We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jason Old Ph.D.. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jason, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, every day is a bit of a whirlwind — but in the best way possible. I usually start the day early, checking in on Waverii’s growth metrics: new listings, user sign-ups, and any activity across our global network. From there, it’s a mix of meetings with our developer, outreach to new surf service providers, content creation, and refining our marketing strategy.
Since we’re still in our early launch phase, I wear a lot of hats — product, partnerships, storytelling, you name it. I also spend time researching surf communities in emerging markets and working to make the platform more accessible and sustainable. It’s long hours, but I’m driven by the mission and excited by the momentum we’re seeing around the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jason Old, and I’m the founder of Waverii — a new global surf marketplace built by surfers, for surfers. After years of traveling, researching surf cultures, and working across Latin America, I realized how difficult it was for travelers to find and book local surf services, and how equally hard it was for locals to promote what they offer. That disconnect sparked the idea for Waverii.
Waverii is more than just a booking platform — it’s about building community. We connect surfers with local surf guides, instructors, accommodations, and gear rentals in a way that’s simple, transparent, and accessible. What makes us unique is our focus on authentic, local experiences and our commitment to empowering surfer-entrepreneurs in communities around the world. We launched just a few weeks ago and already have 180+ listings in 20 countries, with new providers joining every day.
Right now, we’re working on expanding into new regions, rolling out premium features, and continuing to grow Waverii into a platform that reflects the diversity, creativity, and passion of the global surf community.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that needed to have everything perfectly figured out before taking action. For a long time, I let overthinking and perfectionism hold me back from launching ideas or putting myself fully into projects unless I felt 100% ready. But building Waverii has taught me that momentum matters more than perfection — that learning, adapting, and improving in real time is often the only way forward.
I’ve had to let go of the idea that I need complete certainty or control. That version of me served a purpose for a while — it helped me prepare, research, and think critically — but now it’s about trusting the process, embracing the unknown, and showing up anyway.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — toward the end of my PhD, when I was close to finishing my dissertation, I hit a wall. I was dealing with multiple layers of adversity all at once. The most intense moment came when I was conducting research in Nicaragua and got seriously ill due to a bat infestation in the place I was staying. I was physically drained, emotionally overwhelmed, and thousands of miles from home.
At that point, I genuinely questioned whether I had the strength to push through. But something inside me — maybe stubbornness, maybe purpose — kept me going. I reminded myself that setbacks are part of the journey, and that if I could finish this, I could handle just about anything. That experience ultimately shaped how I approach challenges today, including building Waverii.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they’d say that I care deeply about people — about connection, community, and living with purpose. Whether it’s through my work, travel, or the way I show up in friendships, I’m always seeking meaningful experiences and trying to create space for others to thrive. They’d also probably say I’m driven by curiosity and a love for culture — that I’m always chasing the next wave, the next story, or the next conversation that opens my mind. And they know I value integrity — doing work that feels honest and aligned, not just for profit, but for impact.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I think I’d regret not fully going for it — not giving everything I have to the things that matter most to me. Whether it’s building Waverii into something meaningful, telling the stories that need to be told, or spending time in the places and with the people I love, I never want to look back and feel like I played it too safe.
I’d regret not taking the risks, not speaking up when it counted, or not chasing the ideas that kept me up at night. More than anything, I’d regret not living with intention — not leaning into the uncomfortable, uncertain, beautiful parts of life that push you to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waverii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfinghistorian
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonold
- Other: Waverii IG: https://www.instagram.com/waveriisurf
Waverii FB: https://www.facebook.com/waveriisurf
Waverii LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waverii
Image Credits
First image (suit and pineapple shirt) credited to Jessica Cruz Photography.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
