When you think of surfing at its purest, it’s more than just waves — it’s the stories behind them. That’s what Childe Eyewear ambassador Soli Bailey is bringing to life in his new YouTube series, Talking Story.
The series dives deep into Soli’s experiences chasing waves around the world — the highs, the beatings, the culture, and the friendships forged along the way. Born out of one of the toughest chapters in his career, Talking Story is Soli’s way of sharing the raw and real behind the life of a world-class surfer.
Episode 1: Heavy Slabs in Ireland
The series opens in the freezing waters of Ireland, where Soli and crew take on one of Europe’s heaviest slabs. Picture cold winds, dark seas, and slabs that unload with bone-rattling force.
Late drops, proper beatings, and a few rides that made it all worth it — this was surfing at its rawest. The session tested more than just skill; it demanded grit and resilience. But between the wipeouts came good waves, good mates, good Guinness, and memories that made the mission worthwhile.
Episode 2: The Biggest Air of My Life
From the icy Atlantic to the tropical perfection of Indonesia, the second episode shifts gears to Lance’s Right and HT’s. Warm water, perfect ramps, and mechanical walls set the stage for some of the best surfing on the planet.
Here, Soli breaks down one of the biggest airs he’s ever landed — a moment every surfer dreams of — all while sharing the lineup with one of his childhood heroes, Jordy Smith. It’s the kind of surf trip that fuels the fire, blending progression, camaraderie, and the pure stoke of chasing waves with friends.
Born from Adversity
The inspiration for Talking Story came after Soli suffered a serious neck injury while surfing in Hawaii earlier this year. What began as discomfort soon revealed itself as something far more dangerous — a ruptured cervical disc pressing against his spinal cord, causing compression and symptoms in his arms.
In that moment, Soli saw not only his surfing career, but his future flash before his eyes. The path forward was filled with uncertainty: countless scans, medical opinions, and difficult setbacks. Ultimately, spinal surgery was the only way forward.
On the other side of surgery, Soli has something he hadn’t felt in months — hope. Hope for recovery, for a return to full health, and eventually, for a return to the waves as one of the sport’s true chargers. Talking Story is his way of sharing that journey: the highs, the lows, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward.
The Road Ahead
This is just the beginning for Talking Story. With each episode, Soli will take us deeper into the world of surfing — from the heavy slabs to the dream sessions, from wipeouts to triumphs. It’s more than just waves; it’s about the people, the cultures, and the life lessons that come with dedicating yourself to the ocean.
At Childe Eyewear, we’re proud to support Soli not just as an ambassador, but as a storyteller and inspiration. His journey embodies our ethos: Future is Nature — bold, resilient, and always connected to the world around us.
Special thanks goes out to Soli's incredible support crew including his fiancé Alex, family, sponsors and brilliant medical team.
👉 Subscribe to Talking Story and follow Soli’s journey here
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