The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

MEET THE ROOKIE: Luke Thompson – The moment he knew he would qualify, His breakthrough Ballito win, Upbringing from New Pier to the CT, What he wants to bring to the CT, & More

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 [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/12466/luke-thompson?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] and follow him here [https://www.instagram.com/luke.thompsson?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 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/436/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/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 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 260: Dane Henry – Is here to “RUIN DREAMS”, Getting the Bells Beach Wild Card from Mick Fanning, His epic run to World Junior Champion

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 [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/15422/dane-henry?isearch=true&scategory=all&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup] and follow him here [https://www.instagram.com/danehenry_/?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lineup]. Stay tuned to the first CT stop of the season, the Rip Curl Pro Bell Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/436/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/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]

Yolanda Hopkins – Portugal’s powerhouse rookie targets CT Top 5, Challenger Title & rookie year breakthrough, Having the door shut in her face, Feeling like the most appreciative rookie on tour, Her qualification journey & More

Yolanda Hopkins is a Portuguese powerhouse and 2026 Championship Tour rookie. She joins host Joe Turpel on MEET THE ROOKIE  to break down her long road to qualification, her powerful approach in the water, and why she believes she can finish inside the Top 5 in her debut season. Calling in from Australia while preparing for Newcastle, Hopkins discusses chasing the Challenger Series title before her rookie debut, balancing preparation for events like Bells Beach and Margaret River, and how years of near-misses built the resilience that finally pushed her onto the CT. She reflects on growing up in Portugal’s southern breaks, being raised by a fisherman father, and how first-generation surfing shaped her competitive fire. Hopkins also dives into key turning points – traveling outside Europe for the first time, qualifying heartbreaks, losing her father, and finally securing her CT spot surrounded by supporters in Saquarema, and explains why that journey makes her one of the most appreciative rookies on Tour. The conversation explores her powerful surfing influences, including Carissa Moore, Stepanie Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons, Mick Fanning, and Jordy Smith, her longtime relationship with her shaper and coach, and her confidence heading into a stacked rookie class. Hopkins also shares her goals for the season, why winning the Challenger Series still matters, and the pride she feels representing Portugal as part of Europe’s rising force on Tour. Learn more about Yolanda [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/9193/yolanda-hopkins?isearch=true&scategory=all&utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] and follow her here [https://www.instagram.com/yo_surf/?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 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/436/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] 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]

Mateus Herdy – His emotional qualification moment, Support from Julian Wilson and Rivvia, Growing up with Sammy Pupo and Joao Chianca, Snapt 5, His mindset for the 2026 CT & More

Mateus Herdy is a former World Junior Champion and one of the most anticipated newcomers to the Championship Tour. Recorded just days after his dramatic qualification for the 2026 season, Herdy opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that defined his six-year journey to the CT. The Brazilian aerialist reflects on the heartbreak and disbelief of thinking he’d missed out again this year, the surreal final minutes that flipped the script, and the overwhelming support from the global surf community that followed. He also shares what it meant to qualify alongside close friends, the influence of his hometown of Florianópolis, and how surfing alongside his childhood friends Joao Chianca and Sammy Pupo now feels like a full-circle moment. Herdy breaks down his mindset heading into his rookie year, from traveling with fellow CT competitors to learning iconic stops like Bells Beach and Pipeline, while targeting waves he believes suit his progressive approach. He discusses equipment changes, the support he’s received from Julian Wilson and the Rivvia team, traveling with his coach, Leandro Dora and working with Logan Dulien on Snapt 5. Learn more about Mateus [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/7551/mateus-herdy?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] and follow him here [https://www.instagram.com/mateusherdy/?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 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/436/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=meet-the-rookies] 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]

Lineup News Update: 03/24/2026

Your Lineup News Network Update for March 24th, 2026. Stay tuned to the first CT stop of the season, the Rip Curl Pro Bell Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/436/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/main?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lnn] Join the conversation by following The Lineup [https://www.instagram.com/thelineuppod?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lnn] podcast with Dave Prodan [https://www.instagram.com/daveprodan?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lnn] on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/wsl?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lnn] Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. [https://www.worldsurfleague.com?utm_source=lineup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lnn] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]