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.

Welcome to Surf Skate City Talk Radio with your hosts Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez. Today, we are diving into a story that spans decades, oceans, and some of the most intimidating breaks on the planet. We are joined by Mike Gerhard, a man whose life on the board began on the sun-drenched pavement and point breaks of Malibu. Mike’s journey eventually took him from the California coast to the proving grounds of the North Shore of Oahu, where he didn't just survive—he thrived. During those formative years in Hawaii, Mike charged giant swells alongside the legendary Ken Bradshaw and found something even more permanent than a perfect wave: he met his wife, Sarah.The depth of Mike’s connection to surf history is perhaps best captured by his relationship with the late, great Jay Moriarity. In a true passing of the torch, Mike was the one who guided a young Jay out for his maiden paddle at the hallowed Waimea Bay. Years later, in a poetic reversal of roles, Jay returned the favor by leading Mike into the heavy, cold-water peaks of Mavericks. From that moment on, Mike became a fixture at the NorCal behemoth, cementing his status as a staple of the big-wave community for years to come."Settle in and get ready for an hour of pure, unfiltered storytelling. This isn't just about the waves; it's about the brotherhood and the grit it takes to charge the world’s heaviest water."We invite you to tune in and ride along for an incredible session of "cool story time" with Mike Gerhard. Whether you're a lifelong local or just a fan of the culture, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let’s drop in.

Surf Skate City Talk Radio: Chasing Giants with Tyler Fox

"Get ready for a heavy-hitting session on Surf Skate City Talk Radio as Richard Rodriguez and Henry Michel welcome Santa Cruz standout Tyler Fox to the studio. In this episode, we track Tyler’s trajectory from the classic California amateur circuit—grinding through heats up and down the coast—to the absolute peak of big-wave prestige. Tyler shares the untold stories of his formative trip to Europe with the late, great Jay Moriarity, the pivotal experience that truly fueled his obsession with the heavy water of Mavericks.We break down the raw intensity of those legendary finals, the surge of confidence that comes with realizing you’re inches away from the win, and the eventual evolution of the event into its digital format. It is a powerful look back at his final competitive outing, where Tyler secured a massive fourth-place finish among titans like Grant 'Twiggy' Baker and Shane Dorian. Join us as we celebrate the career of a local hero who stood tall in one of the most dangerous arenas on Earth."

Welcome back to the show—today’s episode is one for anyone who cares about the ocean, innovation, and the future of surf culture.
Your hosts, Henry Michel and Richard Rodriguez, sit down with Pato Guerrero—surfer, engineer, and co-founder of Swell Cycle, a company rethinking what a surfboard can be.
Pato’s journey started with a moment many surfers know all too well—watching a beloved board get destroyed. After his board was smashed against the rocks at Steamer Lane, what came next wasn’t just frustration—it was realization. While trying to repair it, Pato discovered something unsettling: traditional surfboards are toxic, and when they’re done, they don’t get recycled—they go straight to the dump.
That moment sparked a mission.
With a background in mechanical engineering from UC Irvine, Pato dove headfirst into solving a problem the surf industry had largely ignored. What followed were countless prototypes, long nights of research, and a relentless drive to build something better. The result? Swell Cycle—one of the first companies creating high-performance surfboards designed to be fully recyclable.
In this episode, we talk about the science behind the boards, the challenges of changing an entire industry, and what it really takes to turn an idea into something that could reshape the future of surfing.
So if you’ve ever wondered what’s next for surfboard design—or how innovation can protect the places we love—this conversation is for you.
And hey, after you listen, go check out Swell Cycle and demo one of their boards. We’re excited to see where this goes.
Let’s dive in.

Richard Rodriguez and Henry Michel sit down with a man who treats the Monterey Bay like his own personal backyard—local legend Mike Dilloughry. We dive into his record-breaking feat as the first and only human to paddle across the bay and back in a single day, a grueling 60-plus mile odyssey where he dodged swarms of jellyfish and shared the water with massive whales. But the ocean isn't just a playground for Mike; it’s a place where he saves lives. We recount the recent, heart-stopping rescue at Steamer Lane, where Mike and Darryl "Flea" Virostko were the first on the scene, pulling a family from the water in an act of bravery that truly defined "clutch." Between his heroics and his craft as a custom board shaper (Bah), Mike is the real deal.

"Welcome back to another episode of Surf Skate City Talk Radio, the heartbeat of the concrete and the coastline! I’m Henry Michel, here as always with my co-host Richard Rodriguez, just buzzing off the energy this season has brought so far. Man, Richard, looking back at the legends we’ve already had in the studio—from the OGs at the lane  to the new crew like KK—the stories have just been incredible. It got us thinking about who inspires us to get out there. You know, for me, watching a local ripper like Jack Snyder charge those massive Mavericks bombs is just next level, but then I look internationally and I’m still floored by the sheer style of someone like John John. Richard, I know you’re always hyping up the local groms pushing the limits at the breakwater, but you’ve also got massive respect for competitive beasts like Italo Ferreira on the world stage. But hey, enough about our favorites—this show is about this community. So, we want to hear from you: who needs to be in this chair next? Which local hero, underground skater, or international icon do you want to hear chop it up with us? Hit up our socials and let us know who we need to chase down for future episodes!"

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation with Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman to ever surf the infamous big-wave break at Mavericks. In this inspiring podcast interview, Sarah shares her journey growing up in the ocean alongside her mom—her earliest role model—learning confidence, courage, and love for the sea. She takes us to Hawaii, where charging powerful waves became the perfect training ground for taking on Mavericks, one of the most dangerous waves on the planet. Beyond her groundbreaking surfing legacy, Sarah is a dedicated chemistry professor, a wife, a mother, and an all-around incredible human who proves you don’t have to fit one box to live an extraordinary life. Tune in for a powerful story of passion, perseverance, and redefining what’s possible. 🌊🎙️

Jake Wormhoudt grew up in Santa Cruz during a special era of California surf culture, when the ocean shaped not just skills, but character. From working his way through the Junior Guards program to serving as a professional lifeguard, Jake’s early life was deeply tied to the sea. In the early 1990s, he became one of the pioneers surfing Mavericks, charging the massive waves during the break’s formative years. His path later took him south to San Diego, where he attended UC San Diego and transitioned into a career in tech. Today, Jake is a family man who looks back with gratitude on growing up—and surfing—during what many consider the golden years of the sport. In this interview, he reflects on risk, community, and how those early experiences continue to shape his life today.