In this episode of The Lineup, we explore the life and craft of legendary surfboard shaper Eric Arakawa. From his roots in Pearl City, Hawaii, to becoming a celebrated name in surfboard design, Eric shares his journey of passion, perseverance, and innovation. He offers a candid look at life on the North Shore when the surfing world descends and casts its attention on surfing’s Mecca, discussing the unique mix of excitement and challenges the start of the surf season brings. Eric reflects on the evolution of his craft, recounting how he started shaping boards at just 14 years old, reclaiming Island Classics, his experience with Hawaiian Island Creations, and the transformative impact of technology like CNC machines on board building. He highlights the importance of collaboration, sharing memorable stories about working with pros like Michae Ho and the late, great Derek Ho, 3x World Champion Andy Irons, Megan Abubo, Jack Robinson, Kanoa Igarshi, and more, and the indispensable contributions of his team, including Shayden Piccaro and Alonso Correa. Eric also opens up about his personal growth, detailing how he overcame self-doubt and rediscovered his love for shaping, finding new purpose and vision in his work. Now looking ahead to his next chapter, Eric reflects on the legacy he’s building, the importance of his factory team, and the joy of seeing his boards perform on the world stage.

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Join the Lineup Podcast Mega Fantasy League here.

Relive the World Junior Championships Presented by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Jan 13 - 19.

Stay tuned to the start of the Championship Tour season at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, Jan 27 - Feb 8.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

**Please see this sheet as a resource if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles fires, or if you'd like to donate, support, or volunteer. Our hearts are with  you.**

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In our first episode back of The Lineup podcast, commentator extraordinaire and part-time Lineup co-host Mitchell Salazar returns to dive into a mix of topics to kick off 2025. We start things off with Winners and Losers of the off-season, highlighting rookie sensations, Vans Pipe Masters, Nathan Florence having ‘a moment,’ and wondering where the hell is Kelly Slater? Now in its junior year, we reintroduce the return of the Vissla CT Shaper Rankings and explore major team shakeups, bold predictions for the Lexus Pipe Pro, and whether Mayhem can maintain its dominance against rising competition. We answer your very own hot topic fan questions like whose World Title win between Caity Simmers’ and Caroline Marks’ is more historic, Erin Brooks’ rookie year potential, and whether Florence’s latest film, Here & There, is CGI. We also speculate on wildcard picks, reflect on the best in high-performance surfing, and celebrate the return of iconic tour stops.

Follow Mitch here.

**Please see this sheet as a resource if you’ve been affected by the Los Angeles fires, or if you'd like to donate, support, or volunteer. Our hearts are with you.**

Catch the World Junior Championships Presented by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Jan 13 - 19.

Stay tuned to the start of the Championship Tour season at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, Jan 27 - Feb 8.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

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In this special end-of-year episode, the tradition continues as producer Miguel Clemente takes over hosting duties to guide us through The Lineup’s 2024 MEGA Mailbag. Dave Prodan and Miguel reflect on a remarkable year in surfing, sharing (and clipping in) our personal highlight moments from the 2024 season – from John John Florence's third world title triumph to Caity Simmers' undeniable rise to greatness.

From the year’s best heats, the evolution of the Challenger Series, the CT’s next generation of rookies, and Dave’s personal top five surfers of all time, we dive deep into your listener questions submitted via @thelineuppod on Instagram. Plus, Miguel and Dave reveal dream podcast guests, discuss the 2025 CT schedule, and share their hopes for surfing’s future.

Thank you for listening, and happy holidays from The Lineup crew!

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Musician and storyteller Matt Costa joins us on the pod. Matt dives into his creative process, collaborating with filmmakers like Devyn Bisson on WSL’s ‘As Told By’ series produced in partnership with YETI, working with Jack Johnson and Emmett Malloy on the film A Brokedown Melody, and his latest project with Adventure.com and Rivian, Explorations of Sight + Sound. Matt shares his fascinating journey, how growing up with parents in the travel industry and a passion for skateboarding shaped his early years. After a life-altering injury sidelined his skateboarding dreams, an acoustic guitar became the catalyst for a new path in music. He talks about adjusting to life on the road, reflecting on the mentorship he received from No Doubt’s Tom Dumont, his serendipitous break with Jack Johnson, and the evolution of crafting songs in the studio to embodying them on stage. From making music in caves to documenting indigenous stories on 16mm film to live scoring films, Matt delves into the art of creating immersive experiences, before answering Instagram questions and the infamous Lightning Round.

Learn more about Matt Costa here and follow him here.

Catch Matt live-score his film Explorations of Sight and Sound Vol. 2 on Saturday, Nov. 30 between 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM PT at The Rivian South Coast Theater 

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

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Legendary surfer, filmmaker, and environmental advocate Chris Malloy joins us on The Lineup. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and deep connection to the land, Chris dives into what it truly means to live authentically and reconnect with nature. He shares his views on modern conservation efforts, the surf film industry, and what it was like to watch legends like Tom Curren at Rincon in the early days. From hammering nails, cutting wood and driving tractors to fund his surf trips to taking a leap with Patagonia, Chris recounts how stepping away from big sponsorship deals was met with skepticism but ultimately led to a fulfilling path of making purpose-driven films. He offers an inside look at the surfing world before the internet, when curiosity was the fuel for adventure. Chris looks back at his upbringing, moving from Los Angeles to Ojai in the late '70s—a place he describes was filled with hippies, cowboys, and the Hell’s Angels. He reminisces about the early surf trips to the North Shore, scraping by with couch surfing and car camping. Recounting stories of Pipeline, Teahupo’o, and the Mentawais, he paints a picture of an era when surfing’s greats carved out a living on the waves and off the grid. Chris also reflects on the changing surf culture, the “passing of the torch,” and how while the younger generation’s progression may be incredible, he worries they may be missing out on the raw, unfiltered experience that shaped his own career. Chris continues by discussing the evolution of his filmmaking journey, from his early appearances in Taylor Steele’s films to creating impactful surf documentaries with his brothers. He discusses his partnership with YETI and their shared ethos of practicality and purpose. He shares how YETI gear became a staple on his ranch, highlighting the importance of quality tools that allow you to do what you love just a little longer.

Learn more about Chris Malloy here and follow him here.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

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Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, joins us on The Lineup to discuss his role in protecting the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. From Surfrider’s hometown of Laguna Beach, Dr. Nelsen shares insights on the foundation’s 40th anniversary, their network of 200+ chapters, and the complex evolution of environmental activism. We dive into real-world challenges—mangrove deforestation in Puerto Rico and coastal erosion on Hawaii’s North Shore—and discuss how the Surfrider Foundation combines legal and scientific strategies to tackle these issues. Dr. Nelsen also opens up about his journey, from growing up in a surfing family on Long Island to his lifelong commitment to ocean conservation. He reflects on the impact of climate change on coastlines and the need for public action, urging listeners to get involved in the fight for sustainable practices. We explore how surfing, though a niche sport, can drive environmental awareness and political influence. A key example is the Save Trestles campaign, which successfully halted plans for a six-lane toll road that would have cut through San Onofre State Beach, the Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy, sacred Native American sites, and threatened the San Mateo Creek Watershed. With partnerships with local communities, WSL and WSL PURE, as well as ambassadors like Carissa Moore, Dr. Cliff Kapono, and Greg Long, the Surfrider Foundation strives to inspire both surfers and non-surfers alike to make a difference. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Chad Nelsen and how joining a local Surfrider chapter can empower communities and spark positive change.

Learn more about Surfrider here and follow them here.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

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2025 Championship Tour qualifier and standout rookie Joel Vaughan joins The Lineup with Dave Prodan for an in-depth conversation. Joel dives into his exhilarating 2024 season, sharing the highs and lows of his journey to qualify for the Championship Tour in 2025. He reflects on the unforgettable moment at the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil, when he realized the magnitude of his own qualification scenario, while celebrating his fellow Aussie rookie George Pittar securing his own spot on tour. Throughout the episode, Joel opens up about the unwavering support from his family—his dad, his brothers, and his shaper Darren Handley, along with his tight-knit Aussie surfing community. He reminisces about his early days at North Shelly Beach, NSW, the surfers who inspired him, and the path that led him to the world stage. Looking ahead, he shares his excitement for the 2025 season, the events he's most eager to compete in, and his off-season training plans as he prepares for the iconic season opener at Pipeline. 

Learn more about Joel here and follow him here.

Rewatch his qualification moment at the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

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2025 Championship Tour qualifier Isabella Nichols returns to the show. Following her debut in Episode 75, Isabella recaps her remarkable 2024 season, finishing #3 in the Challenger Series Rankings, and securing her requalification for the 2025 CT. She takes us through the highs and lows of her journey, reliving the intense emotions of the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil, the nail-biting moments as the rankings shifted, and the mental resilience she built after being relegated to the Challenger Series. Isabella opens up about the challenges she faced entering the 2024 season, the pressure of watching her fate unfold from the beach in Saquarema, and how she maintained her focus and determination. She also looks ahead to 2025, sharing her thoughts on the updated tour schedule, the promising new rookies, and who she believes will be the top contenders to watch. Beyond surfing, Isabella dives into her passion for mechanical engineering and her efforts to inspire young students by speaking at schools about STEM opportunities. She reflects on how balancing her studies and professional surfing both supports and complicates her career. In a thrilling new segment, Scary Stories of the Sea presented by Kraken Rum, Isabella recounts a terrifying big-wave experience at Sunset, her offseason plans and working closely with renowned shaper Darren Handley.

Learn more about Isabella here and follow her here.

Relive the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil, Oct 12 - 20.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

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Style master Mikey February joins us on the pod. Universally considered one of the most impactful surfers of his generation, Mikey dives into his unique approach to surfing and filmmaking, exploring projects like Sonic Souvenirs, Changing Tempo, and his latest collaboration with Channel Islands and his platform, Spearhead Unlimited, Spearfish. He shares insights into the creation of his new signature surfboard, Feb's Fish, and the history of the iconic fish design and its role in shaping modern surf culture. Mikey also reflects on his time competing on the World Tour and how transitioning to free surfing—with support from Vans—has opened up new creative avenues. We explore his South African roots, the vital role his parents played in his journey, and how his home, culture, and love for art and music inspire his work across the globe. Mikey opens up about fatherhood, the ways it has changed his perspective, and the excitement of welcoming a new child soon. He unveils a harrowing encounter in the water in our newest segment presented by Kraken Rum, Scary Stories of the Sea, before we wrap up with listener questions and The Lightning Round.

Learn more about Mikey here and follow him here.

Be sure to follow Mikey’s new platform for creative freedom and experimentation, Spearhead Unlimited.

Relive the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, Oct 9 - 13.

Stay tuned to see who qualifies for the 2025 Championship Tour at the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil, Oct 12 - 20.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

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Prolific surf photographer Todd Glaser joins us in our latest episode of The Lineup. Renowned for his stunning oceanic imagery over the past two decades, Todd dives deep into his latest book, Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves. In conversation with Dave, Todd shares the journey of curating some of the most iconic images captured over fourteen years spent on the road with surfing legend Kelly Slater. He reveals his creative process for capturing those perfect shots and discusses the influences of iconic photographers like Steve Sherman and Danny Clinch, exploring how their techniques shape his work both in and out of the water. Todd also reflects on his beginnings as a competitive bodyboarder and how those early experiences ignited his passion for ocean photography, deepening his understanding of swells and bathymetry. He recounts his time at the Brooks Institute, where he connected with fellow creatives while balancing his love for travel and discovery with academic success. As he looks ahead post-book release, Todd teases an exciting potential documentary project and shares his newfound joy in running. He answers your listener questions, including one from Free Nationals bassist and friend of the pod, Kelsey González, reveals the winner of their Pipeline fantasy surfer league, and takes on the Lightning Round!

Follow Todd here.

Pre-order and purchase Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves here, available October 15!

Catch the from the EDP Ericeira Pro Presented By Estrella Galicia.

Stay tuned for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, Oct 9 - 13.

Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices