The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast EP 259: Cohost Series: Mitchell Salazar – 2026 CT Season Kickoff!!, Newcastle wrap-up, Winners & Losers, A brand new CT Shaper Rankings?!, THE EMEA FORCE, Qualifications, Listener questions, and More
The Challenger Series is officially wrapped and the 2026 Championship Tour is right around the corner, setting the stage for one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory. Dave Prodan and Mitch Salazar break down the biggest storylines coming out of Newcastle and the entire CS campaign, from standout performances to heartbreaking near-misses on the qualification bubble. They dive into North America’s surprising shortfall on the men’s side, highlight breakout moments from surfers like Alyssa Spencer and Alistair Reginato, and unpack the rise of the European women, who made a major statement this season in having five of the seven qualifiers coming from the EMEA region in Tya Zebrowski, Yolanda Hopkins, Francisca Veselko, Nadia Erostarbe, and Anat Lelior. Looking ahead, the episode explores the major shifts coming to the 2026 CT season, including the new head-to-head format that raises the stakes from the opening heat and leaves no room for complacency. With the return of dominant figures like Gabriel Medina, updates to the global schedule featuring locations like Raglan, and a deeper, more competitive field than ever, the tour is primed for high drama. The guys also break down the evolving CT Shaper Rankings, where Matt Biolos and …Lost Surfboards have built a dynasty with three consecutive shaping titles, and explain how new rules could tighten the race among board builders.
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