Sponsored by Official Beer Co.Produced by Podfire.In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with young surfing talent Leihani Zoric, whose passion, determination, and natural connection to the ocean have already made her one to watch. Leihani shares her story of growing up surfing with her dad, competing from a young age, and balancing school, training, and travel. She talks openly about the challenges of competition, the excitement of progression, and her goals for the future.SHOW NOTESTappa introduces guest Leihani Zoric, an emerging young surfer making waves in the competitive scene.How Leihani started surfing with her dad and built an early love for the ocean.Training routines, favourite surf spots, and what keeps her motivated.Balancing school life with competition, travel, and surf commitments.Lessons learned from contests and how she handles pressure.The influence of family, community, and mentors on her surfing journey.The thrills of progression — new manoeuvres, bigger waves, and personal goals.Leihani’s dreams for the future and what excites her most about the journey ahead.Closing reflections on staying grounded, grateful, and connected to the ocean.
Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.Produced by Podfire.In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece welcomes Matt Barber - educator, performance coach, and advocate for mental, physical and ocean-connected well-being. Matt opens up about his journey from decades in education to pioneering innovative youth programs and becoming a key member of HUPO, where he blends surf, breath-work and mindset training to help fellow surfers and everyday people realise their true potential. The conversation dives into how surfing, community, and personal growth intersect - touching on resilience, purpose, wellness, environment, and the transformative power of nature and the ocean.
Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.Produced by Podfire.In Part 2 of his conversation with Terry “Tappa” Teece, legendary shaper and artist Richard Harvey returns to Tappa’s Green Room to dive deeper into the world of creativity, craftsmanship, and expression. Moving beyond surfboards, Richard opens up about his evolution as an artist - from painting and woodcarving to the unique pieces that have defined his artistic identity. He shares stories of inspiration drawn from the ocean, the people around him, and the landscapes that shaped his life. This episode is a heartfelt look into the mind of a creator whose hands have shaped both waves and works of art across more than 50 years.SHOW NOTESTappa welcomes Richard Harvey back for Part 2 of their conversation.Richard’s transition from shaping surfboards to exploring painting and fine art.The artistic influences that shaped his style and eye.How the ocean, coastline, and surf culture feed his creativity.Stories behind specific artworks and the emotions or memories tied to them.Richard’s love of woodwork, sculpture, and working with natural materials.The overlap between shaping and art — flow, form, detail, and intuition.Reflections on exhibiting his work and the people who collect it.Richard’s philosophy on creativity, longevity, and staying inspired.Closing thoughts on living a life guided by passion and craft.
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 NOTESTappa 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 NotesTappa 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 NotesTappa 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 NotesTappa 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 boomDiscovering surfing through his lifesaver father and first waves at Palm BeachMeeting the Peterson brothers and joining Kirra and Burleigh BoardridersCompeting against the world’s best and finishing second behind Richard Harvey at the Pa Bendall ClassicBecoming one of Billabong’s earliest sponsored surfers and the truth behind its early historyThe defining “sliding door” moment that led to a three-year competition banTurning to faith and family — becoming a pastor and school chaplain15 years of missionary work helping communities in the Philippines and FijiThe devastating loss of his daughter and how faith helped his family endureLife lessons on respect, gratitude, and giving back through surfing and serviceStill 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 NotesTappa 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 NotesTappa 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.
Tappa sits down with iconic surf cameraman and all-around legend John ‘Gordo’ Gordon. From his roots in a family steeped in journalism to capturing the chaos and beauty of the world’s best waves, Gordo has seen it all — often from behind the lens and sometimes from the frontlines of danger.With trademark humour and heart, Gordo opens up about his wildest moments on the World Surfing Tour, brushes with fame, acts of bravery that earned him medals, and the unforgettable characters who shaped his life behind the scenes of surf culture. This isn’t just a story about surf photography — it’s a story about risk, legacy, and living a life fuelled by passion and purpose.Whether you’re a surfer, storyteller or just here for the yarns — Gordo delivers.
Tappa sits down with Aussie surfer, commentator, and all-around adventurer Lillian “Lily” Young. From her early days catching waves in Australia to lifeguarding the rugged shores of England, Lily’s journey is anything but ordinary.She opens up about her time at the iconic Cooey School, the leap to living abroad, and her solo surf missions through Cornwall, El Salvador, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Lily shares the highs and lows of travel, the thrill of surf comps, and the chaos and beauty of life on the road.Whether it’s navigating new cultures or being the only woman in the lineup, Lily’s story is packed with grit, stoke, and valuable insights for surfers and wanderers alike.
Tappa sits down with surfing icon and legendary shaper Murray Bourton—founder of the iconic Pipe Dream Surfboards. From the beaches of South Australia to the breaks of Bali, Murray reflects on a life carved by waves, wild adventures, and bold choices.They talk early Gold Coast surf culture, getting drafted for Vietnam, run-ins with the law, and how a stint in jail changed his trajectory. Murray opens up about shaping boards for generations of surfers, discovering Indonesian surf spots like Uluwatu before they were famous, and why mentorship and craftsmanship still matter in today’s surf scene.This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a raw, unfiltered story of rebellion, reinvention, and the lifelong ride that is surfing.
Tappa sits down with surfing legend Andrew “Andy Mac” McKinnon. From his first wave at Mermaid Beach to mixing it with the best on the world stage, Andy takes us on a wild ride through the golden era of Aussie surfing. Hear about the board evolution arms race, life-changing sessions in Hawaii, behind-the-scenes chaos at the 1972 World Championships, and his long-time rivalry (and friendship) with the great Michael Peterson.But it doesn’t stop at the shoreline—Andy shares jaw-dropping travel tales (including a three-piece suit con job to get home), how he fell into radio, and the accidental birth of a cult vegetarian café. He also opens up about his lifelong mission to protect the ocean, and how he literally helped move a freeway to save the land he loves.A must-listen for surf nerds, environmental warriors, and anyone who’s ever paddled out with a dream.
Tappa sits down with Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie — the under-16 ISA World Champion — to chat about her rise through the ranks of junior surfing and the wild ride that’s gotten her there. From growing up in Bali and overcoming a fear of the ocean, to navigating international comps and heavy waves in El Salvador, Ziggy opens up about the moments that shaped her into the athlete she is today.They dive into her experience in the alternative Koo-ee education program, the culture shocks of global surf travel, and the pressure of competing on the world stage. This episode is all about grit, growth, and the new wave of women’s surfing — and Ziggy’s leading the charge.
In our very first live recording of Tappa’s Green Room, captured at the iconic Flotsam Festival. Tappa sit's down with surf photographer Simon “Swilly” Williams, filmmaker Shannon Hayes, and surfer Annie De Santos for a deep dive into the creative heart of surf culture.From the challenges of capturing that perfect wave to the unspoken bond between surfer and shooter, this episode explores the art, trust, and hustle behind every iconic surf image and film. The crew shares personal stories, creative insights, and the gritty realities of documenting surfing in wild, unpredictable conditions. They also talk about the evolving role of technology, the pressures surfers feel under the lens, and what it means to chase waves purely for the love of it.Whether you're in it for the surf, the shots, or the stories—this live episode brings all the heart, humour, and raw energy of Flotsam Festival straight to your ears.
Tappa sits down with Russell Specht, a proud North Stradbroke Island local who’s spent a lifetime chasing waves and living the island life. From growing up in a surf-obsessed family to balancing carpentry with competition surfing, Russell shares stories from Straddie’s golden days — and its gnarlier ones too, including close encounters in sharky Indonesian waters. He reflects on the changing face of the island, the rise of local surf talent, and the deep cultural roots that shape his community. At the heart of it all? Respect — for the ocean, the elders, and the next generation. This one’s salty, raw, and full of heart.