MEET THE ROOKIE: Francisca ‘Kika’ Veselko – Dreamt she would qualify this year, Growing up in Carcavelos, Thoughts on the EURO FORCE on tour, World Junior Champion, & Mindset on approaching the CT as a rookie

MEET THE ROOKIE: Nadia Erostarbe – Making history for Spain and the Basque country as the first Spanish and Basque woman on the CT, Growing up in Zarautz, Overcoming self-doubt & Feeling like the earned her spot on Tour

Nadia Erostarbe joins Joe Turpel on MEET THE ROOKIE after making history as the first Basque and Spanish woman to qualify for the Championship Tour. Raised in the surf-rich town of Zarautz in Spain’s Basque Country, Nadia grew up surrounded by a tight-knit surf community and inspired by trailblazer Aritz Aranburu. She reflects on watching contests at her home break, learning from local big-wave surfers, and building confidence through international competition. Nadia opens up about the emotional journey to qualification, coming within one spot the year before, battling injuries, and overcoming self-doubt during the Challenger Series season. She shares how working with sports psychology, leaning on her support system, and believing in her dream helped her finally secure her place on Tour. She also discusses traveling with her boyfriend and coach, preparing her quiver with Darren Handley at DHD Surfboards, and her rookie season goals including Rookie of the Year and a Top 10 finish. From representing both the Basque Country and Spain to competing against world champions, Nadia breaks down what this historic qualification and season means to her. Learn more about Nadia [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/7288/nadia-erostarbe?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] and follow her here [https://www.instagram.com/nadiaerostarbe/?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Follow Joe Turpel here [https://www.instagram.com/joeturpel/?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Relive the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/437/western-australia-margaret-river-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay tuned to Stop #3 on the Championship Tour, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, May 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/438/bonsoy-gold-coast-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/fantasy/leagues?leagueCode=CYOSAM4P&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] and The Lineup Podcast Brackets [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/bracket/leagues?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gmQZoGP-WGk2aczuIyM2cJcC2_dlwT3/view?usp=drive_link&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay up to date with the rankings. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/rankings?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Get the latest merch at the WSL Store [https://www.wslstore.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping. Join the conversation [https://www.youtube.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow the league [https://www.instagram.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow The Lineup [https://www.instagram.com/thelineuppod?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], and stay updated on all things WSL [https://www.worldsurfleague.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

EP 262: Chris Binns – Breaks down Margies from the ground, His picks for Winners & Losers, CI takes the lead on the CT Shaper Rankings, Medina looking unbeatable, Ewing’s slow start, & Instagram questions

Surf journalist and beach commentator Chris Binns joins The Lineup podcast to break down the Western Australia Margaret River Pro Presented by Bonsoy. As the Aussie Treble rolls on, George Pittar claimed a career-defining first CT win over a murderers row of competitors, including an in-form and current World #1 Gabriel Medina. Lakey Peterson returned to the top in powerful form, claiming her second Margaret River win. The conversation dives deeper into the emotional weight lifted off former mid-year cut victims “rewriting their Margies stories,” and why Gabriel Medina looks more dangerous than ever. They also unpack a tough start for the 2026 rookie class across two of the Tour’s most technical waves, ongoing format debates and overlapping heats, and how event pacing shaped the viewing experience. Binnsy touches on Carissa Moore’s inspired comeback mindset, the evolving CT rankings after two unpredictable events, and why Margaret River remains one of the most psychologically demanding stops on Tour – all setting the stage for what’s to come at Stop #3, Snapper Rocks. Follow Binnsy here [https://www.instagram.com/binnstagram?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]. Relive the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/437/western-australia-margaret-river-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay tuned to Stop #3 on the Championship Tour, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, May 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/438/bonsoy-gold-coast-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/fantasy/leagues?leagueCode=CYOSAM4P&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] and the Lineup Podcast Brackets for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gmQZoGP-WGk2aczuIyM2cJcC2_dlwT3/view?usp=drive_link&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay up to date with the rankings. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/rankings?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Get the latest merch at the WSL Store [https://www.wslstore.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping. Join the conversation by following The Lineup [https://www.instagram.com/thelineuppod?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] podcast with Dave Prodan [https://www.instagram.com/daveprodan?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Post Show: Margaret River - Pivotal wins for Peterson and Pittar put a cork in Margs | Stone & Wood Post Show

The sun has set on the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, and Lakey Peterson and George Pittar leave Margs walking on a dream after their victories.  An insatiable run to the Finals for George Pittar included three Brazilian World Champions before facing 3x World Champion Gabriel Medina in a Final clash. Pittar kept believing and the scores kept coming, posting a 9.00 after judges deemed Medina’s effort for a wave lost him priority and Pittar capitalized for his maiden CT win. For Peterson, it marks her first CT win since 2023 and a second in the Wild West after overcoming a World Champion and fellow Rookie of the Year on the way to her momentous win, sending her atop the rankings.  Another Final appearance at Margaret for Medina sends him to No. 1 leaving the Wild West, with fellow Brazilian competitor Luana Silva earning a second-career CT runner-up. The Brazilian Storm is well and truly established leaving the West, encompassing four Top 5 spots on the men’s side and Silva sitting at No. 4.  The GWM Aussie Trebel Leaderboard is shifting with Medina and Bryan taking the reigns to the Gold Coast, and the final stop to claim a new set of wheels. Plus, the Boost Mobile Heat of the Day belonged to Medina and Samuel Pupo’s Bells Beach rematch, and major shifts in the Surfboard Empire Shaper Rankings Presented by VEIA have Channel Islands right at the top. Now, the Dream Tour heads for the pristine sand banks of Rainbow Bay and the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM May 1 through 11. Recap the Western Australia Margaret River Pro Presented by Bonsoy. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/437/western-australia-margaret-river-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/438/bonsoy-gold-coast-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/fantasy/leagues?leagueCode=CYOSAM4P&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] and The Lineup Podcast Brackets [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/bracket/leagues?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gmQZoGP-WGk2aczuIyM2cJcC2_dlwT3/view?usp=drive_link&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay up to date with the rankings. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/rankings?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Get the latest merch at the WSL Store [https://www.wslstore.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping. Join the conversation [https://www.youtube.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow the league [https://www.instagram.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow The Lineup [https://www.instagram.com/thelineuppod?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], and stay updated on all things WSL [https://www.worldsurfleague.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

MEET THE ROOKIE: Francisca ‘Kika’ Veselko – Dreamt she would qualify this year, Growing up in Carcavelos, Thoughts on the EURO FORCE on tour, World Junior Champion, & Mindset on approaching the CT as a rookie

Francisca 'Kika' Veselko joins Joe Turpel on MEET THE ROOKIE just weeks before her Championship Tour debut, reflecting on the years of persistence that led to her long-awaited qualification. Born in California but raised in Portugal’s powerful beachbreaks at Carcavelos, Kika grew up in a surf-driven family and developed her all-conditions approach early. She shares how her mother inspired her path, and how competing between Europe and California helped shape her belief that she could reach the highest level. After four full seasons grinding on the Challenger Series, Kika opens up about the setbacks, the growth, and the adjustments that finally clicked, including refining her routines, working on consistency, and leaning on the confidence from her World Junior title. She also reflects on the moment she officially qualified, discovering the news while in Hawaii and realizing a lifelong dream. Kika discusses working closely with longtime coach Rodrigo Souza, who has guided her since childhood, and how their partnership will continue into her rookie CT season. She also breaks down her equipment preparation with DHD Surfboards, managing logistics for the demanding tour schedule, and adapting to new venues like Fiji and Tahiti. Plus, Kika talks about the European surge on Tour, her Rookie of the Year ambitions, and the meaning behind choosing jersey number 19 as she prepares for her first heat at Bells Beach. Learn more about Kika [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/10096/francisca-veselko?isearch=true&scategory=all&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] and follow her here [https://www.instagram.com/kikaveselko?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Follow Joe Turpel here [https://www.instagram.com/joeturpel/?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Stay tuned to the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Apr 16 - 26. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/437/western-australia-margaret-river-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/fantasy/leagues?leagueCode=CYOSAM4P&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] and The Lineup Podcast Brackets [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/bracket/leagues?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gmQZoGP-WGk2aczuIyM2cJcC2_dlwT3/view?usp=drive_link&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay up to date with the rankings. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/rankings?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Get the latest merch at the WSL Store [https://www.wslstore.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping. Join the conversation [https://www.youtube.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow the league [https://www.instagram.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow The Lineup [https://www.instagram.com/thelineuppod?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], and stay updated on all things WSL [https://www.worldsurfleague.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

MEET THE ROOKIE: Oscar Berry – The INFAMOUS Shoey on the beach of Newcastle, Explains one of the fastest rises to the CT, Skate roots, Representing 64 in Yamba, LSD Surfboards, & How he plans to keep surfing fun

Oscar Berry joins Kaipo Guerrero on Meet The Rookie after earning Championship Tour qualification in just two seasons on the Challenger Series. Born in inland Australia before finding his footing in the waves of Yamba, Oscar shares how he balanced skateboarding and surfing growing up until fully committing to competitive surfing later than many of his peers. Despite the late start, a breakout run on the Challenger Series accelerated his rise to the sport’s top level. Oscar reflects on the ups and downs of his qualification journey, including injuries, early exits, and a dramatic turnaround that reignited his campaign. He also talks about celebrating qualification, representing his hometown with the 64 postcode on his jersey, and stepping onto surfing’s biggest stage. He breaks down working with longtime coach Tim MacDonald, collaborating with performance psychologist Tom Greer-Smith, and dialing in equipment with Luke Short Designs. Oscar explains how focusing on the mental side of competition helped unlock consistency and decision-making in heats. Plus, Oscar discusses rookie season expectations, waves he’s most excited for, the Australian opening stretch, and his goal of keeping surfing fun while competing against the world’s best. Learn more about Oscar [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/14270/oscar-berry?isearch=true&scategory=all] and follow him here [https://www.instagram.com/oscarberry123/?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Follow Kaipo Guerrero here [https://www.instagram.com/kaipoguerrero?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Stay tuned to the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Apr 16 - 26. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/437/western-australia-margaret-river-pro/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/fantasy/leagues?leagueCode=CYOSAM4P&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] and The Lineup Podcast Brackets [https://fantasy.worldsurfleague.com/bracket/leagues?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gmQZoGP-WGk2aczuIyM2cJcC2_dlwT3/view?usp=drive_link&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Stay up to date with the rankings. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/rankings?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] Get the latest merch at the WSL Store [https://www.wslstore.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping. Join the conversation [https://www.youtube.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow the league [https://www.instagram.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], follow The Lineup [https://www.instagram.com/thelineuppod?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies], and stay updated on all things WSL [https://www.worldsurfleague.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]