The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

Former CT icon Jeremy Flores, 2025 World runner up Griffin Colapinto, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Marco Mignot join The Lineup with Dave Prodan from France for a special episode presented by Quiksilver. The crew dives into the rebirth of the Quiksilver Festival, where “no rules is the rule,” blending surfing’s legends and current stars with music, parties, and the Hossegor community. They trade stories on the good vibes, the local fans, and what it means to bring an iconic event back to life. Marco reflects on silencing the doubters during his breakout rookie season, Griffin breaks down the evolution of his barrel and rail game, and Jeremy shares how he went from Reunion Island to carrying the weight of being called “the next Kelly Slater.” From off-season goals and surf progression, the camaraderie and the rivalries, this episode captures the spirit of Quik Fest and the stoke of three surfers at very different but equally defining moments in their careers. Oh… and Jeremy demands a wildcard the next time the CT comes to Hossegor. Follow Jeremy Flores here. Follow Griffin Colapinto here. Follow Marco Mignot here. Recap the 2025 Quiksilver Festival here. Relive the 2019 Quiksilver Pro France here. Catch the next generation on the Challenger Series at the EDP Ericeira Pro, September 29 - October 5. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! 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

Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, journalist, ocean steward, cultural advocate, and marine conservation scientist with a PhD in Chemistry. He is a co-founder of the MEGA Lab, which has pioneered large-scale, community-driven 3D mapping of coral reefs, pushing the boundaries of how we understand and preserve our oceans. He is an ambassador and board member of the Surfrider foundation and is a featured surfer in Thomas Campbell’s film Yi-Wo, VICE’s The Smartest Surfer in the World, and NobodySurf's Circadian Rhythms. Joining The Lineup from his home in Hilo, Hawai‘i, Cliff reflects on balancing his life between science and surfing, and the power of learning when to say no. He dives into his new VICE documentary, Let It Kill You: The Smartest Surfer in the World, and how the project highlights the many ways surfers can elevate their community and contribute to society beyond competition. Cliff shares his journey from growing up in rural Hawai‘i and chasing the dream of free boards and boardshorts, to becoming one of the few Native Hawaiians with a PhD. He discusses the struggle of reconciling what it means to be a “pro surfer,” the support of brands like Vissla and Reef, and his mission to advocate for scientific literacy in the surf community. The conversation ranges from board talk and the subtleties of rail spray, to the MEGA Lab’s cutting-edge ocean technology projects, to the pioneers and storytellers who shaped his perspective. Cliff also answers fan questions, looks ahead to what’s next for him and his work, and shares why staying connected to the ocean remains at the heart of everything he does. Learn more about Cliff and his work here, and follow him here. Watch VICE’s Let It Kill You: The Smartest Surfer in the World. Watch NobodySurf’s film Circadian Rhythms | A Surf Film by Cliff Kapono. Stay tuned to the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Sep 17 - 21.  Next stop on the Challenger Series is the EDP Ericeira Pro, September 29 - October 5. Big Wave Season window starts November 1st, 2025 - March 31st, 2026. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! 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

One of the heaviest chargers in big wave surfing and Dryrobe® ambassador, Andrew “Cotty” Cotton, joins us on The Lineup. From his roots in Devon, England, to towing some of the gnarliest waves ever ridden at Nazaré alongside legends like Garrett McNamara, Cotty has survived career-threatening injuries, epic wipeouts, and helped put Portugal’s fishing village on the global big-wave map. In this episode, Cotty opens up about prepping for the Northern Hemisphere season, the evolution of equipment and safety in big-wave surfing, and the mental and physical resilience needed to tackle waves that push the limits of human performance. He reflects on his journey from plumber to professional big wave surfer, the injuries that tested him both physically and mentally, and the moments that defined his career. We also dive into his mentoring of the next generation, the role of sponsorships like Dryrobe® in cold-water sessions, and the balance between chasing massive surf and enjoying the simple stoke of the lineup. Plus, Cotty answers fan questions from Instagram, from his favorite waves to tips for older beginners, and even weighs in on the classic Devon vs. Cornwall cream-first debate. This episode is brought to you by Dryrobe®, helping surfers stay warm, dry, and ready to perform no matter how cold the water gets. Follow Cotty here. Follow dryrobe here, and checkout some of the gear at dryrobe.com. Relive the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero! Stop #2 on the Longboard Tour is the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Sep 17 - 21. Be sure to check that out. And stay tuned to the next event on the Challenger Series, the EDP Ericeira Pro, September 29 - October 5. Big Wave Season window starts November 1st, 2025 - March 31st, 2026. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! 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

Dave Prodan is joined by part-time co-host and WSL commentator Mitchell Salazar on The Lineup to recap this unforgettable close to the Finals format era at Cloudbreak. And just like that, the 2025 CT Season is a wrap with the title-deciding Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero in the books. From Caroline Marks’ inspired run to Molly Picklum’s career-defining comeback for the Title, to Griffin Colapinto’s overlooked brilliance and Yago Dora’s poise in capturing his maiden World Title, the crew dives into every matchup and moment that mattered. They explore the pressure of the format, the magic boards and coaching strategies that shaped results, and what Molly and Yago’s wins mean for the next generation of surfing. Plus, Dave and Mitch look at the dominance of Brazilian champions over the past decade, the surge of young Australian women, the behind-the-scenes grind of the broadcast and social teams in Fiji, and answer fan questions about judging, shapers, and next season’s format changes. Follow Mitch here. Relive the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero! Stop #2 on the Longboard Tour is the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Sep 17 - 21. Be sure to check that out. And stay tuned to the next event on the Challenger Series, the EDP Ericeira Pro, September 29 - October 5. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! 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

Fresh off the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero, The Lineup welcomes our newest World Champions, Australia’s Molly Picklum and Brazil’s Yago Dora in this two-parter episode. In Part One, Molly reflects on her difficulties on the Challenger Series to just a few years later lifting up the The Duke Trophy at just 22 years young. She speaks candidly about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, and the freedom she’s found in understanding she’s just growing up. She breaks down her Finals run, the magic DNA round tail by DHD that carried her all season, and what’s next now that she’s joined the sport’s most elite club of World Champions. In Part Two, Yago joins just hours after sealing his maiden World Title to share the emotion of the moment, the Brazilian brotherhood – from Italó to Filipe to Gabriel – that inspires him, and the magic 6’1” Mayhem that helped him unlock his surfing in Fiji. We talk about their support teams this season, look ahead to 2026 and the celebrations back home, and introduce a special Finals-edition of The Lightning Round. Please enjoy this special episode with your 2025 World Champions, Molly Picklum and Yago Dora. Learn more about Molly and follow her here. Learn more about Yago and follow him here. Relive the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Presented by Corona Cero! Stop #2 on the Longboard Tour is the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Sep 17 - 21. Be sure to check that out. And stay tuned to the next event on the Challenger Series, the EDP Ericeira Pro, September 29 - October 5. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store. 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

Recorded on Tavarua ahead of the 2025 WSL Finals, Jon Roseman, Managing Director and Co-owner of Tavarua and Namotu Island Resorts, Fiji, joins The Lineup to talk about hosting the final-ever Finals Day in Fiji. He and Dave discuss the women pushing limits in Fiji, and the evolution of the resort from surf camp to world-class destination. Jon reflects on arriving in Fiji for “one week,” falling in love, and never leaving. He talks about the never-ending challenge of truly figuring out Cloudbreak, and the yin-yang of Restaurants’ perfection versus Cloudbreak’s unpredictability. He also shares insights on Fijian surfing’s bright future, the island’s role in modern surf history, and his work with the local Fijian community to steward a reputation of sustainability for Tavarua and the Fijian islands. Follow Jon here. Learn more about Tavarua Island Resort. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! The World Title is on the line. Catch who is your 2025 World Champions 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

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

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

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

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