In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Phil Clayton — Ironman legend, coach, and one of the most respected voices in surf lifesaving. From his early days charging the Gold Coast surf to competing on the world stage, Phil shares the highs, lows, and lessons from a life spent in the ocean. He opens up about the evolution of surf lifesaving, mentoring the next generation, and what it takes to stay driven after competition. Packed with insight, laughs, and raw honesty, this chat captures the spirit of an athlete who’s never stopped giving back to the sport he loves.
Show Notes
Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with Kate Wilcomes — surfer, coach, and all-round force of nature who’s spent her life chasing waves, adventure, and purpose. Kate shares her story from growing up by the ocean to competing, coaching, and building a life centred around movement and mindset. She opens up about resilience, reinvention, and helping others unlock their potential through surf and sport. It’s an uplifting chat full of energy, wisdom, and the kind of positivity that reminds you why we all love the ocean.
Show Notes
Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this inspiring episode, Tappa sits down with Guy Ormerod — a Gold Coast surf legend whose story stretches from his early days at Palm Beach to his decades of influence in and out of the water. Guy shares his journey from competing with greats like Rabbit Bartholomew and Jerry Lopez to becoming one of Billabong’s first sponsored surfers. Beyond the surf, Guy opens up about his faith, family, years of missionary work, and the deep personal loss that shaped his outlook on life. Still charging Burleigh in his 60s, Guy embodies what it means to be the eternal grommet — full of gratitude, resilience, and stoke.
Show Notes (Key Talking Points)
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, host Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with the one-and-only Tony Spanos — a Sydney icon whose life journey weaves through surf culture, street art, social activism and community building. Tony shares how his early passion for surfing and coastal life dovetailed with his commitment to urban youth, Indigenous communities, and environmental causes. From founding the Graffiti Hall of Fame, reviving the legendary “Peace Bus,” and running for political office, to his philosophical view on what it means to be a “champion” of one’s own world — this is a raw, powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the intersections between surf, society and change. Whether you're drawn to waves or urban tides, you’ll come away stirred.
Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co.
Produced by Podfire.
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, Terry “Tappa” Teece is joined by legendary surf and snow photographer Tony “Harro” Harrington, who has spent the past four decades chasing the planet’s most extreme moments. From his early days on the Central Coast with a $5 surfboard to becoming one of the only photographers to work at the highest levels in both surf and snow, Harro shares the stories behind his breathtaking images and his monumental book Defining Moments. He talks about surviving wipeouts and avalanches, documenting surf legends and mountain icons, and why respect and passion remain at the heart of his craft.
Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co and produced by Podfire.
Show Notes
Brought to you by Official Beer Co. & produced by Podfire.
In this episode of Tappa’s Green Room, host Terry “Tappa” Teece sits down with renowned surfboard shaper and innovator Nev Hyman. From shaping his first boards in his dad’s garage in Perth to becoming an internationally respected craftsman, Nev shares stories of chasing waves, meeting legends, and shaping boards for world champions. He opens up about the evolution of surfboard design, the early days of Nev Surfboards, breaking into the global surf scene, and his passion for innovation both in surfing and beyond. It’s a deep dive into the craft, culture, and creativity of one of Australia’s most influential surfboard shapers.
Brought to you by Official Beer Co. & produced by Podfire.
Show Notes
Tappa sits down with Jay Phillips — Snapper Rocks legend, champion surfer, and the club’s longest-serving president. Jay shares stories from his dreamy Fingal childhood, his rise through the surf comp ranks, and the moment that shaped his life after losing his father.
From surfing alongside Metallica to shaping the next generation of wave riders, Jay reflects on the power of community, the evolution of the sport, and why family will always come first.
Tune in for an inspiring yarn that’s as heartfelt as it is legendary.
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Tappa sits down with true Gold Coast royalty, Warren Young — lifeguard, lifesaver, longboarder, poet, and all-round top bloke. With over 47 years of service, Warren shares how he helped transform the Gold Coast into a world leader in beach safety, from pioneering lifeguard towers to standardising rescue training and bringing in jet skis.
He opens up about his early days in Brisbane, the surf club that changed his life, the rescues that stuck with him, and the moment he said goodbye to his good mate — Tappa’s dad — with a poem that’ll hit you right in the feels.
Tune in for tales of brotherhood, big waves, and even bigger hearts from a living legend who’s still walking Miami Beach, talking to everyone (whether they like it or not), and writing poetry that packs a punch.
Tappa sits down with iconic surf cameraman and all-around legend John ‘Gordo’ Gordon. From his roots in a family steeped in journalism to capturing the chaos and beauty of the world’s best waves, Gordo has seen it all — often from behind the lens and sometimes from the frontlines of danger.
With trademark humour and heart, Gordo opens up about his wildest moments on the World Surfing Tour, brushes with fame, acts of bravery that earned him medals, and the unforgettable characters who shaped his life behind the scenes of surf culture. This isn’t just a story about surf photography — it’s a story about risk, legacy, and living a life fuelled by passion and purpose.
Whether you’re a surfer, storyteller or just here for the yarns — Gordo delivers.
Tappa sits down with Aussie surfer, commentator, and all-around adventurer Lillian “Lily” Young. From her early days catching waves in Australia to lifeguarding the rugged shores of England, Lily’s journey is anything but ordinary.
She opens up about her time at the iconic Cooey School, the leap to living abroad, and her solo surf missions through Cornwall, El Salvador, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Lily shares the highs and lows of travel, the thrill of surf comps, and the chaos and beauty of life on the road.
Whether it’s navigating new cultures or being the only woman in the lineup, Lily’s story is packed with grit, stoke, and valuable insights for surfers and wanderers alike.
Tappa sits down with surfing icon and legendary shaper Murray Bourton—founder of the iconic Pipe Dream Surfboards. From the beaches of South Australia to the breaks of Bali, Murray reflects on a life carved by waves, wild adventures, and bold choices.
They talk early Gold Coast surf culture, getting drafted for Vietnam, run-ins with the law, and how a stint in jail changed his trajectory. Murray opens up about shaping boards for generations of surfers, discovering Indonesian surf spots like Uluwatu before they were famous, and why mentorship and craftsmanship still matter in today’s surf scene.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a raw, unfiltered story of rebellion, reinvention, and the lifelong ride that is surfing.
Tappa sits down with surfing legend Andrew “Andy Mac” McKinnon. From his first wave at Mermaid Beach to mixing it with the best on the world stage, Andy takes us on a wild ride through the golden era of Aussie surfing. Hear about the board evolution arms race, life-changing sessions in Hawaii, behind-the-scenes chaos at the 1972 World Championships, and his long-time rivalry (and friendship) with the great Michael Peterson.
But it doesn’t stop at the shoreline—Andy shares jaw-dropping travel tales (including a three-piece suit con job to get home), how he fell into radio, and the accidental birth of a cult vegetarian café. He also opens up about his lifelong mission to protect the ocean, and how he literally helped move a freeway to save the land he loves.
A must-listen for surf nerds, environmental warriors, and anyone who’s ever paddled out with a dream.
Tappa sits down with Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie — the under-16 ISA World Champion — to chat about her rise through the ranks of junior surfing and the wild ride that’s gotten her there.
From growing up in Bali and overcoming a fear of the ocean, to navigating international comps and heavy waves in El Salvador, Ziggy opens up about the moments that shaped her into the athlete she is today.
They dive into her experience in the alternative Koo-ee education program, the culture shocks of global surf travel, and the pressure of competing on the world stage.
This episode is all about grit, growth, and the new wave of women’s surfing — and Ziggy’s leading the charge.
In our very first live recording of Tappa’s Green Room, captured at the iconic Flotsam Festival. Tappa sit's down with surf photographer Simon “Swilly” Williams, filmmaker Shannon Hayes, and surfer Annie De Santos for a deep dive into the creative heart of surf culture.
From the challenges of capturing that perfect wave to the unspoken bond between surfer and shooter, this episode explores the art, trust, and hustle behind every iconic surf image and film. The crew shares personal stories, creative insights, and the gritty realities of documenting surfing in wild, unpredictable conditions. They also talk about the evolving role of technology, the pressures surfers feel under the lens, and what it means to chase waves purely for the love of it.
Whether you're in it for the surf, the shots, or the stories—this live episode brings all the heart, humour, and raw energy of Flotsam Festival straight to your ears.
Tappa sits down with Russell Specht, a proud North Stradbroke Island local who’s spent a lifetime chasing waves and living the island life.
From growing up in a surf-obsessed family to balancing carpentry with competition surfing, Russell shares stories from Straddie’s golden days — and its gnarlier ones too, including close encounters in sharky Indonesian waters.
He reflects on the changing face of the island, the rise of local surf talent, and the deep cultural roots that shape his community. At the heart of it all? Respect — for the ocean, the elders, and the next generation.
This one’s salty, raw, and full of heart.
Tappa sits down with legendary surfboard shaper Phil Myers, tracing his journey from surfing the local breaks to becoming one of Australia’s most respected craftsmen in the shaping bay.
Phil shares stories from the golden age of surfing in the ‘60s and ‘70s, reflects on the game-changing invention of the thruster, and pays tribute to influences like George Greenough. From his worst-ever board experiment to the boards that come alive the more you pump them, Phil gives a masterclass in design innovation and the balance between art and science in shaping.
You’ll also hear about the rise of 10-channel boards, the renaissance of the single fin, and the evolution of waves, culture, and craftsmanship. Whether you geek out on hydrodynamics or just love a good surf yarn, this episode is a celebration of surfing’s soul, history, and future.
Tappa sits down with surfer, TV presenter, and reality show winner Liz Cantor — a true trailblazer who went from grommet in the lineup to becoming the first-ever female judge on the World Championship Surfing Tour.
Liz shares the story of her surf-stoked upbringing, her unexpected breakthrough in judging (spoiler: she was too accurate to ignore), and her jump into the media spotlight — from winning The Mole to presenting weather, hosting live radio, and more.
The chat flows from surfing and storm chasing to family life, horse riding, and the chaos of reality TV relationships. Liz reflects on the evolution of women’s representation in surfing, the media’s role in surf safety, and how to balance passion, parenting, and public life without wiping out.
It’s candid, inspiring, and just the right amount of unpredictable — just like Liz.
Tappa sits down with world champion cyclist, Paralympian, and adaptive surfing legend Matt Formston—a man who proves every day that limits are made to be broken.
Born with vision loss, Matt shares his incredible journey through elite sport, from tearing it up on the track to charging big waves on a surfboard. He opens up about how he got into surfing (hint: there was a boogie board and a brutal rejection involved), and the mindset that’s helped him push boundaries in every direction.
The chat dives into everything from surfboard tech and high-performance training, to the importance of safety, communication, and inclusion in extreme sports. Matt also shares his work on a children’s book promoting accessibility, and the powerful role family plays in chasing big goals.
This is a story about sport, yes—but more than that, it’s about resilience, self-belief, and living proof that there really is no such thing as can’t.
Tappa sits down with the unmistakable Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll — the larger-than-life lifeguard from Bondi Rescue.
From dramatic saves to celeb run-ins (yes, Hugh Jackman and Joel Edgerton both know him by name), Harries shares the stories behind the sunnies — including how he became one of Bondi’s most recognisable faces.
But this convo goes deeper than rip currents. Harries and Tappa chat about surfing, self-discipline, fatherhood, mental health, nutrition, and why teaching kids to respect the ocean is more crucial than ever. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of life lessons from the beach and beyond.
Whether you’ve watched him on TV or just love a good yarn, this episode is packed with wisdom, waves, and wild tales you won’t want to miss.
Tappa sits down with legendary surfboard shaper Ian Byrne—yes, from that Byrne family—to talk surf, legacy, and the art of making boards that not only ride waves but win hearts. Ian opens up about growing up in a surfing dynasty in New Zealand, the influence of his brothers, and how a few life-changing trips to Hawaii helped shape (literally) his career.
We dive into the craft of hand-shaping boards, the soul of single fin surfing, and how the House of Byrne has evolved without losing its roots. Ian reflects on how family, community, and tradition continue to guide his work in a world of mass production, and why keeping the human touch alive in the surf industry is more important than ever.
Whether you're a surfer, a shaper, or just froth over good storytelling, this episode will leave you waxing nostalgic for the golden days—while getting stoked for the future.