Competitive kayaking champion, 2004 Olympian, rodeo mom, and YETI ambassador Lauren Spalding joins us on the podcast. Lauren and Dave discuss her recent bout in the 2024 Kaiwi Solo Challenge, a competitive paddle crossing of the Kaiwi Channel, the treacherous body of water that separates the islands of Moloka’i and O’ahu. Lauren describes the series of events that landed her a second place finish in her division, how she gets her drive to continue competing, and the addiction she has to the burn of going the distance. She reflects on her upbringing, her early years on a canoe, and her father’s influence in her life as a paddler, recounting memories of being mesmerized by her surroundings and appreciating the priceless experiences she’s been able to have. She talks about working with YETI and the relationships she’s built with other ambassadors like musician and fly-fisher J.T. Van Zandt, and details her viscerally excruciating experience padding the Texas Water Safari with him. Lauren recounts her training and qualifying for the 2004 Olympics in Greece, the organized chaos of life as a rodeo mom, and proudly talks about how the resilient community of Maui have come together to rebuild since the tragic fires of 2023. She and Dave wrap it all up by answering Instagram questions from our listeners and the rapid-fire Lightning Round. Learn more about Lauren and follow her here. Catch the highlights from the Ballito Pro Presented By O’Neill. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our Youtube channel. Stay up to date with all things WSL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

EP 198: Lauren Spalding - Competitive kayaking and What it’s like doing channel crossings in Hawai’i for fun, Qualifying for the 2004 Olympics, the Addiction to the burn of going the distance and coming across, Rodeo mom life, and Working with YETI

WSL commentator and Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar is back to recap the VIVO Rio Pro Presented By Corona. While still on the ground in Rio, Mitch joins Dave on the The Lineup to break down the event. They discuss their winners and losers, Italo’s dominance throughout the event, the showcasing of the young women on tour, and Jordy Smith still being a World Title contender in his 17th year on tour. Mitch and Dave give us the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings update, all but declaring Matt Biolos and the …Lost team riders a shoo-in for the Shaping World Title. They discuss the odds and ends of the event, answer listener questions, and look ahead to the Ballito Challenger Series event. Follow Mitch here. Watch the Top 5 Moments from the VIVO Rio Pro Presented By Corona. Catch the next Challenger Series event, the Ballito Pro Presented By O'Neill, Jul 1 - Jul 8 Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 197: Mitchell Salazar - Recapping Rio, Winners & Losers of the event, Italo’s dominance, The “Women’s Youth Brigade,” Vissla CT Shaper Rankings Update, and Listener Questions

This week, we are re-airing our episode from 2022 with then rookie standout, Joao Chianca. Championship Tour rookie Joao Chianca joins the podcast to talk about making his debut at the Billabong Pro Pipeline. He recaps his huge winter on the North Shore, enjoying an amazing run of swell, staying at the Volcom house for the first time, and competing in his first career event. He breaks down how he prepared for Pipeline, how he took a short break to recharge for the season, and how different it is surfing in heats with one other person versus free surfing with hundreds of people in the lineup. He looks back at his road to the CT, growing up in Saquarema with his big wave surfing brother Lucas Chianca, idolizing Gabriel Medina and Adriano de Souza, competing and traveling the Qualifying Series with Samuel Pupo and Mateus Herdy, and his life-changing 2019 that eventually led to qualifying for the tour at Haleiwa last year. Joao also touches on making the switch to riding Channel Islands boards, the challenges of competing at places he’s never surfed before, and his big goals for his rookie year. Learn more about Joao and follow him here. Watch him live at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented By Corona, June 22 - 30th on worldsurfleague.com. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RE-AIR: Joao Chianca - His debut at the Billabong Pro Pipeline, A massive North Shore winter, The year that changed everything, The road to the Championship Tour, Performing at Pipe, His surfing family, and Big goals for his rookie year

WSL commentator and Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar returns to The Lineup to share his insights from the ground in El Salvador. Fresh after finishing in the first half of the window for the first time at an event this year, Mitch returns to podcast with Dave to break down what Punta Roca was all about - the endless point break waves on tap throughout the event resulting in spectacular surfing by the world’s best. They laud John John’s demonstrable versatility, skill, and prowess in all waves after taking the win in El Salvador, Yago’s ascension, Caroline Marks defending her Title, and the surfers who are stepping up after seeing several surfers step away from tour. They analyze …Lost Surfboard’s incredible lead in the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, what other programs and board builders must do if they hope for a shot at the “Shaping World Title” in 2024, and the types of boards and fins ridden in Punta Roca. They run through Listener Questions, give the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings Update, and discuss Mitch’s highly acclaimed wave at La Bocana. Follow Mitch here. Watch the Top 5 Moments from the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented By Corona. Catch the world’s best surfers at the 8th event of the season in the VIVO Rio Pro Presented By Corona, June 22 - 30 Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 196: Mitchell Salazar - Unwrapping Punta Roca, Winners & Losers, John John’s demonstrable versatility in all waves, …Lost Surfboard’s phenomenal lead in the Rankings, Listener Questions, and His highly acclaimed wave at La Bocana

Australia’s very own, Liam O’Brien, joins us on the pod. Liam talks about growing up in Australia and shares his stoke on Snapper returning to the CT in 2025. He reflects on being a young grom, going down to the coast to get pro surfers like Jordy Smith’s autograph, and how crazy it is to look back to now competing against the very same surfers he admires. He describes traveling on the tour, the undeniable intimidation factor at waves like Pipe, and how that fear turns into a desire to overcome the challenge. He and Dave discuss his new film with Yago Dora and Matt McGillivrary, El Paraíso, experiencing the culture and waves throughout the country, and how there is really no shortage of waves in El Salvador. Liam chats about his time working with Darren Handley at the DHD warehouse, stickering Mick’s boards, and his journey to the CT. They muse on his board selection over the next few events, which event he’s looking forward to getting barrelled at most, answer listener questions, and get his take on The Lightning Round. Learn more about Liam and follow him here. Catch the Top 5 Moments from the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented By Corona.. Watch El Paraíso here.  Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 195: Liam O’Brien - His new film with Yago Dora and Matt McGillivray, El Paraíso, The hunger for the winning feeling, Developing boards with Shaper, Darren Handley, and Getting barrelled in Fiji being at the top of the list

WSL commentator and Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar is back to recap the historic event of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented By Outerknown. Mitch and Dave rave over the pristine conditions at Teahupo’o and the level of performance that followed, Tati’s insane 10-point ride, Brisa’s consistent performance throughout the event, and Vahine representing the Tahitian community with her Wildcard win at home. They discuss the incredible performances on the men’s side, Gabriel making scoring excellent rides look easy, John John’s relaxed comfort at this size in Tahiti, and Ramzi proving he belongs at this level of competition. They muse over the current Vissla CT Shaper Rankings post-Tahiti, reveal their predictions for El Salvador, and round out the pod by answering listener questions. Follow Mitch here. Watch the highlights from the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented By Outerknown. Catch the world’s best surfers surf the same swell that hit Tahiti in the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented By Corona, June 6 - 15. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 194: Mitchell Salazar - Unpacking the historic events from Tahiti, The best women’s heat EVER?, Tati’s 10, Vahine’s first CT win as a Wildcard, Powerful performances from both the men and women, The Shaper Rankings update, and Instagram Fan Questions

WSL Commentator Kaipo Guerrero joins the podcast to give the stories from the ground in Tahiti. The On The Road audio-only format aims to bring you quicker, deeper and better insight by checking in with our commentators and experts on-site at our various WSL events and airing these episodes as quickly as possible. These are the stories, the background, and the behind-the-scenes from the mouths of those closest to the action on the ground. In today’s episode, Kaipo talks to us about the anticipation for a significant upcoming swell en route for Teahupo’o, the fearless performances from the younger athletes in the draw, and the unparalleled experience by the veterans who have competed at this renowned location for years. Kaipo and Dave reflect on Tahitian history, Kaipo’s early experiences with the wave, and how it has changed over the years. They dive into the danger of this wave, the growing importance of wearing helmets in waves of consequences, and Kaipo’s favorites currently in the competition. Be sure to catch all the action on worldsurfleague.com and the WSL App. Follow Kaipo here. Stay tuned to the action at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented By Outerknown, May 27 - 31. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 193: ON THE ROAD w/ Kaipo Guerrero - The vibes on the ground in Tahiti, Anticipation for a significant swell on the way, Day 1 insight, The mythology and history of Teahupo’o, Standouts of the event, and Kaipo’s favorites to win the comp

France’s very own Johanne Defay is back on The Lineup podcast. Johanne talks about the incredible start to her 2024 CT season in comparison to her 2023 season. She discusses her mentality and her training in preparation for the rest of the year as well as for Tahiti and the Olympic Games. Johanne gets candid about how much Teahupo’o frightens her and how imperative it is to put in your time there to be successful. She and Dave dive into her partnership with Samsung, the film they worked on together, and why she wanted to work with them. Johanne discusses the Tour, how it has changed for her over the years, what she likes and doesn’t like about it, and how she is managing being the surfer’s rep this year. They round out the conversation by looking ahead to what’s next for Johanne, her taking business school online, and her love of competing. They finish the podcast answering listener questions and the quick-answer Lightning Round. Learn more about Johanne and follow her here. Stay tuned for the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, May 22 - May 31.  Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. And watch The Next Wave here presented by Samsung Galaxy out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 192: Johanne Defay - Her incredible 2024 CT season, Her mentality heading into the rest of the season and the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Putting time in Tahiti, Joining Team Samsung Galaxy and featuring in their new surf doc, The Next Wave

Welcome back four-time repeater guest, Jack Robinson, to The Lineup! Dave and Jack jump into the biggest changes since his last appearance, having a baby boy, how fatherhood affects him as a competitor and otherwise, and how he manages his time now. Jack talks about working with both Arakawa and Sharp Eye surfboards and the trust built over the years to be able to switch between boards. Jack recaps his early season win at Sunset this year, and his mindset heading into the 2024 CT Season. He and Dave dive into his partnership with Samsung and his decision to join Team Samsung Galaxy. They discuss the surf documentary that Jack is featured heavily in and Samsung is producing, designed to spotlight and celebrate surfing and the surfing community on the Road to Paris 2024. They reflect on the importance of openness and being a global citizen and how that has helped him as a competitor all across the globe. They close on what’s next for Jack, touching on surfing Cloudbreak later in the year and the WSL Finals, before answering instagram questions and the infamous Lightning Round. Learn more about Jack and follow him here. Watch the GWM Syndey Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, May 9 - 16 Catch Jack return to Teahupo’o for back-to-back titles at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, May 22 - May 31. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. And watch The Next Wave here presented by Samsung Galaxy out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 191: Jack Robinson - Signing to Team Samsung Galaxy, featuring in their new surf doc, The Next Wave, Fatherhood, The 2024 WSL CT season and the Olympic Games Paris 2024, The importance of breathwork, Working with both Arakawa and Sharp Eye Surfboards

Cooly Kid and 2003 Quicksilver Gold Coast Pro Champ, Dean “Dingo” Morrison, joins us on the pod. Dingo unwraps his celebrated heat with FISHER and friends at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, what it’s like competing against high-level surfers and World Champs, and Snapper’s return to the Championship Tour. They unwind the clock, discussing Dingo’s upbringing and tumultuous childhood, how Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew took him under his wing and changed the course of his life, how he dealt with the limelight and imposter syndrome as an one of the ascending “Cooly Kids” alongside Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson, and his own bout with addiction. He talks about his healing, how Mick was there for him during his time of need, and how he pays it forward with his own brand Youthh. Dingo discusses being the first Maori surfer on tour and reconnecting back to his roots before answering Instagram questions and closing out the pod with The Lightning Round. Follow Dingo here. Learn more about Dingo’s work with Youthh here. Catch up on Finals Day from the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM. Stay tuned to the second Challenger Series Event, GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy, May 9 - May 16. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 190: Dean “Dingo” Morrison - Surfing the FISHER and Friends heat at Snapper, Fatherhood, Competing against Mick and Parko, Overcoming addiction, How Rabbit changed his life, and Paying it forward with his company Youthh

1978 World Champion, WSL Commentator, and one of the Founders of the ASP/WSL, Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew joins us for the inaugural episode of The Lineup podcast’s, On The Road Series. The On The Road audio-only format aims to bring you quicker, deeper and better insight by checking in with our commentators and experts on-site at our various WSL events, and airing these episodes as quickly as possible. These are the stories, the background, and behind-the-scenes from the mouths of those closest to the action on the ground. In today's episode, Bugs and Dave chat about the Challenger Series season opener, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, standouts of the event so far, and how the wave at Snapper brings out the best in everyone’s surfing. They talk about the region of Coolangatta as one of the most potent real world experiments as a World Champion breeding ground, with the location being a home to elite surfers like WSL’s first World Champion, Peter Townend, Chelsea Hedges, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, and world-renowned shapers like Darren Handley and Jason Stevenson. They discuss the area and history of the Tweed River Sand Bypass and how Australia is pushing for legislation to protect its surf zones and surf breaks. Dave and Rabbit dive even deeper by discussing Bugs' autobiography, Bustin’ Down the Door, and the incredible documentary of the same name, and how the surfer’s of his generation influenced the progression of our high-octane modern day competitive surfing. Dave and Bugs bring it all together by coming back to Snapper and its integration back into the Championship Tour in 2025, the mindset of battle-hardened surfers relegated to the CS vs the momentum of the up-and-coming regional qualifiers, and calling the World Champions heat between ‘99 World Champ Mark Occhilupo, 2012 World Champ Joel Parkinson, 3x World Champ Mick Fanning, 8x World Champ Stephanie Gilmore, and 11x World Champ Kelly Slater. Finally, they close out the pod by discussing what boards the surfers have been riding, fins being the last frontier, and Bugs’ bold predictions for the men’s and women’s World Champion this year. Follow Rabbit here. Watch the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, Apr 27 - May 4. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 189: Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew - Snapper’s return to the CT in 2025, Standouts from the event, Coolangatta as a World Champ breeding ground, Calling the World Champions heat, and Bugs’ bold predictions for World Champs

WSL commentator and Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar is back again to recap the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. Mitch and Dave discuss the long-awaited matchup of John John Florence and Jack Robinson, John’s incredible 10-point ride, and Gabriela Bryan’s maiden CT win. They revel at the performances all around, from rookie Sawyer Lindblad and Wildcard George Pittar, to tour veterans vying for their spot in the back half of the season. They choose their biggest winners and losers from WA, answer fan questions from the Instagram mailbag, and give an update on the 2024 Vissla CT Shaper Rankings. Follow Mitch here. Watch the Top 5 Moments from the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. Watch the best surfers fight for their spot on the CT in the first Challenger Series event of the year, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, Apr 27 - May 4. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 188: Mitchell Salazar - Recapping the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Conditions for an epic finals day, JJF defying the laws of physics, Gabby’s maiden CT win, Fin talk, The Cut, Event winners and losers, and The Vissla CT Shaper Rankings update

Elder God, surfing icon, two-time Pipeline champion, and lifelong yogi Gerry Lopez and Manduka’s CEO Pamela Levine join the pod to discuss their new partnership. Gerry opens up the pod by discussing his “re-falling in love” with surfing, how he has strayed from surfing to pursue other disciplines, and how he always comes back to surfing. He explains how the path of yoga and surfing are one in the same, and reflect on the evolution of health and wellness has evolved through his years as a professional surfer. Gerry is joined by Manduka’s CEO Pamela Levine who touches on the evolution of her career, from starting at brands like Quiksilver, Roxy and Dakine to becoming the CEO of the leading brand of yoga and yoga accessories. She discusses her partnership with Gerry Lopez, how she hopes to affect change as CEO within her company and within the yogi community, and advises on the best ways people can start yoga. Gerry closes out the pod by answering what’s next for him, providing guidance for living a life of substance, health, and meaning, answering Instagram Fan questions, and takes on the Lightning Round for the second time. Be sure to follow Gerry and Manduka on Instagram. The Manduka and Gerry Lopez collection want to inspire you to practice yoga however you choose to. From now until June 10th, you will get 15% off all products when you visit Manduka.com with the code THELINEUP15! Stay tuned for the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Apr 11 - 21. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 187: Gerry Lopez & Pamela Levine - The intersection of Yoga and Surfing, Their new partnership with Manduka, Pamela’s focus as CEO of Manduka, Solving the climate crisis through Yoga, Where to start practicing Yoga, and Relearning to love surfing again

WSL commentator and Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar is back again to recap the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Mitch and Dave marvel at the performances of the finalists all around, the historic win of Cole Houshmand as a goofy-footed Rookie at Bells, and Caity Simmers’ clutch performance. They choose their biggest winners and losers from the Championship Tour’s longest running event in Bells Beach, answer fan questions from the Instagram mailbag, and give an update on the 2024 Vissla CT Shaper Rankings. Follow Mitch here. Watch the highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Stay tuned for the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Apr 11 - 21. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 186: Mitchell Salazar - Recapping the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Pres by Corona, Cole Houshmand’s historic win at Bells, Johanne Defay’s incredible performance, Event winners and losers, and The Vissla CT Shaper Rankings update

WSL commentator and Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar is back to recap the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona. Mitch and Dave react to the event’s biggest storylines - the top seeds on the women’s side falling to the wayside while tour veterans make the Finals, the rise of the Colapinto brothers, and Johanne’s first European CT win. They discuss Medina having his best result of the year while the rest of the Brazilian crew on the men’s side struggled to make it past the Round of 32. They choose their biggest winners and losers from the Championship Tour’s third event in Portugal, answer fan questions from the Instagram mailbag, and give an update on the 2024 Vissla CT Shaper Rankings. Follow Mitch here. Watch the highlights from the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona. Stay tuned for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Mar 26 - Apr 5. Stay up to date with the Vissla CT Shaper 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 185: Mitchell Salazar - Recapping the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Pres by Corona, Johanne Defay’s first European win, An almost all Cola Bros event Final, Event winners and losers, and The Vissla CT Shaper Rankings

World Surf League’s Dave Prodan breaks things down with influential figures from all across the surf landscape. Hear their behind-the-scenes stories and unfiltered opinions to get a deeper sense of who they are and how they’ve influenced the sport and culture of surfing.

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The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

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