Nelly's Magic Moments Podcast
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, O’Neill, 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”. Dave’s 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.
Dave’s 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.
Episodes
15 episodes
Adam Replogle , Chris “Bear” Green, and Craig Young: Golden Era Surf Culture, Sobriety, Mentorship & Making Art in Santa Cruz
The room hums with old stories and new nerve. We sit with Adam Replogle , Chris “Bear” Green, and Craig Young—three Santa Cruz originals whose lives trace the arc from a golden era of surf and skate to sobriety, mentorship, and a creativ...
Kyra Joseph: From Surf Grom To Founder: Building Femme Futures And The Diva Cup
This one with Femme Futures founder Kyra Joseph isn’t just about surfing — it’s about what happens when women build the stage themselves.Kyra came up in the WindanSea scene, found grit in rodeo, found her voice in music, and found clarit...
Isla Hardy
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 physical...
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Surf's up in this thrilling episode featuring the incredibly talented Ryan "Chachi" Craig, a Santa Cruz native who's made a name for himself in the world of surf photography. Chachi shares his journey from his unconventional beginnings to becom...
Episode #013: Jacob "Zeke" Szekely
Meeting Zeke was one of those moments that just clicked—like dropping into the perfect wave out of nowhere. In this episode, we look back on our shared journey from laid-back beach days in La Jolla to some seriously heavy sessions on t...
Episode #10: Landon McNamara
When waves meet music and friendship, magic happens. This week on Nelly's Magic Moments Podcast, we welcome Landon, a long-time friend and the mastermind behind the unforgettable North Shore concert on Waihuana Farms. We explore the vibrant Nor...
Episode #009: Mikey Bruneau
Ever wondered what it’s like to ride monster waves on Hawaii’s North Shore with some of the best surfers out there? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this episode, we’re hanging out with Mikey Bruneau—an epic surfer and all-around great guy—who t...
Episode 8: Maia Negre
Ready for an inspiring dive into the creative flow? In this episode of Nelly’s Magic Moments, we’re joined by the brilliant Maia Negre, an artist whose ocean-inspired masterpieces capture the rhythm and soul of nature. From her early d...
Episode 7: Alo Slebir
Get ready for an electrifying ride as we sit down with legendary big-wave surfer Alo Slebir, known for fearlessly charging the monstrous waves at Mavericks. In this episode, Alo opens up about the impact of climate change on the w...
Episode 6: The Expendables
Geoff Weers and Adam Patterson of The Expendables join us for an exciting walk down memory lane as we celebrate their remarkable 25-year journey from childhood friends in Santa Cruz to reggae-rock icons. We were curious as to how this band's un...
Episode 5: Shawn Dollar
Imagine catching a massive wave that lands you in the Guinness Book of World Records. That's the life of Shawn Dollar, who shares his incredible journey from a young surfer to a big wave legend. With accolades like the XXL Awards, Shawn recount...
Episode 4: Remembering Barney
What if one person could truly embody the spirit of a community? Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Santa Cruz legend Shawn "Barney" Barron, a surfer whose presence was as vibrant and lively as the waves he rode. With guests like re...
Episode 3: Zoe Chait
This week, we had an unforgettable conversation with Zoe Chait, an incredible surfer (and a bit of a reluctant musician). Her journey takes us from the stunning waves of Half Moon Bay to the incredible atmosphere of Kelly Slater's Wave Pool. Th...
Episode 2: Jackson Taylor
How does a young surfer from Santa Cruz rise to become a shining star in the world of surfing? Jackson Taylor's journey from being influenced by his dad's impressive backhand technique to experimenting with cutting-edge boards by Bobby Ledesma ...
Episode 1: Pancho Sullivan
What does it take to become one of the world's best power surfers and a true ambassador of Aloha? Join us as we embark on an inspiring journey with Pancho Sullivan, whose life story begins at Taylor Camp, a unique hippie commune in Kauai, and l...