Advertise on podcast: The Progression Project

In this episode of the Progression Project, Erik sits down with Alex Aguera, founder of GoFoil and one of the true originators of modern foiling, to put the real beginning of the sport on record. From hand-building the first high-lift foil for Kai Lenny in 2015 to the now-legendary sessions that sparked surf, downwind, and everything that followed, Alex shares the firsthand story behind the viral moment that changed watersports forever. The conversation traces foiling’s Maui roots, the early experiments with Kai, Laird Hamilton, and Dave Kalama, and how curiosity, engineering intuition, and the right environment collided to create an entirely new way of riding waves. Along the way, Alex dives into para-winging, Foil Drive, modern foil design, and what it feels like to watch something you helped invent reshape lives and ocean culture around the world.

In this episode, Erik sits down with returning guest Mike Pedigo for a deep, honest, and often hilarious breakdown of the parawing learning journey. From early failed attempts and full-on frustration to breakthrough moments, gear experimentation, and real-world lessons learned the hard way, this conversation covers what it actually takes to integrate parawinging into a foiling life. They dig into board design, wind requirements, safety realities, ocean versus river dynamics, harness setups, and why para winging has fundamentally changed what’s possible on marginal days—especially on angled coastlines like Florida. Along the way, they share cautionary tales, Hood River epics, training philosophy, and why being willing to “put the white belt back on” is often the key to unlocking the next level.

In this episode of the Progression Project Podcast, Erik Antonson sits down with Lucas Schuler (@foilonly) to tell an inspiring, real-life leap-of-faith story rooted in foiling, family, and purpose. Lucas shares how he walked away from a successful social media company in Germany, moved with his wife and two young kids to the Canary Islands without a clear plan, and ultimately built a new life centered around foiling—now working with Foil Drive, coaching, and chasing big downwind adventures. From 50-kilometer crossings and island life to deeper reflections on flow states, risk, skill acquisition, and trusting your intuition, this conversation goes far beyond gear talk. It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when you fully commit to what you love—and let the process shape who you become. Hit up Lukas on instagram if you'd like to experience the Canary Islands or are looking for foil drive, wing, parawing or downwind coaching.

Erik sits down with freeride snowboarding legend and Jones Snowboards founder Jeremy Jones (@jeremyjones) to talk about how he’s become fully “foil brained” and why he sees foiling as the ultimate glide. They dive into the humbling beginner phase, flow states, and how foiling delivers big-mountain feelings with far less consequence, from Tahoe lakes to Florida downwinders. Jeremy shares how gear design can teach you, what it’s like watching his kids step into serious backcountry terrain, and how shared board sports deepen family bonds. They also touch on preparing kids for an uncertain, AI-shaped future and why following true passion—whether in the mountains, on foil, or in music—is the best long-term play.

Surf legend Gerry Lopez joins the Progression Project to talk foiling, flow, and the lifelong joy of being a beginner again. We dive into Gerry’s evolution from pioneering Pipeline to SUP, snowboarding, and now full-on foiler—unpacking how gear design serves intention, why smaller boards and foil drive setups changed his approach, and how the best surfing is a meditative state he still taps every session. He shares candid stories with Stacy Peralta, lessons from shaping, what today’s crowded Pipe looks like through his eyes, and the stoke of passing wave-riding on to his son, shaper Alex Lopez. It’s a masterclass in style, humility, and discipline—proof that chasing harmony with moving energy never gets old.

Australian downwind phenom Kai Thompson joins the Progression Project to unpack his breakout 2025 Hawaiian race season—top-five in every event and podiums in the big ones. We dive into the mindset and monster mileage that powered his leap from mid-pack to elite, including back-to-back Maliko missions, 45 km coast runs, and cross-training that would humble most athletes. Kai breaks down reading bumps vs. fitness vs. gear, shares candid lessons from M2M/M2O, and explains why start strategy and consistency win races. We also talk board/foil choices, how the Gator-style downwind boards changed his game, and why the next gear wave will push average speeds past 20 mph. If you love foiling, endurance, and the craft of getting faster, this episode is pure rocket fuel.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Matt (@foil.me.harder) for a deep dive into the state of foiling—four years since their last conversation. They talk candidly about the real costs of chasing progression, the gear that changed everything, and why some classics still hold up today. Matt breaks down how wind actually becomes the bumps we ride, shares practical forecasting tips, and reflects on how downwind has evolved into a true “infinite game.” They also touch on foil-drive, the shifting sponsorship landscape, and an upcoming SoCal race. It’s equal parts stoke, science, and honest perspective on where the sport is headed.

Today I’m joined by one of my favorite guests, waterman and innovator Dave Kalama. We dive into the story behind his new foil board, the Gator, and how it’s changing the game for efficiency and feel. Dave shares his experimental design process, from scale models to real-world testing, and we explore the crossover between creativity, discipline, and performance. We talk racing, the mental side of progression, and even how a little caffeine can give you an edge — all with Dave’s signature wisdom and stoke.

Andrew Gibbons (@long.armed.ape) is one of the top minds and riders in the downwind foiling scene. We talk about the emotional highs and lows of race season, his recent move to Maui, and his new role as an R&D designer at Naish. Andrew opens up about navigating the transition from full-time athlete to industry insider, the tension between performance and flow, and how foiling continues to evolve as both sport and art form. If you’re into design, racing, or just living an unconventional path, this one’s full of wisdom and inspiration. Let’s get into it.

Jack Ho (@jackfromtown) is a professional foil surfer based in Hawaii and one of the first true professional foilers traveling the world and documenting his adventures with F-One. Jack rips on everything—foils, shortboards, longboards, alai’a—if it rides waves, Jack sends it. His YouTube channel is a personal favorite. In this podcast, Jack shares what it’s really like to be a professional waterman, comparing the day-to-day reality to the dream.

Christian Park (@c_foils) is a foiler based in Hawaii. He's had an insane journey in the last 2 years, and foiling might have saved his life in a roundabout way. This is a crazy story of inspiration and hope. Make sure you listen to the end to hear his song, Beautiful Human. It's amazing.

Mike Pedigo is now officially on the UniFoil team and is heading up sales for Uni. He comes back on the show to discuss what he's learned from talking to all the retailers, what feels he's been chasing, his recent van build and van life, and much more. Always great to have Mike in the studio.

Josh Ku's back on the show! Since his last appearance Josh has fully committed to foiling as a profession, taking jobs with both Foil Drive and Code. With his new position he's been traveling the world and has seen the growth of foiling and all its disciplines.

Simeon and Kahi from the Voyager Foil Camps (@voyager_foiler) come back on the show after a year of running camps to share what they've learned from coaching downwind.

Zane Westwood (@zane_westwood) comes back on the show to recap his last year, the Foil Fest event that he's running, how his downwind boards have evolved, and other foil awesomeness.