EP 203: Dave Wassel - Life as a North Shore lifeguard, Holding his peers in the highest regard, What it means to be a “waterman,” His insane wave in Fiji 2012, Upbringing, Heroes, YETI, and his stoke for Fiji being back on tour

North Shore lifeguard and former big wave charger, Dave Wassel, joins us on The Lineup podcast. He describes life as a lifeguard and being part of the North Shore Lifeguard Association. He holds his peers in high esteem, praising their dedication, commitment, and selflessness to jump into action at one of the most treacherous and deadliest waves in the world to save people’s lives. He and Dave talk about the rigorous training one must endure to become a lifeguard on the North Shore, and the vetting process, not only by other lifeguards, but by the community itself. Dave Prodan recalls meeting Dave Wassel for the first time and reminisces about Wassel’s insane wave in the Code Green Swell of the Volcom Fiji Pro of 2012. They reflect back on Wassel’s upbringing, how he got into surfing, lifeguarding, and the heroes he looked up to along the way. Wassel tells the story about how he initially got involved with YETI, how he still has his first ever YETI cooler he’s ever bought, taking pride in the lasting products and the lasting relationships he’s developed from being involved with YETI over the years. Prodan and Wassel look ahead to the Corona Fiji Pro Presented By Bonsoy, breaking down the differences between the main surf spots, Restaurants and Cloudbreak. Wassel shares his stoke for the women’s progression and how excited he is watching the women on tour push the limits of surfing. He rounds out the pod by giving his best advice, answering listener questions, and the Lightning Round.

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Catch the best surfers in the world return to Corona Fiji Pro Presented By Bonsoy, Aug 20 - 29.

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