EP 271: Koa Smith – Breaks down the Tahiti Pro, Teahupo’o no-grab drop-ins from Kelly Slater and Caity Simmers, Seth Moniz’ first CT win, the Evolution of helmets in waves of consequence, Free surfing and travels with Roark, and Boards, boards, boards
About this episode
Koa Smith joins Dave Prodan to discuss the Outerknown Tahiti Pro and various aspects of surfing, including equipment and entrepreneurship.
Professional surfer and entrepreneur Koa Smith joins The Lineup with Dave Prodan as guest co-host to break down the recently completed Outerknown Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. Koa and Dave Prodan dive deep into one of the most challenging events of the 2026 Championship Tour, discussing the wild conditions at Teahupo'o, the rise of the next generation of fearless tube riders, the incredible performances from Seth Moniz, Griffin Colapinto, Kelly Slater, Kelia Gallina and more, and what it takes to truly master one of surfing's most demanding waves. The conversation goes beyond the results, with Koa offering a deep dive into surfboard design and equipment, from his two "magic" boards from JS and working with Sharp Eye to the growing role of alternative shapes, quads and twin fins on the world stage. Koa also shares his perspective on the evolution of women's tube riding, why more surfers are embracing helmets in heavy waves, and the development of his own Knock Surf helmet. Koa opens up about building a career beyond professional competition, applying the lessons he learned from surfing to entrepreneurship, and why today's surfers increasingly have to wear multiple hats to build a…
More episodes of The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast
- EP 272: Mitchell Salazar - Brooks and Houshmand’s Fiji Pro exclamation, Trestles predictions + whose trending up | The Lineup
- Post Show: Tahiti - Brooks, Moniz go down in Tahitian legend with Outerknown Tahiti Pro victories I Corona Cero Post Show Finals Day
- EP 270: Dan Mann – The shaper behind Kelly Slater’s blades, 30 years of surfboard design, & Addresses Stab in the Dark controversies, Founding Mannkine, Why he backs CNC technology, & the Influence of San Diego shapers
- EP 269: Jack Robinson – Defending Tahiti Pro Champion on pressures of the Tour, Letting go & starting over, Working with JS and Coach Luke Egan, Fatherhood, Bringing ‘Little Jack’ back, and His new sunnies with I-SEA
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