158 - Gerry Lopez

158 - Gerry Lopez

Author: Erik Antonson October 23, 2025 Duration: 1:09:35
Surf legend Gerry Lopez joins the Progression Project to talk foiling, flow, and the lifelong joy of being a beginner again. We dive into Gerry’s evolution from pioneering Pipeline to SUP, snowboarding, and now full-on foiler—unpacking how gear design serves intention, why smaller boards and foil drive setups changed his approach, and how the best surfing is a meditative state he still taps every session. He shares candid stories with Stacy Peralta, lessons from shaping, what today’s crowded Pipe looks like through his eyes, and the stoke of passing wave-riding on to his son, shaper Alex Lopez. It’s a masterclass in style, humility, and discipline—proof that chasing harmony with moving energy never gets old.

Hosted by Erik Antonson, The Progression Project is a business podcast built on the idea that meaningful growth is a deliberate process, not an accident. Each conversation moves beyond surface-level success stories to examine the practical mechanics of advancement-how individuals and organizations actually build momentum, navigate setbacks, and refine their strategies over the long term. Antonson guides discussions that are less about a final destination and more about the incremental steps, the mindset shifts, and the often-overlooked details that collectively define a trajectory. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices, from seasoned executives and entrepreneurs to thinkers exploring the psychology of performance, all focused on the tangible aspects of moving forward. This podcast is for anyone who views their career or venture as a work in progress and is looking for substantive, nuanced dialogue to inform that journey. The aim is to provide listeners with actionable perspective and a deeper understanding of the forces that enable true progression in the complex world of business.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Progression Project
Podcast Episodes
104 - Dave Kalama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:52:59
The Legend Dave Kalama returns to discuss innovation and creativity through the lens of designing the Barracuda. His work on the Cuda has changed our perception of what's possible in downwind and nonbreaking wave foiling…
103 - Joel Pilgrim [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:56
Joel Pilgrim (@joelpilgrim) comes on the show to tell the story of how his foil saved a life. Joel is the founder of Waves of Wellness. WOW is a health charity pioneering surf therapy intervention for mental health, and…
102 - Gabriella Bella [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:28
Gabriella Bella is a foiler based in maui who has a kiting and competitive swimming background. She currently rides for GoFoil and placed second at the last Foil Competition on maui. Gabby is top-tier in prone, wing and…
101 - Kai Lenny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:36
101 - Kai Lenny by Erik Antonson
100th Episode!  With Mike Pedigo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:02
Mike joins Erik to celebrate foiling on the 100th episode of the podcast.
Josh Ku [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:45:00
Josh Ku is an Australian waterman best known in the surf world for charging some of the heaviest slabs in Oz. He's taken on foiling and is quickly becoming one of the best prone and downwind foilers. In the podcast Josh…
Mike Raper of North Foils [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:48
Mike Raper is the head of North Foils and Kites and has an extensive, 30-year history in board sports. On the show he gives insights into the evolutionary parallels in kite surfing and foiling, and shares his passion for…
Nathan van Vuuren 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:04
Nate comes back on the show to froth on the foil scene on Maui, his full-time role at Signature, designing and testing foils, his favorite foil spots, and tons more all the foil-brained folks out there will love.
Tom Carroll on Flow and Mediation and Foil Froth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:44
Tom Carroll is a2x World Surf Champion and lifelong waterman. He is currently frothing on the foil. He comes back on the show for a soulful conversation about his journey, his draw to flow and mediation, how foiling fits…