what I helped create. I believe it. But honestly, like, from. From this surfer to. I wouldn't even call myself a surfer talking to you.

[C]

We're all surfers, Abby, even those of us that stink, like myself. Yes, I would love surf.

[B]

I would love to find you at some point and to get out in the water and paddle. I'll paddle and you'll surf is what I'll do.

[C]

That would be amazing. I'm in on that. I want in.

[A]

I'll have to come see you in SoCal. My whole family's still there. Yeah, that'd be super fun.

[C]

Or even better, we'll all go to Maui. Let's go to SoCal. Cold water. I want the Hawaii water.

[B]

That's right. That's right.

[C]

Okay, party pose on three. Katie, it's the last thing we do. Whatever your party pose is. I might do a surfer pose, but on three. Are you ready?

[A]

I'm ready.

[C]

Party pose on three. One, two, three.

[B]

Jules, I am kind of rethinking my whole life in terms of risk management.

[C]

Oh, okay.

[B]

I'm, like. I'm, like, sweating. I love this woman. And also, do you think that you could have a life where, like, let's say I was like, hey, Jules, we're gonna do a podcast, and. And we're gonna record it, but I need you to block off the entire month of January for the one podcast.

[C]

Right? Because we don't know when we're gonna do it exactly.

[B]

Like, how in the hell do they live like that? That is so incredible. And then they get, like, these. These alerts that it's, like, red, green, yellow, and, like, maybe it's gonna happen and maybe it's not, because it's all based on whether the waves are actually coming.

[C]

Here's my thought. I thought you were gonna go to this. That every time we record a podcast and that red light saying recording comes on, you may not live through that session of recording that podcast. You could actually die. How. How does that. I mean, that's essentially what they're facing every time they go out there. I mean, it is. I don't. It is. It takes a different breed, that's for sure. You got to be far braver than the. I am. I'm like, yeah, no, I don't want to die for a podcast. I don't.

[B]

Me neither, by the way. I mean, but, like, what does it. What kind of a spirit is a person who wants to live on that edge, on the line of life and death so closely and so often? Like, you know, when I was in my 20s, I think I had a lot more risk tolerance than when I'm now in my 40s. Like, I. It feels so incredible to me. It feels so otherworldly. It's like. It's like she's from outer space, you know, like. But she's a human. She's a real person. And doing this.

[C]

Did we check? Because we couldn't. Maybe she's not.

[B]

I love her. She's so great.

[C]

I want to. Next time I meet her, I'm gonna pinch her. I'm like, are you for real? So brave. And. And. And doing amazing things, too. Like, she's. She's lived a life. Good for her. Yeah, good for her. All right, party people, don't forget to subscribe to the welcome to the party YouTube channel. Click that little bell. I. That when new episodes come out, you can actually see us. How fun.

[B]

Also, if you wouldn't mind, we really read all the comments, and while you're there, rate us. Leave a comment. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your podcast. And also be sure to follow us on Tik Tok and Instagram at welcome to the Party show, where Julie, Billy, and I will bring the party straight to your feed. Shout out. Kate Diaz. We love our theme music so much. Jules, bring it in. All right, ready?

[C]

Pause in.

[B]

I'll do it.

[C]

Yeah, sure.

[B]

All right. USA on three. One, two, three. I think we're getting it.

[C]

So close.

[B]

We're so there. Welcome to the Party is an independent production brought to you by Treat Media. Treat Media makes art for humans who want to stay human. Silver Tribe is our production partner, and you can also watch our full conversations on the welcome to the party YouTube channel and follow us at welcome to the Party show on Instagram and Tick Tock.