Tom Lowe has had more than his fair share of horrific wipeouts surfing big waves.
A few come to mind immediately: Puerto’s Finest Wipeout and Holy Shit, There’s a JetSki in My Way. But Lowe is willing to pay to play, and it’s safe to assume that he probably doesn’t look at wipeouts the same way a normal surfer does. His wipeouts are so far beyond imagining for the average Joe – which is why his waves are, too.
“Chasing big surf brings out the best and the worst in me,” he explained. “Every swell, I learn so much about myself, nature, and other people. It prioritizes the important things in life, washes away the clutter, and makes me appreciate the moments that matter. Never am I more clear than around heavy waves, truly living in the present.”
He’s made quite the name for himself over the years, which is why Nate Florence and Koa Rothman invited him to sit down for an episode of their aptly named podcast, Nate & Koa Podcast. Over the course of their hour-or-so long conversation, the trio talks about Lowe’s near-death experience, some of his many wipeouts, what it’s like surfing Pipeline as a non-local, and a whole lot more.
