EP 15: PAIGE ALMS – The swell that changed everything, Becoming a 2x Big Wave World Champ & 3x Pe’ahi Challenge Winner, Albee Layer changing the game, Beating Carissa Moore in junior comps, Big wave guns vs twin fins, and Developing a cold-water allergy

2x Big Wave World Champion and 3x Peʻahi Challenge winner Paige Alms joins Conner Coffin on the 805 Beer Cold Beer Surf Club. Coming from the 2025 Big Wave Awards in Newport Beach, CA, Paige reflects on the moments that defined her career and the tight-knit big-wave community that feels like family every time they come together. From getting caught inside by a 60-foot set during a contest, to foiling between Hawaiian islands, to surfing “by braille” in giant conditions, Paige breaks down what it means to be a true waterwoman. She recalls the “swell that changed everything” at Jaws, and reflects on her mentorship under the late, great Chris Vandervoort, and the pioneers who paved the way – legends like Marcio Freire, Yuri Soledade, and Deniro Couto. She highlights how Shane Dorian and Ian Walsh pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, and gives props to the next generation, Albee Layer, Kai Lenny, Matt Meola, and more, for carrying the torch and taking big-wave surfing into the future. She shares why she believes Peʻahi is the best big wave on the planet, breaks down her favorite boards for charging Jaws, and opens up about developing a cold-water allergy that forced her to rethink recovery and preparation. She talks about her early “claim to fame” moment beating Carissa Moore in junior NSSA contests and winning a national title, and how those battles shaped her competitive fire. She dives into the progression of women’s surfing across every discipline, the wins and wipeouts that shaped her journey, and what’s next as she balances chasing swells with mentoring the next generation. New episodes drop every month. Follow, subscribe, and join the Club now. Follow Conner Coffin. Follow Paige Alms. Follow 805 Beer. Get the latest 805 Beer content, the gear, and of course, the beer. Join the conversation, follow the league, and stay updated on all things WSL.

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.