EP 223: Mitch Crews - Life as Surf Abu Dhabi’s Sr. Director of Surf Experience, Life in the UAE, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, “Field testing” the wave, His CT roots, and Life beyond the tour

Senior Director of Surf Experience at Surf Abu Dhabi and former
Championship Tour surfer Mitch Crews joins us on the pod. With the
CT descending on the region, Mitch shares his insights on who’s
been standing out in practice—like Jack Robinson, Filipe Toledo,
Ethan Ewing, and Samuel Pupo—and breaks down the high-stakes,
pressure-cooker, exposing nature of wave pool competitions. Mitch
and Dave dive into the groundbreaking technology behind Surf Abu
Dhabi, home to the first public Kelly Slater Wave System. He
explains what it was like to build the team of this world-class
surf destination from scratch, refine the ultimate artificial
saltwater wave, and collaborate with engineers and hospitality
crews to create an unforgettable surf experience. Dave also pulls
up the heat draw from Mitch’s first CT event at Snapper Rocks in
2014, as they wind the clock back to his competitive roots—from
growing up on Australia’s Sunshine Coast to battling legends like
Julian Wilson, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Kelly Slater, Taj
Burrow, Josh Kerr, Jordy Smith, and more. Mitch reflects on life in
the UAE, his deep appreciation for Emirati culture, and his brother
Alex’s work shaping ACSOD Surfboards, before wrapping up with your
fan questions from Instagram and the Lightning Round. Follow Mitch
here. Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega
League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Watch the
Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Feb 14 - 16. Join the conversation by following
The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to
our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event
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