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 boom
• Discovering surfing through his lifesaver father and first waves at Palm Beach
• Meeting the Peterson brothers and joining Kirra and Burleigh Boardriders
• Competing against the world’s best and finishing second behind Richard Harvey at the Pa Bendall Classic
• Becoming one of Billabong’s earliest sponsored surfers and the truth behind its early history
• The defining “sliding door” moment that led to a three-year competition ban
• Turning to faith and family — becoming a pastor and school chaplain
• 15 years of missionary work helping communities in the Philippines and Fiji
• The devastating loss of his daughter and how faith helped his family endure
• Life lessons on respect, gratitude, and giving back through surfing and service
• Still ripping at 66 — staying fit, stretching, and living the “eternal grommet” lifestyle

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

• Tappa welcomes Tony “Harro” Harrington, renowned adventure photographer.
• Growing up on the Central Coast and discovering surfing and photography.
• Early career: shooting for surf magazines and learning the ropes in the snow.
• Transition from apprentice electrician to full-time photographer.
• Building a career across surf and snow, including 30+ years chasing Hawaii winters and Alaskan slopes.
• Harro’s most dangerous and memorable experiences—from big-wave wipeouts to avalanches.
• The unique challenges of surf photography vs. snow photography.
• Stories of capturing icons like Jerry Lopez and Jake Burton.
• The making of Defining Moments, a 1,300+ page visual epic spanning 40 years.
• Reflections on creativity, respect, and carving a path as a surf and snow pioneer.

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 introduces Nev Hyman, the man who shaped his very first “real” surfboard.
• Nev’s early days in Western Australia, shaping boards in his dad’s garage.
• The move to the Gold Coast and encounters with surf legends like Bob McTavish and Richard Harvey.
• Stories from the shaping bay: how Nev broke into the scene with Jono and the North End Boardriders.
• Building the Nev brand, iconic logos, and the rise of colourful, high-performance surfboards in the 80s.
• Shaping for world-class surfers including Sean Tomson, Sunny Garcia, and international pros.
• The challenges and breakthroughs of surfboard mass production and computer shaping technology.
• Insights into health, longevity, and the toll (and rewards) of decades spent in the shaping room.
• Nev’s international adventures, from Hawaii to Japan, and how he helped shape modern surfing’s global culture.

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.