Tappa's Green Room Podcast

This episode is brought to you by Official Beer Co. Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Tappa sits down with legendary Gold Coast shaper and artist Richard Harvey, who has spent more than 50 years handcrafting surfboards for state champions, Australian champions, and international surfers. Richard reflects on growing up in the era of wooden boards, discovering shaping as a young grommet, and building a lifelong career grounded in craftsmanship and creativity. From iconic moments in Australian surf history to his evolution as a painter and woodworker, Richard shares stories filled with nostalgia, humour, and heart. It’s a deep dive into the life of a surfer whose hands have shaped both boards and culture across generations.

SHOW NOTES

• Tappa introduces Richard Harvey, surfer, artist, and master craftsman of over 50 years.
• Growing up in an era before foam boards and the early days of Gold Coast surfing.
• Richard’s first experiences shaping — the mistakes, the magic, and the learning curve.
• Working with and shaping for state and Australian champions.
• His memories of iconic surfing eras and the characters who shaped the Gold Coast scene.
• How art became a natural extension of his creativity, from painting to wood carving.
• The evolution of surfboard construction and what has — and hasn’t — changed.
• Reflections on staying grounded, inspired, and connected to the ocean over decades.
• Thoughts on craftsmanship, passion, and passing knowledge to the next generation.

Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co. and produced by Podfire.

In this episode Tappa sits down with Jean-Marie Lartigau, a pioneering French surfer, artist, and six-time national champion whose life has taken him from the waves of the Basque Coast in the 1960s to a deeply rooted home on the Gold Coast. Jean-Marie shares stories of the early European surf scene, discovering surfing through family and community, competing through the sport’s formative years, and eventually travelling the world before settling in Australia in the early ’70s. He reflects on shaping, artistry, the evolution of surfing culture, and the personal philosophy that’s driven him through decades in and around the ocean. It’s a warm, thoughtful, and beautifully human conversation with a true surf original.

Show Notes

• Tappa welcomes Jean-Marie Lartigau: French surfing pioneer, artist, and multiple-time national champion.
• Growing up on the Basque Coast and discovering surfing in the early 1960s.
• Stories from the early French and European surf scene and how small the community was at the time.
• Competing from 1962 to 1968 and becoming French National Surfing Champion.
• Travelling the world in the late ’60s and early ’70s as global surf culture exploded.
• Arriving in Australia, falling in love with the Gold Coast, and deciding to settle there.
• Transitioning into shaping, art, and developing a recognisable artistic style.
• Reflections on the differences between France and Australia’s surfing culture.
• The philosophy, creativity, and joy that still drive him today.
• Jean-Marie’s thoughts on the evolution of surfing and the importance of community and connection.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Phil Clayton — Ironman legend, coach, and one of the most respected voices in surf lifesaving. From his early days charging the Gold Coast surf to competing on the world stage, Phil shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a life spent in the ocean. He opens up about the evolution of surf lifesaving, mentoring the next generation, and what it takes to stay driven after competition. Packed with insight, laughs, and raw honesty, this chat captures the spirit of an athlete who’s never stopped giving back to the sport he loves.

Show Notes

• Tappa introduces Phil Clayton, former professional Ironman and elite surf lifesaving coach.
• Phil’s early days growing up in the surf and discovering his competitive edge.
• Memories from his Ironman career — victories, rivalries, and resilience.
• Transitioning from athlete to mentor and surf coach.
• The evolution of surf lifesaving and what it means today.
• Reflections on motivation, mindset, and leadership in and out of the water.
• How Phil helps young athletes find balance, purpose, and performance.
• The lasting lessons the ocean continues to teach him.

Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Kate Wilcomes — surfer, coach, and all-round force of nature who’s spent her life chasing waves, adventure, and purpose. Kate shares her story from growing up by the ocean to competing, coaching, and building a life centred around movement and mindset. She opens up about resilience, reinvention, and helping others unlock their potential through surf and sport. It’s an uplifting chat full of energy, wisdom, and the kind of positivity that reminds you why we all love the ocean.

Show Notes

• Tappa introduces Kate Wilcomes — surfer, coach, and all-around athlete.
• Kate’s journey from childhood by the beach to professional surfing.
• Lessons learned from competition and her shift into coaching.
• Finding balance through fitness, surfing, and mental wellbeing.
• Reflections on personal challenges, motivation, and self-discovery.
• Building a career that empowers others through sport and movement.
• Thoughts on community, connection, and the role of women in surfing.
• Kate’s take on what keeps her stoked — in and out of the water.

Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this inspiring episode, Tappa sits down with Guy Ormerod — a Gold Coast surf legend whose story stretches from his early days at Palm Beach to his decades of influence in and out of the water. Guy shares his journey from competing with greats like Rabbit Bartholomew and Jerry Lopez to becoming one of Billabong’s first sponsored surfers. Beyond the surf, Guy opens up about his faith, family, years of missionary work, and the deep personal loss that shaped his outlook on life. Still charging Burleigh in his 60s, Guy embodies what it means to be the eternal grommet — full of gratitude, resilience, and stoke.

Show Notes (Key Talking Points)

• Guy’s early life in Sydney and move to the Gold Coast during the canal boom
• Discovering surfing through his lifesaver father and first waves at Palm Beach
• Meeting the Peterson brothers and joining Kirra and Burleigh Boardriders
• Competing against the world’s best and finishing second behind Richard Harvey at the Pa Bendall Classic
• Becoming one of Billabong’s earliest sponsored surfers and the truth behind its early history
• The defining “sliding door” moment that led to a three-year competition ban
• Turning to faith and family — becoming a pastor and school chaplain
• 15 years of missionary work helping communities in the Philippines and Fiji
• The devastating loss of his daughter and how faith helped his family endure
• Life lessons on respect, gratitude, and giving back through surfing and service
• Still ripping at 66 — staying fit, stretching, and living the “eternal grommet” lifestyle

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, host Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with the one-and-only Tony Spanos — a Sydney icon whose life journey weaves through surf culture, street art, social activism and community building. Tony shares how his early passion for surfing and coastal life dovetailed with his commitment to urban youth, Indigenous communities, and environmental causes. From founding the Graffiti Hall of Fame, reviving the legendary “Peace Bus,” and running for political office, to his philosophical view on what it means to be a “champion” of one’s own world — this is a raw, powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the intersections between surf, society and change. Whether you're drawn to waves or urban tides, you’ll come away stirred.

Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece is joined by legendary surf and snow photographer Tony “Harro” Harrington, who has spent the past four decades chasing the planet’s most extreme moments. From his early days on the Central Coast with a $5 surfboard to becoming one of the only photographers to work at the highest levels in both surf and snow, Harro shares the stories behind his breathtaking images and his monumental book Defining Moments. He talks about surviving wipeouts and avalanches, documenting surf legends and mountain icons, and why respect and passion remain at the heart of his craft.

Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co and produced by Podfire.

Show Notes

• Tappa welcomes Tony “Harro” Harrington, renowned adventure photographer.
• Growing up on the Central Coast and discovering surfing and photography.
• Early career: shooting for surf magazines and learning the ropes in the snow.
• Transition from apprentice electrician to full-time photographer.
• Building a career across surf and snow, including 30+ years chasing Hawaii winters and Alaskan slopes.
• Harro’s most dangerous and memorable experiences—from big-wave wipeouts to avalanches.
• The unique challenges of surf photography vs. snow photography.
• Stories of capturing icons like Jerry Lopez and Jake Burton.
• The making of Defining Moments, a 1,300+ page visual epic spanning 40 years.
• Reflections on creativity, respect, and carving a path as a surf and snow pioneer.

Brought to you by Official Beer Co. & produced by Podfire.

In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, host Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with renowned surfboard shaper and innovator Nev Hyman. From shaping his first boards in his dad’s garage in Perth to becoming an internationally respected craftsman, Nev shares stories of chasing waves, meeting legends, and shaping boards for world champions. He opens up about the evolution of surfboard design, the early days of Nev Surfboards, breaking into the global surf scene, and his passion for innovation both in surfing and beyond. It’s a deep dive into the craft, culture, and creativity of one of Australia’s most influential surfboard shapers.

Brought to you by Official Beer Co. & produced by Podfire.

Show Notes

• Tappa introduces Nev Hyman, the man who shaped his very first “real” surfboard.
• Nev’s early days in Western Australia, shaping boards in his dad’s garage.
• The move to the Gold Coast and encounters with surf legends like Bob McTavish and Richard Harvey.
• Stories from the shaping bay: how Nev broke into the scene with Jono and the North End Boardriders.
• Building the Nev brand, iconic logos, and the rise of colourful, high-performance surfboards in the 80s.
• Shaping for world-class surfers including Sean Tomson, Sunny Garcia, and international pros.
• The challenges and breakthroughs of surfboard mass production and computer shaping technology.
• Insights into health, longevity, and the toll (and rewards) of decades spent in the shaping room.
• Nev’s international adventures, from Hawaii to Japan, and how he helped shape modern surfing’s global culture.

Tappa sits down with Jay Phillips — Snapper Rocks legend, champion surfer, and the club’s longest-serving president. Jay shares stories from his dreamy Fingal childhood, his rise through the surf comp ranks, and the moment that shaped his life after losing his father.

From surfing alongside Metallica to shaping the next generation of wave riders, Jay reflects on the power of community, the evolution of the sport, and why family will always come first.

Tune in for an inspiring yarn that’s as heartfelt as it is legendary.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Tappa sits down with true Gold Coast royalty, Warren Young — lifeguard, lifesaver, longboarder, poet, and all-round top bloke. With over 47 years of service, Warren shares how he helped transform the Gold Coast into a world leader in beach safety, from pioneering lifeguard towers to standardising rescue training and bringing in jet skis.

He opens up about his early days in Brisbane, the surf club that changed his life, the rescues that stuck with him, and the moment he said goodbye to his good mate — Tappa’s dad — with a poem that’ll hit you right in the feels.

Tune in for tales of brotherhood, big waves, and even bigger hearts from a living legend who’s still walking Miami Beach, talking to everyone (whether they like it or not), and writing poetry that packs a punch.