Shaw Burke on surfer´s ear, surgery and why he never paddles out without SurfEars

“I Wish I’d Worn Earplugs from the Start”

29-year-old Shaw Burke grew up steeped in California surf culture. His dad rode for Donald Takayama. Shaw hung out in the Oceanside shop as a kid, absorbing stories about surf history, fins, and foam. Today, he rides everything from high-performance shortboards to twinnies and finless boards. But behind the smooth style and love for waves lies a rather rough story, one he’s now sharing in hopes of sparing others the same pain. Shaw’s first warning sign came in 2019:

 

“I started hearing water sloshing around in my ear canal hours after surfing.” By the time he saw an ENT, the diagnosis was clear — 100% obstruction from surfer’s ear. “The specialist said he’d never seen someone my age with a completely closed canal.”

He was 24. Two surgeries followed, one with the peel-back method, one with the micro chisel. Both were brutal.

“Spitting up blood, dull pain for days, a cotton ball in your ear for a month, and no surfing. The antibiotics were the worst part.”

Still, the hardest part wasn’t physical. It was the fear of long-term damage, and being forced out of the ocean.

The Plug That Changed Everything

Shaw had heard of surfer’s ear growing up. Like many, he just didn’t think it would happen to him or so early. After his first surgery in 2020, he started using SurfEars.

“They were the only plugs that didn’t make me feel cut off from the ocean. I could still hear if someone was yelling or in trouble, especially important at more remote breaks.”

That awareness was a dealbreaker. SurfEars changed his mindset and his habits.

“They made me willing to wear plugs. I like to be alert and aware of my surroundings. With SurfEars, I don’t feel isolated.”

What He Tells the Next Generation

Today, Shaw’s mission is simple: talk to younger surfers.

“I tell them: your ears are close to your brain, protect them. Don’t wait until you need surgery.”

He compares it to helmets in skating.

“Sure, the cool kids might not wear them. But what happens when they hit their head?” The same goes for earplugs. “SurfEars 4.0 are 100% worth it. Way cheaper than surgery, trust me.”

Before You Paddle Out

Shaw’s story is one we hear too often – too late, too young. If you surf regularly, especially in cold or windy conditions, you’re at risk. But it doesn’t have to end the same way.

“If I could go back, I’d wear a hood and SurfEars every single session. I wish I had.” So do we, Shaw.

Thanks for sharing your story, and for reminding us that prevention starts now.

Want to see Shaw in action? Follow @shawburke on Instagram.