EP 221: ON THE ROAD w/ Ross Williams - Insights from the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, Navigating a tricky forecast, Stepping away from full-time coaching, Dialing equipment, CT Tour changes, Commentating, and Kelly Slater’s Wildcard

Live from the North Shore, Momentum Generation icon, highly-acclaimed surf coach, and WSL commentator-extraordinaire Ross Williams joins Dave Prodan in today’s episode of The Lineup On The Road. Straight from the ground, 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 information from those closest to the action on the ground. Ross and Dave dive into his transition to step away from full-time coaching in order to spend more time with his family, and his ever-evolving role in the world of professional surfing. Ross reflects on his 2024 intentions, and recounts the highlights of an unforgettable season, including Tatiana’s incredible performance in Tahiti and John’s historic third World Title, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. Ross opens up about his own experiences as a competitor, including missed opportunities, and how they have shaped his coaching philosophy and his belief in the sharpness required to excel in the intense 30-minute heat format. We muse over the season, starting at Pipeline, the tricky forecast on the horizon, and surfers needing to adjust to its ever-changing conditions and the courage required to excel there. Ross and Dave explore the changes to the Championship Tour schedule, the pressure rookies face, and the incredible progression of women’s surfing. Ross reflects on Kelly Slater’s decision to take a Pipe wildcard and his enduring passion for competition. He and Dave break down the importance of dialing in equipment for athletes, the evolution of surfboard materials, and his collaborative work with legendary shaper Eric Arakawa. He shares his thoughts on the 2022 Finals, the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, and the rising intensity and pressure of competition at the wave pool venues. Packed with stories, insights, and reflections, Ross offers a fascinating look at the 2025 Championship Tour season through his experienced and thoughtful perspective.

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Catch the start of the 2025 Championship Tour season at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented By YETI, Jan 27 - Feb 8.

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