461 - Spit! June 10, 2026

The latest episode of Spit! dives deep into the evolving culture of professional surfing, spotlighting a pivotal moment at El Salvador’s World Surf League event where technical errors by officials had real consequences—most notably, a rookie mistake by a priority judge that cost Liam O'Brien a heat despite no fault of his own. The hosts dissect the ethical and systemic implications, calling for accountability and reform in WSL operations. Beyond the controversy, they explore a broader theme: the erosion of grit in modern surfing, particularly among American surfers raised in privilege. They argue that while early financial support gets athletes to the elite level, it’s the hard-earned resilience from adversity—like Brazil’s underdog surfers or Australia’s 'tall poppy' culture—that separates champions from contenders. The episode also celebrates Dan Mann, a legendary board builder whose decades of behind-the-scenes work with Firewire and top shapers have been overlooked by mainstream media. His upcoming role at the Boardroom Show’s Best in Show competition is framed as a long-overdue recognition of true craftsmanship. Finally, the hosts reflect on personal responsibility, using their own histories with Surfrider Foundation to underscore how meaningful action—like donating or volunteering—turns frustration into impact. The episode’s most compelling takeaway is that success in surfing, and in life, isn’t just about access—it’s about the invisible, unteachable quality of grit.