EP 221: ON THE ROAD w/ Ross Williams - Insights from the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, Navigating a tricky forecast, Stepping away from full-time coaching, Dialing equipment, CT Tour changes, Commentating, and Kelly Slater’s Wildcard

Live from the North Shore, Momentum Generation icon,
highly-acclaimed surf coach, and WSL commentator-extraordinaire
Ross Williams joins Dave Prodan in today’s episode of The Lineup On
The Road. Straight from the ground, the On The Road audio-only
format aims to bring you quicker, deeper and better insight by
checking in with our commentators and experts on-site at our
various WSL events and airing these episodes as quickly as
possible. These are the stories, the background, and the
behind-the-scenes information from those closest to the action on
the ground. Ross and Dave dive into his transition to step away
from full-time coaching in order to spend more time with his
family, and his ever-evolving role in the world of professional
surfing. Ross reflects on his 2024 intentions, and recounts the
highlights of an unforgettable season, including Tatiana’s
incredible performance in Tahiti and John’s historic third World
Title, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest
athletes. Ross opens up about his own experiences as a competitor,
including missed opportunities, and how they have shaped his
coaching philosophy and his belief in the sharpness required to
excel in the intense 30-minute heat format. We muse over the
season, starting at Pipeline, the tricky forecast on the horizon,
and surfers needing to adjust to its ever-changing conditions and
the courage required to excel there. Ross and Dave explore the
changes to the Championship Tour schedule, the pressure rookies
face, and the incredible progression of women’s surfing. Ross
reflects on Kelly Slater’s decision to take a Pipe wildcard and his
enduring passion for competition. He and Dave break down the
importance of dialing in equipment for athletes, the evolution of
surfboard materials, and his collaborative work with legendary
shaper Eric Arakawa. He shares his thoughts on the 2022 Finals, the
Vissla CT Shaper Rankings, and the rising intensity and pressure of
competition at the wave pool venues. Packed with stories, insights,
and reflections, Ross offers a fascinating look at the 2025
Championship Tour season through his experienced and thoughtful
perspective. Follow Ross here. Catch the start of the 2025
Championship Tour season at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented By YETI,
Jan 27 - Feb 8. Join The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy! Stay
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