In this episode, Jeff breaks down what it really takes to qualify for the tour, the highs and lows of life competing at the highest level, and why he eventually stepped away to build a new path in the surf industry — from working with major brands to creating his own, Distant Local.

Jeff also drops some serious wisdom for the next generation of surfers: surf careers don’t last forever, and who you are after the tour matters just as much as who you are on it.

This one is full of honesty, experience, and the kind of perspective only a true veteran of the sport can give.

In this episode of Beyond The Lineup, we sit down with one of the wisest and most impactful people I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from – Kevyn Dean. With over 30 years of experience as a physical therapist and sports psychologist, and as the Medical Director for USA Surfing during surfing’s Olympic debut in Japan, Kevyn has worked with some of the best surfers on the planet while continuing to pour into his local community in San Clemente. This conversation goes far beyond injuries and rehab. Kevyn shares powerful lessons on the science of surf performance, the role of psychology in competing at the highest level, and how everyday surfers can keep their bodies and minds healthy to stay in the water longer. If you want to understand what it really takes to perform, recover, and thrive both in surfing and in life, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Part Two with Eric Diamond is here — and it’s packed with wisdom, stories, and soul.

From the birth of Cosmic Creek and inviting Kelly Slater to the event, to his deep involvement with the Dana Point Surf Club, Eric shares what it means to give back to the surf community that raised him. He opens up about working with the city, mentoring groms, and why surfing is the greatest therapy money can’t buy.

We dive into the evolution of surf culture, his mini boards, the value of staying in school, the Australian influence on his youth, and why surfers are spiritually in tune with the world around them. Plus, Eric reflects on his shaping journey, his respect for Hawaiian surf culture, and how true success now means inspiring the next generation.

This episode is for anyone who loves surf history, community, and the deeper currents that connect us all. Hit play and join the ride.

Part 1: In this episode, we sit down with Eric Diamond, the man who lived through and helped shape the golden era of the surf industry. From working with iconic brands like Gotcha and Quiksilver to traveling the world with pro surfers, Eric shares raw, behind-the-scenes stories that defined an entire generation of surf culture. We dive into what it was really like during the peak of the surf industry, how media, fashion, and surf magazines shaped global surf culture, and why everything eventually changed. Eric reflects on the untold moments, wild characters, and unforgettable trips that influenced his journey, offering insight into a time when surfing wasn’t just a sport — it was a movement. Whether you’re a lifelong surfer or just curious about the glory days of the industry, this conversation gives you a front-row seat to the heart of it all. Drop your favorite moment in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

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YouTube: Beyond The Lineup

In this episode of Beyond The Lineup, we sit down with the legendary Mike “Happy” Cruickshank—world class surfer, surf team manager, and a walking archive of the Rockstar era of surfing. From the wild days of managing the iconic Gotcha team in Hawaii to settling down with Killer Dana, Mike shares raw stories of grit, respect, and the no-filter energy that once defined surf culture.

In this episode of Beyond the Lineup, we sit down with the founders of YÜTH Mag to dive into the world of print media and why magazines still matter. They share how they turned an idea into a real publication, where they find inspiration, and what it takes to format and fund a magazine in today’s digital age. Beyond the creative process, they open up about securing investors, the power of community, and why surrounding yourself with people who believe in the vision is everything. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a successful independent mag, this one’s for you. Tune in!

In this episode of Beyond the Lineup, we sit down with Cordell Miller—a Newport Beach legend who’s been shaping surfboards for 34 years and spreading good vibes in the lineup. Known for his positivity and genuine love for the craft, Cordell shares his journey from competing against the world’s best surfers at iconic spots like 54th Street to building a career shaping boards that surfers truly connect with.

An unfiltered conversation with Kai McPhillips, a true waterman and longtime friend, in Episode 5 of Beyond The Lineup. Kai dives deep into the heart of surf culture, exposing the differences between shortboarding and longboarding, the pressures of competition, and the untold realities of the surf industry. From sharing laughs about localism and rivalry to reflecting on life-changing travels and his recent success at the 2024 Surfing for Hope Longboard event, this episode is packed with raw insights and stories that will leave you inspired. Discover what it really takes to thrive in the surfing world and why Kai believes in staying true to the art of surfing.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kirra Pinkerton, an extraordinary surfer and even more remarkable human being. Kirra opens up about her battles with loneliness, the pain of losses, and the journey to rediscover her love for surfing. She shares how she found unmatched support and a renewed purpose, transforming challenges into triumphs. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and inspiration—proof that even the roughest waves can lead to the most beautiful horizons. We’re honored to share her journey and celebrate the incredible person she is today.

Max Beach shares what it was like growing up as a grom in San Clemente, giving us a glimpse into his unique perspective and the big life shifts that have shaped him. From hilarious stories about traveling and competing to his passion for chasing perfect waves, Max keeps it real. He also opens up about staying connected to family and working on a startup with his dad. This is an episode full of laughs, insights, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it!