How can we fall back into the excitement of not knowing what a surf session could bring us? Where have we lost the thrill of the search for the unexpected? When have we replaced the water surface with...

In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we welcome NYC big wave surfer Pete ‘Luigi’ Shaw. Raised in New York, Pete's journey from local waves to conquering some of the world's biggest breaks, like Nazaré and Teahupo'o, showcases unparalleled grit and determination. Pete shares his experiences paddling out solo, his method of managing fear, and his approach to surfing's evolving culture. We  discuss the highs, the near misses, and the relentless passion that drives Pete to chase monster waves around the globe. we’re diving into big waves, fear, resilience, community, and what drives someone to paddle out with nothing but heart and a helmet that occasionally slips over his eyes.  Follow Pete on Instagram @saltypetv and YouTube for a glimpse into his wild adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@saltypetetv  The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  For more information, you can follow https://www.instagram.com/swellseasonsurfradio/ on Instagram or go to our website: https://www.swellseasonsurf.com/  Music:  Artist: T.S.O.L Song: It’s Too Late Album: Hit & Run 00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast 01:38 Meet Pete Shaw: The Gritty New York Surfer 03:26 Big Wave Adventures and Solo Surfing 06:43 Early Surfing Days and Inspirations 12:04 Pioneering Big Wave Surfing in New York 22:51 The Journey to Surfing Jaws and YMA 32:52 First Encounters with Nazaré 38:12 Navigating the Lineup 39:04 Catching the Monster Wave 41:32 Challenges of Big Wave Surfing 42:24 Breaking into the Big Wave Community 45:06 Paddle Surfing vs. Tow Surfing 48:20 Building a Team and Trust 59:41 Managing Fear in Big Waves 01:07:07 Surfing in New York and Family Ties 01:13:20 The Evolution of Big Wave Surfing