Surf Skate City Talk Radio Show

Welcome back to Surf Skate City talk radio, where hosts Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez sit down with local legend Tom Powers for an unmissable dive into Santa Cruz surfing history. Tom takes us back to where it all began in Half Moon Bay, learning to catch waves at 17, and fast-forwarding 17 years later when he became one of the pioneers paddling out to Big Wave haven Mavericks alongside Dave Schmidt. Harnessing his background as an expert swimmer, Tom transferred those elite skills directly to the ocean—rapidly rising through the ranks to surf shoulder-to-shoulder with Santa Cruz icons like Richard Schmidt and Vince Collier. From the raw energy of the 1970s lineup to today’s modern era, Tom shares a captivating journey filled with unmatched enthusiasm for the sport, reflecting not just a storied career in the water, but the life of a devoted family man and true pillar of the community. Tune in, give it a listen, and soak up a masterclass in local surf heritage you definitely don't want to miss!

Welcome back to Surf Skate City talk radio, where hosts Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez sit down with local legend Tom Powers for an unmissable dive into Santa Cruz surfing history. Tom takes us back to where it all began in Half Moon Bay, learning to catch waves at 17, and fast-forwarding 17 years later when he became one of the pioneers paddling out to Big Wave haven Mavericks alongside Dave Schmidt. Harnessing his background as an expert swimmer, Tom transferred those elite skills directly to the ocean—rapidly rising through the ranks to surf shoulder-to-shoulder with Santa Cruz icons like Richard Schmidt and Vince Collier. From the raw energy of the 1970s lineup to today’s modern era, Tom shares a captivating journey filled with unmatched enthusiasm for the sport, reflecting not just a storied career in the water, but the life of a devoted family man and true pillar of the community. Tune in, give it a listen, and soak up a masterclass in local surf heritage you definitely don't want to miss!

On this episode of Surf Skate City Talk Radio, Dan Foy joins Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez for another epic trip through the rich history of surfing in Santa Cruz.Dan takes us back to his early years as an accomplished high school swimmer and the beginning of his life in the ocean. Before he ever really got into surfing, his older friends told him he needed to learn how to bodysurf first, so they would drop the young grom off at Stockton Avenue, back when it was known as a bodysurfing wave. At least, that was the story they gave him! The truth was, the older guys didn’t want the young groms hanging around with them at Steamer Lane, so they’d leave Dan at Stockton all day while they went off to surf the Lane.But those days in the water helped build the foundation for a lifetime of surfing.Dan takes us through his first surf trip to Hawaii, his early days working with fiberglass, and eventually purchasing Perrigo’s Auto Body. He also shares the story of a pact he and Mike Powers made after being inspired by an 86-year-old diver who was still out there crushing it in the ocean: they were going to keep surfing until they were in their 90s.From bodysurfing Stockton Avenue to Hawaii, Steamer Lane, business, friendship, and a lifetime spent in the ocean, Dan Foy has some incredible stories to tell.So tune in, sit back, and enjoy another history-rich episode of Surf Skate City Talk Radio — riding waves and street lines, now on the mic!

Welcome back to another episode of Surf Skate City Talk Radio, where we bring you the legends, stories, and history that helped shape Santa Cruz surfing culture. Join host Henry Michel and co-host Richard Rodriguez as they sit down with none other than Santa Cruz surfing icon Steve Virostko. In this captivating conversation, Steve takes us back to the 1960s, recalling a time when having just one friend in the lineup was a normal day at the beach. He shares memories of growing up surfing the Rivermouth, raising a beautiful family, and watching his sons, Troy and Darryl Virostko, become two of the most respected big-wave surfers ever to come out of Santa Cruz.Steve talks about why he wasn't surprised to see longtime family friend Flea charge Mavericks and excel in some of the biggest waves on earth. What did surprise him was watching his own flesh and blood accomplish a "Fleapeat" and then go on to win Mavericks three times. Beyond the waves, Steve reflects on his enduring love for his wife, Teri Virostko, the pride he feels as a father, and the joy of being a grandfather. It's a heartfelt conversation filled with surfing history, family stories, laughter, and wisdom from one of Santa Cruz's true legends. So grab some popcorn, put in your earbuds, or tune in while you're on the road. Wherever you're listening from, sit back and enjoy—this is a good one.

What is up, Surf Skate City! Welcome back to another killer episode. Today, we are stepping behind the mic with a true legend of the airwaves and a pillar of the local community. Our featured guest is none other than Neil Pearlberg, the iconic host of the Off the Lip Radio Show. In this episode, Neil takes us all the way back to his roots, sharing the incredible story of moving from England to Santa Cruz at a young age and trading British drizzle for California swell. He opens up about the exact moment everything changed—taking a life-altering surf lesson from the legendary Richard Schmidt and instantly falling head over heels in love with surfing.We also dive deep into his impressive 12-year run hosting his own show, reflecting on the massive, star-studded roster of guests he’s interviewed over the last decade. Beyond the microphone, Neil talks candidly about his family and his profound relationship with Santa Cruz, a town that fully embraced a kid from England, adopted him as a local, and became the place he proudly calls home. This is a masterclass in surf culture, deep community roots, and phenomenal storytelling. So tune in, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be thoroughly entertained for a good hour. Let’s dive in—Neil Pearlberg, welcome to Surf Skate City Talk Radio!

Welcome back to Surf Skate City Talk Radio with your hosts, Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez! We are back with an absolutely packed show today, and we are incredibly stoked to be joined in the studio by none other than Eugene Dovydaitis. Not only is Eugene a phenomenal talent on a surfboard, but he is a world-renowned artist whose breathtaking paintings hang on the walls of homes all across the globe.In this episode, Eugene takes us back to his roots, sharing what it was really like growing up surfing the legendary, heavy breaks of Santa Cruz. He’s diving deep into the raw realities of the lineup, giving us the ultimate survival guide for dealing with intense localism, and breaking down the unspoken rules of how to actually earn respect from the locals—whether you’re moving to a brand-new surf town or just trying to navigate a new break during your travels.It’s going to be an unforgettable ride, so grab some popcorn and listen to some wild stories of the best surfers to come out of Surf Skate City Santa Cruz!

Surf Skate City Talk Radio: Restraint, Respect, and the Steamer Lane Incident"Welcome back to another heavy-hitting episode of Surf Skate City Talk Radio. Hosts Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez are in the studio today with a lineup you won't want to miss.We are honored to sit down with Sandro Santiago, a legendary 6th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and the force behind Sandro Batata BJJ. But that’s not all—we’ve got a rare 'drop-in' from Ruben Sanchez, the iconic snowboard photographer who made the trek down from Tahoe just in time to catch the vibes in Santa Cruz.While this session was on the books weeks ago, the timing couldn't be more surreal. We’re diving deep into the viral incident at Steamer Lane that has captured the attention of the world—literally. Sandro shares how news of the altercation traveled all the way back to Brazil, proving just how tight-knit and connected the global surf community really is.In a raw and detailed account, Sandro breaks down exactly what happened when an aggressive surfer began throwing punches and issuing death threats in the lineup. You’ll hear about:

• The Incident: The moment-by-moment reality of being attacked while just trying to catch a wave.
• The Mindset: How a 6th-degree black belt maintains incredible restraint after taking hits to the face.
• The Philosophy: Why choosing not to hurt someone, even when they’re threatening your life, is the ultimate display of power and BJJ discipline.

It’s a story of local grit, global headlines, and the discipline of a master. Tune in for an epic episode with Richard Rodriguez and Henry Michel."

Welcome back to Surf Skate City Talk Radio, where the culture runs deep and the stories hit even deeper. I’m Henry Michel——and I’m Richard Rodriguez. Today’s episode is one you don’t want to miss.We’re sitting down with Jason Williams "Willz" from Ribsey’s Nickel, an artist, musician, and snowboarder whose life has been shaped by creativity and connection. From growing up surrounded by some of the best surfers in Santa Cruz to crossing paths with iconic figures in the sport, Willz brings a perspective that’s raw, real, and rooted in experience.He dives into how art, music, and snowboarding have all played a major role in his journey—and how those passions continue to fuel what’s next. And speaking of what’s next, Willz isn’t slowing down. He’s got big plans on the horizon, from launching wearable art through clothing to creating high-end lamps designed to stand as functional pieces of art in your home.It’s a conversation about creativity, community, and carving your own lane—on the waves, in the mountains, and in life.So sit back, turn it up, and tap in—this is Surf Skate City Talk Radio.