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.
Santa Cruz can feel like a cheat code when you’re surrounded by waves, boards, and creative people, and that’s the energy we bring to this reboot from Sunny California Podcast Studios. We start with a real catch-up: Nelly talks through the emotional punch of selling a long-time Santa Cruz home, packing up life, and committing to the North Shore of Oahu while still flying back to shoot, work, and stay connected to the lane and the crew. Then we sit down with our guest, David McIntosh, the fou...
3 Dec 2025
Adam Ripogle, 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 Ripogle, 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 creative second wind. The first act is pure place: Capitola as a melting pot, surf movies at the Civic that packed the town, river mouth bars that made heroes, and the shortboard and skate booms documented in grainy photos and backyard ramps. It’s loud, funny, and vivi...
18 Nov 2025
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 clarity when she paddled back out in Cayucos and realized just how many women were ready to compete — if someone just opened the door. What started as a small local surf contest became something bigger — The Diva Cup Surf Invitational, a collision of surf, sound, m...
14 Jul 2025
Episode #014: 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 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...
21 May 2025
Episode 12: 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 becoming a renowned figure in capturing the vibrant essence of surf culture. Our friendship and professional collaboration form the backdrop to this engaging discussion, where we explore how diverse photographic styles can beautifully complement one another....
9 May 2025
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 the North Shore of Oahu. We talk about everything from Zeke’s insane bomb drops to that one sunrise surf that turned into an iconic poster moment. He opens up about his roots, and how growing up between La Jolla and Santa Cruz shaped his wild ride through the sur...
14 Apr 2025
Landon McNamara
19 Feb 2025
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 takes us on a wild ride through his journey from growing up on the Big Island to tackling the legendary Pipeline. Mikey shares what it was like surfing with childhood friends like CJ Kanuha and learning from the legendary Shane Dorian. We dive into the d...
23 Jan 2025
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 days of mentorship at 12 to becoming a celebrated artist in Santa Cruz, Maia shares her incredible journey of growth and transformation.We explore the magic of community festivals like the Art and Wine Festival, a true celebration of connection in today’s digital...
14 Jan 2025
Episode 7: Alo Slebir
Legendary surfer Alo Slebir shares his insights on the impact of climate change on the world's most iconic surf breaks, revealing the shifting dynamics of California's dynamic geography.
5 Dec 2024
Episode 6: The Expendables
Geoff Weers and Adam Patterson of The Expendables share their 25-year journey from childhood friends to reggae-rock icons, revealing the spontaneous creativity behind their unique sound.
14 Nov 2024
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 recounts the heart-pounding moments of riding giants at Mavericks and the remote Cortes Bank, detailing the thrill and anxiety charging monster waves. But this isn't just a tale of adrenaline; Shawn opens up about the internal tug-of-war between his passion fo...
24 Oct 2024
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 renowned surf filmmaker Josh Pomer and multi-talented artist and musician Jason “Willz” Williams, we reflect on Barney's infectious energy and his unique ability to make everyone feel at home in their own skin. Discover how Pomer’s heartfelt film "Particl...
3 Oct 2024
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. Through her storytelling, Zoe paints a vivid picture of the connections formed in the surfing world and the thrill of conquering Mavericks. Her experiences showcase the beauty of pursuing different passions and how they all blend in her adventurous life.W...
20 Sept 2024
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 and Lost speaks volumes of his dedication and passion. This episode unpacks Jackson's story, his inspirations, and his insights into the next wave of talent, including Julian Trang, Otter Punch (Kai), and Brody Price, showcasing the relentless pursuit o...
29 Aug 2024
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 leads us to the powerful waves of the North Shore of Oahu. Pancho and his longtime friend Nelly share heartfelt stories from their 30-year bond, reflecting on the deep sense of Ohana (family) that has shaped their lives. From personal relationships built...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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