The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

15-year-old phenom Tya Zebrowski joins Kaipo Guerrero on MEET THE ROOKIE to talk about her rapid rise to the Championship Tour. Tya reflects on winning the Challenger Series in Newcastle just days after her 15th birthday and becoming the youngest surfer ever to qualify for the Championship Tour. She shares how splitting her upbringing between France and Tahiti shaped her surfing, from cold-water European competitions to perfect waves in the South Pacific. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in surfing and travel, Tya explains how her parents’ surf and yoga retreats exposed her to waves around the world at a young age. She discusses how adapting to different conditions accelerated her progression and helped prepare her for elite competition. The French-Tahitian standout also opens up about managing expectations, stepping onto the CT as the youngest competitor, and the mindset she’s bringing into her rookie season. From balancing school and competition to chasing wins against the world’s best, Tya breaks down what motivates her during this breakthrough moment in her career.

Learn more about Tya and follow her here.

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Watch the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11.

Stay tuned to the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Apr 16 - 26.

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Olympic gold medalist and Challenger Series champion Kauli Vaast joins Joe Turpel for an in-depth conversation ahead of his highly anticipated Championship Tour rookie season. Kauli opens up about growing up in Tahiti, learning to surf near Teahupo’o, and traveling solo to Europe at just nine years old to sharpen his competitive edge. He reflects on balancing school and surfing, choosing to go all-in on a pro career, and the mindset that helped him qualify for the CT. He also dives into the powerful coaching team guiding his rookie campaign, including mentorship from Jeremy Flores, strategic support from Joan Duru, and collaboration with Tomas Mallem. Kauli explains how rotating between coaches, building trust, and focusing on mental performance helped him handle pressure and perform at the highest level. The Tahitian standout also shares stories about his family’s influence, surfing heavy waves with his siblings, and living a deliberately “off-grid” lifestyle while traveling the world. From the pressure of qualification to his goals of Rookie of the Year and ultimately a world title, Kauli breaks down what drives him as he prepares for his debut season. Plus, Kauli talks equipment, his coaching team, the upcoming CT stops, and why winning at home in Tahiti remains his ultimate dream.

Learn more about Kauli and follow him here.

Follow Joe Turpel here.

Stay tuned to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11.

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A news update from Dave Prodan from the Rip Curl Pro Presented By Bonsoy and world of surfing beyond.

Stay tuned to the first CT stop of the season, the Rip Curl Pro Bell Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11.

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South African rookie Luke Thompson joins Kaipo Guerrero to unpack the long road from Durban’s New Pier to the Championship Tour and the belief that carried him all the way to qualification. Luke reflects on discovering surfing later than most, growing up on Durban’s beachfront, and how moving to Cape Town sharpened his approach in heavier, more technical waves. He opens up about the ups and downs of the Challenger Series, including a difficult 2024 season, the mental reset that followed, and the turning-point victory at home in Ballito that ignited his qualifying run. The conversation dives deep into Luke’s mindset shift and the team around him that helped him level up, from coaching and mental performance work to physical preparation. He also shares the emotional moment in Newcastle when qualification became official, describing it as a “year of emotions” released all at once. Looking ahead to his rookie season, Luke talks about board adjustments, traveling alongside fellow rookies, and learning from his idols Jordy Smith and Ethan Ewing. He breaks down which stops he’s most excited for and his goal to bring both hard work and personality to the CT.

Learn more about Luke and follow him here.

Follow Kaipo Guerrero here.

Stay tuned to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11.

Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy and the Lineup Podcast Brackets for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply.

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Australia’s rising star Dane Henry joins The Lineup ahead of his Championship Tour debut as a wildcard at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The reigning World Junior Champion from Fingal Head has been on a rapid ascent – stacking amateur world titles, winning the Newcastle QS, all leading to his biggest opportunity yet. Henry breaks down the surreal moment he learned he’d be surfing Bells, when three-time World Champion Mick Fanning showed up at his door with his very own jersey in-hand. He talks about building a mentorship with one of his heroes, preparing mentally for his first CT appearance, and why he’s approaching the event to “ruin dreams.” The conversation also dives into his upbringing in Fingal Head, a sports-driven family background, and how rugby, skating, and motocross shaped his athleticism. Henry reflects on his recent run of results, the importance of self-reflection, and the support system, including coaches, family, and longtime board sponsor Sharp Eye. From dialing in boards for Bells to navigating friendships on tour (including a Round 1 matchup with close mate Oscar Berry), Henry shares insights into his competitive mindset, equipment experimentation, and what it takes to transition from rising junior to CT threat. He also answers listener questions about the next generation of talent, advice for young surfers chasing the dream, and which tour surfer he wants to face man-to-man.

Learn more about Dane here and follow him here.

Stay tuned to the first CT stop of the season, the Rip Curl Pro Bell Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11.

Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy and the Lineup Podcast Brackets for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply.

Stay up to date with the rankings.

Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping.

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