The Latest Episode Drop Is Here
In Episode 18, of Cold Beer Surf Club, Conner Coffin catches up with Kirra Pinkerton, 2018 World Junior Champion and rising Championship Tour threat. Kirra breaks down her journey from San Clemente point breaks to charging some of the world’s heaviest waves, including Pipeline, Jaws, and slabs in Western Australia.
They dive into the pressure of CT qualification, the injuries and setbacks that come with pushing limits, and the self-belief it takes to carve your own path at the highest level. Kirra also shares how studying kinesiology helps keep her body performing through a packed season, and reflects on surfing alongside inspirations like Carissa Moore and Lakey Peterson.
A sharp, honest look at progression, big-wave confidence, and the rising level of women’s surfing.
Crack a cold one and watch the episode below.
A Foundation Built in Power
Kirra reflects on the surf education that shaped her approach… Long, open faces, high-speed lines, and a deep commitment to powerful rail surfing. Growing up chasing quality right-handers laid the groundwork for the confidence she now brings to the world’s heaviest waves.
Heavy Water, Higher Stakes
From charging Pipeline and Jaws to threading slabs in Western Australia, Kirra breaks down the mental focus and physical preparation required to perform in critical conditions. She opens up about injuries, setbacks, and how those challenges ultimately sharpened her resilience and perspective.
Living on the Edge of the CT
The conversation moves into life on the Championship Tour bubble, the pressure of qualification, the emotional swings of competition, and the self-belief it takes to stay true to your surfing while chasing results at the highest level.
From Role Models to Rivals
Kirra shares what it’s like lining up against surfers she once idolized, including Carissa Moore and Lakey Peterson. Now competing against them in heats, she reflects on how those influences helped shape her mindset, standards, and competitive fire.
Performance Beyond the Lineup
Off the board, Kirra explains how studying kinesiology has become a crucial part of her performance foundation, allowing her to train smarter, recover better, and stay durable through the grind of a full season on tour.
The Evolution of Women’s Surfing
Kirra offers thoughtful insight into the rapid progression of women’s surfing, the rising level of competition, and the momentum pushing the sport into a more powerful and progressive era.
Looking Forward
This episode offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to pursue excellence in modern professional surfing, and where Kirra Pinkerton sees her surfing, career, and impact heading next.