EP 238: Tom Lowe – Returns after his second nearly fatal injury at Teahupo’o, The recovery process, Balancing big wave surfing with fatherhood and being a husband, & His latest film with YETI, Let Me Live

In a special two-parter episode of The Lineup, Dave Prodan sits down with fearless big wave charger and YETI ambassador Tom Lowe for two powerful conversations – one from before his nearly fatal incident in Tahiti in June 2025 and one after.

In the first part of the episode, Tom rejoins us from Tahiti, still in recovery, right from the very place where he describes everything went very quickly from a dream to a nightmare. He walks us through the day it happened, at least all the moments he remembers. He recounts the locals’ heroics, catching a few mid-sized waves himself, gaining confidence, and feeling ready for a big one. He speaks candidly about the mental toll of this injury versus the physical, and the emotional weight of what he’s put his loved ones through. With striking vulnerability, he opens up about the recovery, the guilt, the gratitude, and the commitment to keep moving forward.

The second part of the episode was recorded just before Tom’s most recent mission to Tahiti, a trip that would culminate in a near-fatal injury at Teahupoʻo. Lowe discusses both the clarity and the nerves he was bringing into the swell, feeling ready to return since his first nearly fatal injury back there in 2023. He discusses life as a dad, the rhythm he’s found chasing waves around the world, and the emotional toll of leaving behind his young family to pursue swells as a professional big wave surfer. He reflects on his latest film with YETI, Let Me Live, a raw and beautifully captured portrait of identity, purpose, and a life on the edge, produced by the legendary Keith Malloy and Bimarian Films.

Follow Tom Lowe here.

Tom’s latest film produced by YETI & Keith Malloy, Let Me Live, is out on YouTube! Watch it here.

Stay tuned to see the best surfers at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero, June 21 - 29.

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