This week on the Drop, we learn about Dave Rastovich's paint job theory that is so seemingly obvious, yet nobody had bothered to state it before. Also, Mikey Feb proves that fish(es) can go backside. And an Aussie surf traveler becomes a (well-paid) Chinese Olympic surf coach.

Yes, it's another fantastic week in surfing. Let's drop in.

Who's getting (re-)signed, who's getting dropped? It's that time of year when contracts either expire or renew, and we've got the inside scoop on some of surfing's most prominent figures.

Also in this ep we discuss the reluctant return of Nick Rozsa, the truth about "sustainable" surfboards with Gary McNeill, and when it's okay to post about a swell on Instagram.

Former pro surfer and renowned surf writer and podcaster, Jamie Brisick, joins us for a discussion about one of surfing's most polarizing if fascinating figures — Peter Drouyn, aka Westerly Windina.

Before that, Mikey and Buck break downs this week's biggest stories in surfing, including that crazy surf circus event in Waco and our best-ever ep of Electric Acid.

Brazil had 5 of the top 6 surfers on the men's Challenger Series this year and 6 in the top 10. As a result, they'll have 11 surfers on the CT in 2025, which is nearly one-third of the tour.

However, Brazilians often fall off the CT only to requalify again the next year, reducing the amount of would-be rookies joining the tour.

Why is this, and what does it mean for surfing? Following Saquarema, Stace G and Mikey C break down all things CS with the help of Jake Paterson and Matt Myers.

First and foremost, apologies for the distorted audio — we found this new AI tool that we thought had resolved our amateurish sound design — turns out it just makes it back in a different way. But the show must go on!

In the first half of this ep, Stace G and Mikey C dissect the recently released 2025 CT schedule and preview the final CS event of the season, which kicks off this weekend in Brazil.

Later, we hear from Taj Burrow about the wave of his life (he rode it this year) and his honest thoughts on the new 'Trilogy' film (now screening exclusively on Stab Premium).

Mikey and Buck also break down gear week on stabmag.com and all the other happenings in the surf world, before making their betonline.ag Dog of the Week picks.

Electric Acid is officially in orbit, and Dave Rastovich is its star — this week we hear from Rasta at the world premiere of ep 1, along with his shaper Gary McNeil on the futuristic surfboard construction that encases all of our EAST crafts.

Later, JOB remains how he's stayed relevant all these years, we discuss how much it costs to qualify for the tour in 2024, and Nathan Fletcher has some important words for surfing's youth.

We're back after a three week hiatus! 

Mikey and Buck break down everything that's been happening lately — Stab Highway, Stab Con, the Quik Fest — before Sam McIntosh shares his exclusive post-Finals chat with John Florence.

Get the full JJF interview plus other news at stabmag.com

This week on the drop Mikey C is joined by the talented, handsome, charismatic & opinionated Mateus Herdy in Miami, Fl. before his journey starts on stab highway pres. by Monster Energy.

Matues gives us a candid look into the finals day at Lowers and rare insight into the Brazilian Surf Scene.

Thanks for your time Mateus, we hope you enjoy it.

We're (potentially) two days away from crowning our world champions — who will take home eternal glory at two foot Lowers?

After asking the experts — Carissa Moore, Taj Burrow, Shane Dorian etc — Stace G and Mikey C give us their picks.

It's a bridge week on the drop, between the two biggest WSL events of the season. Still, lots to discuss:

- why are used boards selling better than new?

- how is Ross Williams gonna coach Tati and John to titles?

- why is Dane Reynolds riding a board with two tales?

- is our Stab writer high?

- why did Carissa unblock us?

- and more!

And New York residents, stay tuned to hear how you can win a free pair of Hurley Phantom boardies and a Stab Premium membership