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Nelly's Magic Moments PodcastAuthor: David Nelson & Brian Upton
Dave Nelly Nelson is a globally published veteran surf and skate photographer with countless magazine covers and spreads to his name. After spending years as a senior photographer at TransWorld Surf Magazine, Dave now shoots freelance for domestic and international publications.Major action sports brands such as Vans, ONeill, Fox, and Reef commonly contract Dave to shoot on location for trips locally and abroad.As one of the best action water photographers in the world, he is usually in the right place at the right time to produce the goods. Daves relationships and mutual respect with some of the most elite athletes in the world give him access to the best action at the best spots.Daves dedication to the sports of surfing and skateboarding is matched by his values as a person. A true family man, Dave cares about is daughter and wife as much as he cares for his community of Santa Cruz. A consummate role model for young athletes coming out of his hometown, Dave has helped pave the way for some of the best young talent in Nor Cal. Language: en-us Genres: Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode #014: Isla Hardy
Episode 14
Monday, 14 July, 2025
From being a nervous beginner to competing on the international stage, 14-year-old surf prodigy Isla Hardy opens up in this laid-back, inspiring chat. She opens up on the podcast about how she went from crying on tiny waves and getting physically sick from nerves to landing airs at major events like Stab High in Japan—all with a calm confidence way beyond her years.What makes Isla really stand out isn’t just how quickly she’s progressing, but her attitude. She keeps things real when it comes to competition and failure, and shares her simple but powerful mental trick: “goldfish brain”—the ability to let go of mistakes instantly. Visualization is another key part of her prep, and hearing her explain how it helps her stay focused is honestly impressive.The convo also dives into Isla’s time surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii, competing at nationals, and growing up in the close-knit surf scene in Santa Cruz. Through it all, one theme keeps coming up: joy. “The biggest thing for me is having joy, so that’s kind of what I try to put out,” Isla says. And it’s clear—that mindset is what keeps her grounded and loving the sport.One of the coolest parts? How she and her friends manage being both fierce competitors and close buddies. “We leave it in the water,” she says, showing a level of maturity many adult athletes could learn from.Whether you're a surfer, a sports parent, or just curious about how young athletes grow, Isla’s story offers a fun, thoughtful look at what it means to chase success without losing sight of what you love. Want more? Check out her new YouTube channel, Scratching the Surface, to follow her journey.
