Episodes

  • EP 245: Shaun Tomson – Jordy Smith’s Title Hopes, ‘77 World Champion, Surfing pioneer, and WSL co-founder on the 50th Anniversary of WSL, Cloudbreak vs. Teahupo’o, the Surfer’s Code, Bustin’ Down the Door, and Turning 70 and being fully stoked

    EP 245: Shaun Tomson – Jordy Smith’s Title Hopes, ‘77 World Champion, Surfing pioneer, and WSL co-founder on the 50th Anniversary of WSL, Cloudbreak vs. Teahupo’o, the Surfer’s Code, Bustin’ Down the Door, and Turning 70 and being fully stoked
    Aug 26 2025
    Legendary surfer, 1977 World Champion, and WSL co-founder Shaun Tomson joins Dave Prodan for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of professional surfing. Shaun reflects on Jordy Smith’s career and potential World Title breakthrough for South Africa, the complexity of Cloudbreak vs. Teahupo’o, and the ethos of winning and losing with grace. He shares the life principles behind his Surfer’s Code and Think Twice Foundation, turning 70, and his recent Lifetime Achievement Award at the SIMA Waterman’s Ball. Shaun takes us back to surfing’s formative years, from Bustin’ Down the Door and the birth of the then-IPS Tour, to his groundbreaking tube-riding approach that ultimately delivered him a World Title. With next year marking the 50th anniversary of the World Championship Tour, Shaun reflects on the legacy, the evolution, and the future of where surfing could go from here. We round out the pod with the Lightning Round, his dream lineup with Slater and Curren, and timeless lessons from one of surfing’s most influential voices. Follow Shaun here. WSL CT Fantasy is a WRAP! Congratulations to our winners: 🥉 3rd Place – Perry-Nara with 9,127.62 points, taking home a $50 WSL Store e-gift card. 🥈 2nd Place – ButterflySurf with 9,196.26 points, winning a $100 WSL Store e-gift card. 🥇 1st Place Champion – LAMP with 9,221.26 points, earning a $150 WSL Store e-gift card! Thank you all for playing! We’d love to hear from you! Complete this short survey to send us feedback on our Fantasy contest! Any questions? Feel free to reach out to: podcasts@worldsurfleague.com Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Watch the highlights from the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. The Final 5 is locked! Catch the World Title race at the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji, Aug 27 - Sep 4! Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • EP 244: Mitchell Salazar – 2025 CT season wrap and the Final 5 locked for Fiji, Teahupo’o delivers, Molly Picklum dominance, Jack Robinson’s run to make the Finals, and What’s next as the World Title showdown heads to Cloudbreak

    EP 244: Mitchell Salazar – 2025 CT season wrap and the Final 5 locked for Fiji, Teahupo’o delivers, Molly Picklum dominance, Jack Robinson’s run to make the Finals, and What’s next as the World Title showdown heads to Cloudbreak
    Aug 19 2025
    Dave Prodan and WSL commentator and part-time co-host Mitchell Salazar break down the highs and lows from Tahiti. From Jack’s must-win performance, Molly’s statement backhand attack, and the rise of the local Tahitian crew, they cover everything from Championship Tour surfers paddling and/or towing the CODE RED waves prior to the event to the heartbreaking eliminations that shifted the Final 5 race at the last possible moment. They also dive into this season’s biggest winners and losers, the evolution of strategy at CT events, and what fans can expect when the world’s best descend on Cloudbreak. With the end of this event, the 2025 Championship Tour regular season has wrapped with all-time Teahupo’o, and an Aussie and Red Bull sweet with Molly Picklum and Jack Robinson claiming wins at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, and officially locking in the Final 5 for the World Title-deciding Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji. The duo talk boards, Finals matchups, and answer Instagram fan questions before setting the stage for next week’s World Title showdown in Fiji. Follow Mitch here. WSL CT Fantasy is a WRAP! We will be announcing winners and sending gift cards via email in the next couple weeks as we finalize the standings. Thanks for your patience! Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Watch the highlights from the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. The Final 5 is locked! Catch the World Title race at the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji, Aug 27 - Sep 4! Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • EP 243: Peter ‘PT’ Townend – The 1976 surfing World Champ RETURNS to the pod, 50 years of pro surfing, the Level of competition on the CS, the Rise of the CT, Huntington Beach’s legacy, and MP stories

    EP 243: Peter ‘PT’ Townend – The 1976 surfing World Champ RETURNS to the pod, 50 years of pro surfing, the Level of competition on the CS, the Rise of the CT, Huntington Beach’s legacy, and MP stories
    Aug 5 2025
    The first-ever World Champion and true icon of the sport, Peter “PT” Townend, returns to The Lineup after his last appearance… our very first episode. From winning the inaugural world title in 1976 to helping launch professional surfing itself, PT’s fingerprints are all over the DNA of modern surf culture. As we near the 50th anniversary of that historic moment, PT reflects on the wild early days of the tour, the evolution of the CT, and the shifting balance between soul and structure in surfing. He shares insight on his work curating the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, his efforts behind the scenes of the Lexus US Open of Surfing, and how the Visit HB partnership is reshaping Surf City’s global presence. Plus, PT weighs in on today’s new school, shares his favorite MP story, and answers fan questions about legacy, progression, and producing cult classics like Secret Machine. Learn more about PT here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! The race for the Final 5 culminates at the final CT event of the regular season at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, Aug 7 - 16. Stay tuned! Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • EP 242: The Alive – US Open Sundown Sets with Chevy Metal, Surf roots, Sharing stages with rock legends, & Their new single “Emancipated”

    EP 242: The Alive – US Open Sundown Sets with Chevy Metal, Surf roots, Sharing stages with rock legends, & Their new single “Emancipated”
    Jul 29 2025
    Rooted in core surf and skate culture, Southern California's own The Alive joins the pod from I-SEA HQ in San Clemente for a special episode of The Lineup. With drummer Miles Elze, bassist/vocalist Lawson Matthews, and guitarist/vocalist Bastian Evans in the studio, the trio dives into their origins, the gritty early days of the band, and what it’s like to play stages with rock legends like Eddie Vedder, the Foo Fighters, and the late Taylor Hawkins’ band, Chevy Metal. With their new single “Emancipated” out now and a massive Sundown Sets show coming up at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach on August 1, the band talks preparation, energy, brotherhood, and their shared goals of touring and playing bigger stages. Follow The Alive here. Get tickets to their show with Chevy Metal for Sundown Sets at the US Open of Surfing on Friday, August 1st here. A portion of ticket sales benefit the Surfrider Foundation. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Catch the next generation of potential CT surfers at U.S. Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, July 26 - Aug 3. The race for the Final 5 culminates at the final CT event of the regular season at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, Aug 7 - 16. Stay tuned! Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • EP 241: Mitchell Salazar – Connor O’Leary’s maiden CT win!!, 3x wins for Gabby Bryan, Goofyfooters at J-Bay, Mayhem clinches, and the Race to the Final 5 heats up before Tahiti

    EP 241: Mitchell Salazar – Connor O’Leary’s maiden CT win!!, 3x wins for Gabby Bryan, Goofyfooters at J-Bay, Mayhem clinches, and the Race to the Final 5 heats up before Tahiti
    Jul 22 2025
    With Finals Day firing at Jeffreys Bay, The Lineup returns to break down all the action from the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. Host Dave Prodan is joined by WSL commentator and part-time co-host Mitch Salazar to unpack Connor O’Leary’s maiden CT victory and Gabriela Bryan’s continued ascent to World No. 1 – both coached by Richard “Dog” Marsh, making it a banner day for the Dog Pound. The crew digs into Winners & Losers from South Africa, highlighting a rare all-goofy-foot men’s final, the underwhelming wildcard performances, and what the result means for surfers like Yago Dora, who now holds the yellow jersey heading into the final stop of the regular season. They break down the new-look Top 5 and the looming pressure cooker at the Lexus Tahiti Pro, where the last World Title slots are up for grabs. Plus, a look at the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings where …Lost Surfboards has officially clinched the 2025 crown, a Fantasy Surfing update, and Instagram fan questions covering everything from coaching dynasties to Finals scenarios. Follow Mitch here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Watch the highlights from the Corona Open J-Bay Presented by O'Neill. Catch the next generation of potential CT surfers at U.S. Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, July 26 - Aug 3. The race for the Final 5 culminates at the final CT event of the regular season at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, Aug 7 - 16. Stay tuned! Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • RE-AIR: EP 159: “Watersheds” Episode 1: Jordy Smith’s Unforgettable 2010 Win at J-Bay, with special guest Pat O’Connell

    RE-AIR: EP 159: “Watersheds” Episode 1: Jordy Smith’s Unforgettable 2010 Win at J-Bay, with special guest Pat O’Connell
    Jul 15 2025
    Re-air of Ep 159, the first “Watersheds” format episode highlighting Jordy Smith’s first CT win on home soil at J-Bay in 2010. This week, we’re premiering a new format of The Lineup where we zero in on an important moment from surfing’s rich and extensive history. Using sound bites from deep within the WSL archives and insight from this week’s special guest Pat O’Connell, we’re diving into Jordy Smith’s huge win at J-Bay in 2010. Travel back in time to the very different surf world (and world, period) of the early and mid-2000’s. Hear all that went into Jordy Smith’s rise into the global surf consciousness. And get the full story of what made his win at home in South Africa so important in the long tapestry of unforgettable Championship Tour moments. Follow Jordy here. Follow Pat O’Connell here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Stay tuned to the Corona Open J-Bay Presented by O'Neill, July 11 - July 20th. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • EP 240: David Litt – From Obama’s speechwriter to surf beginner, Finding solace and connection through surfing, 8-10ft wipeouts in Spain, Surf trips with his brother-in-law, and His latest book, It’s Only Drowningpisode for Jul 08, 2025

    EP 240: David Litt – From Obama’s speechwriter to surf beginner, Finding solace and connection through surfing, 8-10ft wipeouts in Spain, Surf trips with his brother-in-law, and His latest book, It’s Only Drowningpisode for Jul 08, 2025
    Jul 8 2025
    Former Obama speechwriter and bestselling author David Litt joins Dave Prodan on The Lineup to talk about his newest and most personal project yet, It’s Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and a Search for Common Ground. Litt opens up about how a pandemic-era battle with depression led him into the ocean, and how a mismatched surf adventure with his brother-in-law Matt became an unlikely bridge across political, personal, and cultural divides. From his first freezing New Jersey paddle-outs in a 5/4 wetsuit to wipeouts in 8-10 foot Zurriola in Spain, Litt shares a raw, humorous, and deeply human journey into surfing from the outside in and explores how surfing restructured his sense of time, identity, and connection. Follow David here. Order It's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and a Search for Common Ground AVAILABLE NOW on Bookshop.org or Amazon. Catch the next generation of surfers compete for a spot on the CT at our second Challenger Series event of the year, the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill, June 30 - July 6. Stay tuned for CT Stop No. 10, the Corona Open J-Bay Presented by O'Neill, July 11 - July 20th. Visit usopenofsurfing.eventbrite.com to get tickets to Sundown Sets at the US Open and for five nights of live music featuring Common Kings, Chevy Metal, Reggae Sunday, and more! A portion of ticket sales benefit the Surfrider Foundation which works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans and beaches. See you in Surf City! Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Stay up to date with all the rankings. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • EP 239: Mitchell Salazar – Picklum takes #1!!, Cole, Griffin, and a San Clemente surge in Saquarema, …Lost Surfboards all but 3-peating the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, Fantasy leaderboard and Listener Q’s

    EP 239: Mitchell Salazar – Picklum takes #1!!, Cole, Griffin, and a San Clemente surge in Saquarema, …Lost Surfboards all but 3-peating the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, Fantasy leaderboard and Listener Q’s
    Jul 1 2025
    Reporting live from Brazil, part-time cohost and WSL commentator Mitchell Salazar rejoins Dave on The Lineup to break down all the action, drama, and implications from the 2025 VIVO Rio Pro presented by Corona Cero. California’s Cole Houshmand and Australia’s Molly Picklum claimed breakthrough victories at Stop No. 9 of the 2025 Championship Tour, but the event was anything but predictable. Dave and Mitch dive deep into the biggest Winners and Losers from Saquarema–from Griffin Colapinto’s title surge to Filipe Toledo’s late-season stumble, and from the brilliance of Molly Picklum to the heartbreak for Brazilian fans hoping for a hometown champion. They break down the complexity of forecasting the wave, the challenges of Saquarema backwash, and the mental game of adapting on the fly. They check in on the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, where Matt Biolos and …Lost Surfboards have all but cemented a three-peat as Shaper of the Year after a dominant Rio showing. The duo also answer Fantasy League and Instagram questions from fans around the world, including whether the women’s surfing is officially more exciting than the men’s, and drop hints about the final stretch of the CT season leading into J-Bay and beyond. Follow Mitch here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Watch the highlights from the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero. Catch the next generation of surfers compete for a spot on the CT at our second Challenger Series event of the year, the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill, June 30 - July 6. Stay tuned for CT Stop No. 10, the Corona Open J-Bay Presented by O'Neill, July 11 - July 20th. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min