Jean-Marie Lartigau’s Life in Waves & Art | Tappa's Green Room Ep 29
Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co. and produced by Podfire.In this episode Tappa sits down with Jean-Marie Lartigau, a pioneering French surfer, artist, and six-time national champion whose life has taken him from the waves of the Basque Coast in the 1960s to a deeply rooted home on the Gold Coast. Jean-Marie shares stories of the early European surf scene, discovering surfing through family and community, competing through the sport’s formative years, and eventually travelling the world before settling in Australia in the early ’70s. He reflects on shaping, artistry, the evolution of surfing culture, and the personal philosophy that’s driven him through decades in and around the ocean. It’s a warm, thoughtful, and beautifully human conversation with a true surf original.Show NotesTappa welcomes Jean-Marie Lartigau: French surfing pioneer, artist, and multiple-time national champion.Growing up on the Basque Coast and discovering surfing in the early 1960s.Stories from the early French and European surf scene and how small the community was at the time.Competing from 1962 to 1968 and becoming French National Surfing Champion.Travelling the world in the late ’60s and early ’70s as global surf culture exploded.Arriving in Australia, falling in love with the Gold Coast, and deciding to settle there.Transitioning into shaping, art, and developing a recognisable artistic style.Reflections on the differences between France and Australia’s surfing culture.The philosophy, creativity, and joy that still drive him today.Jean-Marie’s thoughts on the evolution of surfing and the importance of community and connection.
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From Ironman to Mentor With Phil Clayton | Tappa's Green Room - Ep 28
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 NotesTappa introduces Phil Clayton, former professional Ironman and elite surf lifesaving coach.Phil’s early days growing up in the surf and discovering his competitive edge.Memories from his Ironman career — victories, rivalries, and resilience.Transitioning from athlete to mentor and surf coach.The evolution of surf lifesaving and what it means today.Reflections on motivation, mindset, and leadership in and out of the water.How Phil helps young athletes find balance, purpose, and performance.The lasting lessons the ocean continues to teach him.Episode sponsored by Official Beer Co.Produced by Podfire.
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Chasing Waves, Adventure & Purpose | Tappa's Green Room - Ep 27
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 NotesTappa introduces Kate Wilcomes — surfer, coach, and all-around athlete.Kate’s journey from childhood by the beach to professional surfing.Lessons learned from competition and her shift into coaching.Finding balance through fitness, surfing, and mental wellbeing.Reflections on personal challenges, motivation, and self-discovery.Building a career that empowers others through sport and movement.Thoughts on community, connection, and the role of women in surfing.Kate’s take on what keeps her stoked — in and out of the water.Episode brought to you by Official Beer Co.Produced by Podfire.
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Faith, Family & Surf With Guy Ormerod | Tappa's Green Room Podcast - Ep 26
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)Guy’s early life in Sydney and move to the Gold Coast during the canal boomDiscovering surfing through his lifesaver father and first waves at Palm BeachMeeting the Peterson brothers and joining Kirra and Burleigh BoardridersCompeting against the world’s best and finishing second behind Richard Harvey at the Pa Bendall ClassicBecoming one of Billabong’s earliest sponsored surfers and the truth behind its early historyThe defining “sliding door” moment that led to a three-year competition banTurning to faith and family — becoming a pastor and school chaplain15 years of missionary work helping communities in the Philippines and FijiThe devastating loss of his daughter and how faith helped his family endureLife lessons on respect, gratitude, and giving back through surfing and serviceStill ripping at 66 — staying fit, stretching, and living the “eternal grommet” lifestyle
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Graffiti Walls And The Peace Bus With Tony Spanos | Tappa's Green Room Ep 25
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.
Your backstage pass to the world of surfing, hosted by MC and commentator Terry “Tappa” Teece. From pro surfers and legends of the sport to shapers, innovators and anyone with an epic story and a love for the ocean—The Green Room dives deep. Expect tales of epic wins, brutal wipeouts, and behind-the-scenes moments from life in and out of the water. Whether you’re chasing waves or just some inspiration, this podcast will leave you stoked to paddle out.
New Zealand