The LAGO Podcast

For our 100th episode, we sit down with one of the most influential people in modern surf media... Sam McIntosh, the man behind STAB Magazine.From growing up surfing in Casino and Yamba, to working at Waves, writing a book with Taj Burrow and eventually building STAB into one of the biggest names in surfing media, Sam's story is truly inspiring.In this episode, Sam takes us behind the scenes of STAB, how it started, the early financial risks, the relationship with Taj Burrow, the iconic Taj helicopter shoot, and the lessons he learned building a global surf media business from the ground up.We also get into STAB's approach to storytelling, working with professional surfers, dealing with criticism, why Sam believes media companies ultimately work for their audience, and how STAB continues to evolve in the age of Instagram, TikTok and digital media.Sam also opens up about his lack of personal social media, the impact of comparison on surfers, imposter syndrome, his love of big-wave surfing, and some of the biggest projects STAB has produced, including STAB in the Dark and working with Kelly Slater and Ethan Ewing.Thanks for watching and supporting The LAGO Podcast! And thank you for helping us reach 100 episodes. #surfing #surf

Not even a faulty SD card could stop us from getting this one out. We first discuss Dakoda Walters' famous win at Stab 100 making him $100,000 US dollars richer. We then break down the heat draw for Trestles and reveal our fantasy teams. #surfing #surf #surfer

Once again we've been left without a heat draw for Trestles, luckily there was a lot to talk about from the last week of surfing. Sit back and let us update you on the latest news from the International QS events, the world junior titles currently ongoing in El Salvador and what the CT men need to do to avoid the dreaded mini-cut. Link to our latest Costa Rica Vid here! - https://youtu.be/BxJ72lTuZHY 00:00 Kelly Slater Finally Follows LAGO10:05 World Junior Titles & Finley's Wild Stories18:00 LAGO's 100th Episode Mystery Guest23:45 International QS Results33:41 Levi Slawson's Priority Controversy38:31 Dane Henry Joins Red Bull42:59 Challenger Series Rankings46:00 Trestles Preview & Fantasy Picks52:20 CT Mid-Season Cut Scenarios59:32 LAGO Listener Questions #surfing #surf #wsl #surfer

We jumped straight into the studio after the WSL Fiji pro wrapped up to discuss all the major talking points. We dissect the wins of Erin Brooks and Cole Houshmand and pinpoint where we went wrong in our event predictions and fantasy teams. #surfing #surf #surfer

We were joined by Sheldon Simkus for a casual chat about what he's been up to. We delve into his time on the QS and Challenger Series, discuss why he gave it up, and find out how he's still been able to carve out a career as a pro surfer. We also discuss the reasons behind his recent move from long-time board shaper DHD to Firewire (Slater Designs & Tomo). #surfing #surf #surfer #podcast

In the wake of the massive news regarding Australia's new competitive surfing pathway, we were lucky enough to be joined by Chris Mater and Owen Wright to explain what exactly The Surfing Super League is. We answer a lot of your questions and get a few inside scoops into what is happening behind the scenes. Safe to say we left this chat feeling excited for what's to come. #surfing #surf #podcast

In this episode we break down everything happening in the world of surfing right now. We make our Fiji Pro fantasy picks and go through the opening rounds and predict who we think will be having early success. We also dive into the huge news around the Surfing Super League and what it could mean for the future of professional surfing in Australia. Subscribe to The LAGO Podcast for more honest surf talk.

Tahiti delivered plenty to talk about! In this episode, we break down everything that went down at the Tahiti Pro, including the standout performances, biggest moments and what caught us off guard. We also have to eat some humble pie in relation to one key prediction we made before the event... Then we look ahead to the Fiji Pro and who we think could make a serious run at the event. As always, honest surf talk, questionable predictions and plenty of debate. 🎙️ Honest Surf Talk 🏄‍♂️ Tahiti Pro Recap 📉 Our Seth Moniz Prediction… Ouch 🌴 Fiji Pro Preview Tahiti delivered plenty to talk about! In this episode, we break down everything that went down at the WSL Tahiti Pro, including the standout performances, biggest moments and what caught us off guard.We also have to eat some humble pie in relation to one key prediction we made before the event...Then we look ahead to the Fiji Pro and who we think could make a serious run at the event.As always, honest surf talk, questionable predictions and plenty of debate.🎙️ Honest Surf Talk🏄‍♂️ Tahiti Pro Recap📉 Our Seth Moniz Prediction… Ouch🌴 Fiji Pro Preview#surfing #podcast #surfer #wsl #waves Get 15% off Childe sunnies here: https://childe.co/LAGO

We jumped in the studio after an action packed day at the Tahiti pro to recap all the action that went on. It was one of the most memorable days of surfing in recent memory and came with a few interesting decisions from the judges such as Ramzi's questionable 8 point ride, Does Kelly need to hang up the boots and of course the comment made by yours truly - Ronny!! (Apologies for the camera angles - we had a few issues throughout the middle of the podcast where the frame went out of focus. We will have all 3 angles back up and running next week)! #surfing #wsl #surf #tahiti

We jumped on the mics to wrap up all the action from the US Open (including 'that melt down') and give our predictions for the upcoming Tahiti Pro. With a cracking Teahupo'o forecast on the cards and a stacked draw, this event is looking like a banger. Check out Lapoint's Costa Rica location via this link: https://bit.ly/4eAgcDz #surfing #surfer #wsl #tahiti

In this episode of The LAGO Podcast, we recap our wild 12-hour journey from Nicaragua to the Costa Rica border, and safe to say, it was NOT what we were expecting. Our driver was... We also unpack the final days of our Nicaragua surf trip , the waves we scored (and the waves we definitely didn’t), and everything that went down before crossing into Costa Rica. US Open Surfing is also on the agenda as we run through the event, the surfers to watch, and who we think could make a serious run. And, as always, we finish the episode by answering your listener questions . Thinking about a surf trip to Costa Rica? Check out Lapoint Costa Rica here: https://bit.ly/4eAgcDz As always, thanks for tuning in! If you’re enjoying the show, follow The LAGO Podcast and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. #surfing #surf #wsl

Still with no camera bag or podcast equipment, we sat down in our beautiful air conditioned room at Lapoint's Los Clavos surf camp to talk through what we've been up to and preview the upcoming US open. We also chat about the first few days of waves in Nica and our first impressions of the camp and surrounds. If your'e keen to surf the best waves in Nicaragua, Hit up Lapoint! Link to their Nicaragua camp here: https://bit.ly/4xNGZFk #surfing #surf #surfer

1AM. Delayed bags. Customs chaos. Zero sleep. Still hit record. After a long 40 hours of travel dramas and minimal sleep, we set up the mics and recorded anyway. Why? Because we promised we’d never miss an episode, and we’re sticking to it. This week, we unpack the full travel saga heading to Nicaragua and Costa Rica . From getting stuck in customs, waiting on bags that never arrived and somehow dodging $1500 in excess baggage fees by using our LAGO charm. We also break down all the action from the WSL Challenger Series in Ballito , covering the standout performances, biggest upsets, and the heats that had us yelling at the tele!! It’s tired, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly what LAGO is all about—bringing you along for the ride, no matter where in the world we are. Follow LAGO for new episodes every week and keep up with the adventure as we score waves!

This week’s episode is presented by FCS and their latest MAYHEM Driver & Pivot fins. First up, we give you a sneak peek at our FCS x Mayhem Fin Review , dropping LIVE on YouTube July 21st . No spoilers... but let's just say we scored some seriously fun waves to put the fins through their paces. We also unpack one of the biggest stories in surfing right now: the World Surf League's new partnership with THE TEAM . On paper, it has the potential to be a game-changing move for professional surfing, but we also discuss whether past controversies involving former THE TEAM leadership could create unwanted headlines for the partnership. We dive into Stab's Surf 100 , discussing the rankings, the surfers who made the list, and who might have been overlooked. Plus, we wrap things up with a quick look at the Ballito Challenger Series in South Africa, highlighting the standout performances and what aussie lads are looking spicy… Like, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Survey Link!! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrsPimoOfD2vhF6t-unOaKZIxZdWHuudXtXJRSEcfcQiY2Ng/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109683491131250985478 #surfing #surf #wsl

The Challenger Series is HERE! 🌏🏄🇦🇺An electric class of Australian QS graduates is set to take centre stage as the Challenger Series kicks off in Ballito, South Africa. For these surfers, it's the final step on the road to the Championship Tour. In this episode of The LAGO Podcast, we break down every Australian competing this season - how they qualified, their strengths and the story behind their journey.Whether you're a die-hard surf fan or looking for someone to follow throughout the Challenger Series, this is your ultimate guide to Australia's next generation of surfing talent. If you were looking for a new set of Childe sunglasses, make sure to use our link to secure a 15% discount on all styles: https://childe.co/LAGO https://www.lapointcamps.com Let us know in the comments: Who finishes highest? Who qualifies for the CT? Who's your dark horse?🎙️ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📲 Follow LAGO on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook for daily surf content.🔔 Subscribe for weekly surf podcasts, Challenger Series coverage, WSL analysis, athlete interviews and everything happening in the world of surfing.#Surfing #WSL #ChallengerSeries #Ballito #AustralianSurfing #RoadToTheCT #TheLAGOPodcast #SurfPodcast #CompetitiveSurfing #WorldSurfLeague #Surf #CTQualification #SurfNews

SOLI BAILEY - Former World Surf League Championship Tour surfer, big wave charger, and modern-day surf explorer living every surfer's dream. Soli joins us for one of our favourite conversations yet.In this episode, Soli tells it all. From the hidden pressures of life on the Championship Tour, he shares the highs, the setbacks, and a firey paddle battle with a world champ that got a little heated. We unpack the wave of a lifetime at Cloud break, Fiji, the story behind how he scored it, and dive deep into Maps to Nowhere, including what has to be one of the greatest barrels ever ridden in modern surfing. Soli also opens up about the terrifying Pipeline accident that left him with a life-altering neck injury and multiple doctors telling him he may never surf again. He shares how he processed the news, fought his way back, and found a new purpose beyond competitive surfing.Whether you're into surfing, big waves, the WSL, travel, adventure, or inspiring comeback stories, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. Soli has also just launched his new signature sunglasses with Childe Eyewear. Support Soli and grab yourself a pair using our personalised LAGO link below to receive 15% off your order. https://childe.co/LAGO

This week we're also stoked to announce our new partnership with CHILDE Eyewear. A brand that we are beyond stoked to work with! Use our exclusive link below for 15% off:https://childe.co/LAGORio is done and dusted... and to say it was a lacklustre event would be an understatement.From there, we unpack everything that happened in Rio. We break down the standout performances, debate whether Rio still deserves a place on the Championship Tour, and dive into the growing conversation around claims that Yago Dora has been receiving favourable judging from the WSL.We also reveal who came out on top in this week's Fantasy league (although Zac is convinced the whole thing was rigged), answer another round of your listener questions, and wrap things up by looking ahead to the Challenger Series event in South Africa and the surfers we'll be keeping a close eye on.As always, thanks for tuning in. If you're enjoying the show, leave us a rating, Drop a comment, and we'll see you next week.

This week on the LAGO Podcast, we sit down with Vaughn Blakey - podcaster, surf commentator, frontman of Goons of Doom, former surf magazine editor, and one of surfing’s most unique voices.From his early years growing up with an obsession for surfing, to carving out a career in surf media, Vaughn takes us through the experiences that shaped his path. We dive into the golden era of surf magazines, finding purpose through storytelling, his relationship with his brother, and the moments that fuelled a lifelong surf froth. We also unpack the current state of professional surfing, the WSL, surf culture, and some of the biggest opinions and conversations shaping the sport today. Expect plenty of laughs, honest reflections, deep conversations, and the kind of surf chat that only Vaughn can deliver.#surf #surfer #surfing #podcast

In this episode, we wrap up the finals day action from El Salvador (including our thoughts on that claim from Tyler Wright). We then go into our predictions and fantasy picks for the upcoming event at Rio. #surfing #surf #wsl #wave #surfer (0:00) Introduction(4:05) Fin's Travel Concerns(10:00) OzTag GF Victory(13:30) Win Yullis Beer(16:41) El Salvador Wrap Up(51:30) The Tyler Claim(1:00:50) Men's Semis(1:04:40) Ladies Final(1:08:50) Men's Final(1:13:15) Fantasy Results(1:17:35) Rio Preview(1:19:20) Fantasy Teams (1:34:10) Listener Q's

In the midst of one of the darkest weeks we've seen for event favourites and fantasy teams alike, we jump into the studio to break it all down. We also go over Jack Robinson's infamous drop-in and the priority mix-ups that don't seem to stop. Thankyou to everyone who has grabbed some merch, or just continues to tune into the show. If you wanted to get some there's still a few peices left - Link below: https://thelagopodcast.squarespace.com/ (0:00) Intro (9:10) Chris Cote (17:30) Mens Rd 1 (22:33) Ladies Rd 1 (30:20) Mens Rd 2 (1:05:31) Ladies Rd 2 (1:15:20) Lob VS Cal (1:19:25) Marco VS Yago (1:22:30 )Jack Robinson Drop-In (1:25:59) Listener Q's