The Grit! with Chas Smith

The Grit! is a weekly show co-hosted by David Lee Scales and Chas Smith discussing the most scintillating headlines from the surf world and BeachGrit.com. Part of the Surf Splendor Network.

372 - The Grit! May 15, 2026 05/15/2026

372 - The Grit! May 15, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas laud the successes of Stab High, grimace at the horror show in Raglan, bask in the retribution of the monk seal attacker, attempt to rewire their personalities, discover why kindness is the new cool, identify a theme unique to all Curren stories, learn how to prime the body to find a soulmate, learn that nudity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and question your surf prowess if you’ve never broken a board. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41310610

371 - The Grit! May 7, 2026 05/07/2026

371 - The Grit! May 7, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David demarcate fighting’s return to surf culture, welcome back vigilante justice and false cracks, celebrate the uber competitive Snapper Rocks comp, discover Joel Tudor’s presidential ancestor and realize the reason for his need to educate, discover a Multilevel Marketing Scheme has been masquerading as a marital art for 700 years, and advise what to do when you start morphing into your pet. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41208370

370 - The Grit! May 1, 2026 05/01/2026

370 - The Grit! May 1, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas welcome Steph back to her rightful position, investigate the real source of Carissa’s weepy win, discover why this new unsponsored era of pro surfing might foster a return to personalities, question whether the rabid Brazzo surf fan is actually the lowest form of fandom, celebrate the generosity of one our OG surf champs, and revel in the benevolent glow of giving away surfboards. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41121860

369 - The Grit! April 24, 2026 04/24/2026

369 - The Grit! April 24, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David mark the entry to professional surfing’s new era of ultra fitness, and then witness surfing’s core score plummet as Kim K enters the lineup, Zeke joins OnlyFans, “Yew!” hits peak saturation, then Garet from Central Coast outshines Kelly Slater with a single wave, and Andy Irons returns to yet again for another merch drop opportunity. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41075360

368 - The Grit! April 21, 2026 04/21/2026

368 - The Grit! April 21, 2026 In today’s show David recaps his Nicaragua trip and shares new enlightenment gleaned through exhaustion and surf satiation, then Chas offers a gentle acceptance of Prince Harry into the surf world brethren, and the boys review surf etiquette signs and attempt to find universality for a code of conduct before discovering the perils of cliff diving and drinking on the job. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40963855

367 - The Grit! April 10, 2026 04/10/2026

367 - The Grit! April 10, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David get even deeper scoop about Britt vs Kelly’s burgeoning Blood Feud, identify the biggest headline coming out of Bells despite the horrendous surf, survey the potential good that Firewire has done for local craftsmen shapers, get a reality check about their own obnoxious privilege, and warn of the dangers of calling your in-laws “mom” and “dad”. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41075315

366 - The Grit! April 3, 2026 04/03/2026

366 - The Grit! April 3, 2026 In today’s show David Lee Noem get’s outed in the most provocative Doppelgänger yet, one surf commentator openly opines about a 21 year old surfer’s derriere, RC surfers return to harass grumpy locals, the boys receive a call from Tom Curren’s parrot, and get an update from the flooded front lines of the North Shore, and Sterling Spencer teaches how to lure an audience with the use of ASMR. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40832575

365 - The Grit! March 27, 2026 03/27/2026

365 - The Grit! March 27, 2026 In today’s show Chas reveals the story behind his new Surfer’s Journal piece on Laird Hamilton as David reveals Laird latest display of ridiculousness, Slater is revealed as a fallen angel by the Fittest Flat Earther, and the boys learn why stretchy board shorts created their poor style, and how to smoke screen your friends on your next trip. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40832580

364 - The Grit! March 20, 2026 03/20/2026

364 - The Grit! March 20, 2026 In today’s show The Grit! influence finds it’s way to Tom Curren, Caio Ibelli delivers an ominous warning to new CT qualifiers, Israel joins the Tour, elitists SoCal surfers show how abandon your corporate overlords, Chas designs a plan to fix Malibu while David manifests never coveting it, and they begin a petition to get paternity wildcards for beleaguered WSL fathers-to-be. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40832585

363 - The Grit! March 13, 2026 03/13/2026

363 - The Grit! March 13, 2026 In today’s episode David and Chas delve deep into the Harvey Weinstein and WSL connection and determine when to distance yourself from lecherous friends, analyze the veracity of Joel Tudor’s accusations against Kelly Slater for his BJJ stolen belt valor, dig into the devastation of soft tops for the culture and the environment, learn the worst possible place to camp on a surf trip, and discover why you should definitely book dance lessons for you and your spouse. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40832590

362 - The Grit! March 6, 2026 03/06/2026

362 - The Grit! March 6, 2026 In today’s show Chas confronts (and maybe reconciles) his longboard spite, Tony Hawk teaches Kelly Slater a lesson in how to contribute to the surf community while David designs a plan for redemption for Slater through exorcism, Gerry Lopez gets outed as a member of an elite secret society, Steph becomes an actual Barbie doll, and we learn which is the best culinary contraband to bring into the lineup. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40431800

361 - The Grit! February 28, 2026 02/28/2026

361 - The Grit! February 28, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas investigate the ISA’s latest bid to devalue the WSL and bolster their own reputation as the governing body of competitive surfing, discover Taylor Knox’s new career opportunity as Hollywood stunt double, one listener confronts a shocking revelation of how he almost imploded his happy marriage, and Chas is forced to reckon with a heartbreaking realization. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40431870

360 - The Grit! February 20, 2026 02/20/2026

360 - The Grit! February 20, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas share the harrowing details of Kolohe’s recent near tragedy, report on the massive shakeup underfoot of Gabriel Medina, pit Chris Hemsworth vs Josh Brolin in the ultimate surf celeb battle, learn why a pedicure may be the ultimate sign of a core surfer, and discover why rum may be JJF’s secret weapon. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40431895

359 - The Grit! February 13, 2026 02/13/2026

359 - The Grit! February 13, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David reveal while “betrayal” may be an understatement by Britt Merrick about his adopted brother Kelly Slater, they question if perhaps there is such a thing as bad publicity, learn that Tony Robbin’s due diligence lacks thoroughness, $13k is up for grabs to a female filmmaker, why your next Fish will also cost you a diamond bracelet, and discover that one famed surf musician carries the burden of the most unfortunate doppelgänger association. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40431920

358 - The Grit! February 6, 2026 02/06/2026

358 - The Grit! February 6, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David mark an exponential growth spurt across the entire Challenger Series and try to pinpoint the catalyst, reveal the subtle juke from JJF regarding naming his kid, ponder if it’s ever acceptable to have your dad fight your fights, celebrate the man who brought surfing to it’s simultaneous highest and lowest points, and discover that even the coolest amongst us is still just cosplaying. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40431940

357 - The Grit! January 30, 2026 01/30/2026

357 - The Grit! January 30, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David learn the embarrassing reason that dog owners evolve to look like their pets, celebrate JJF’s decision to stay off Tour and blueprint how the WSL could entice him back, discover that Influencers don’t know what a barrel is, unlock the “sports board” as a new genre, reminisce on the “Playboy” era of the ASP, and learn why napkin dispensers are a blight on the environment. Plus Barrel or Nah?! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432000

356 - The Grit! January 23, 2026 01/23/2026

356 - The Grit! January 23, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas learn a life lesson about forming snap judgments, question Kelly’s truest motive with Stab In The Dark, learn what will be lost if JBay gets cancelled, discover that Pedro Scooby is the least disgusting part of his new McDonalds ad, learn which pro surfer is a doppelgänger for Stevie Janowski, and decide whether you should take fitness advice from Shane Dorian. Plus Barrel or Nah?! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432045

355 - The Grit! January 16, 2026 01/16/2026

355 - The Grit! January 16, 2026 In today’s episode Chas and David muster the courage to face their biggest childhood foes, they influence Kai Lenny into prone enlightenment, introspect about their desires to shame surf influencers out of the lineup, ask ChatGPT to help consolidate their quivers, and determine if it’s ever okay to take a mint board on a surf trip. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432105

354 - The Grit! January 9, 2026 01/09/2026

354 - The Grit! January 9, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David examine the Blood Feud between former surf comic Jonathan Wayne Freeman and Simmons acolyte @Hydrodynamica, seeking to understand the moment wherein ideology rewires what one’s eye’s witness, they seek enlightenment in pursuit of Kelly Slater’s ayahuasca journey, discover their own narrative arc paralleling that of The Grinch, feel the pang of frothstration, and uncover the inverse relationship between polyamory and collecting surfboards. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432140

353 - The Grit! January 2, 2026 01/02/2026

353 - The Grit! January 2, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas pick up the pieces from NYE and embark on the New Year with intel about Tom Curren’s hair dye, a new crown and title at Pipeline, a major shift from CT Champs that devalues legacy surf brands and spikes value in one surfer-owned brand, Jack Robinson offers you financial advice, shapers offer religious guidance, and we all learn difference between “butt hurt” and butt pleasure. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432180

352 - The Grit! December 26, 2025 12/26/2025

352 - The Grit! December 26, 2025 In today’s show David and Chas recap the glory of Christmas and ponder the possibility of The Lost Week, count the number of times they’ve executed what they intended to do while surfing, survey two recent surfing Blood Feuds, perplex over Curren’s hair color, Julian’s shift to LGBTQ-friendly leisurewear, and map a winning plan for NYE. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432250

351 - The Grit! December 18, 2025 12/18/2025

351 - The Grit! December 18, 2025 In today’s show David and Chas discover why bodyboarding reigns supreme over surfing, learn the virtues of not getting paid, pro surfing gets litigious, JJF brands Pipeline and lobbies to become Mister, a pro surf Catfish stands trial for wanton domestic abuse, and learn why your mail carrier deserves a parting gift. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432315

350 - The Grit! December 12, 2025 12/12/2025

350 - The Grit! December 12, 2025 In today’s show dingleberries Chas and David learn about Kelly’s suspicious (alleged) scrubbing of the Internet, Bethany’s threat from the WSL, Sterling gets Curren to finally run his mouth, the boys learn how surf music becomes iconic, why Chinese wax jobs are here to stay, and which vehicle value is too great to bring to the beach. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432340

349 - The Grit! December 5, 2025 12/05/2025

349 - The Grit! December 5, 2025 In today’s show David and Chas review the newly released Surfline footage that potentially captured UFO activity, predict the implications and wonder if Harry Bryant tapped into the resource, they learn how Dale Webster soothed a weary cord lord’s Great White trauma, provide the ultimate holiday gifting guide, learn the beneficial chemical reaction of triethyl citrate, and explain the precise and only appropriate usage of “sick”. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432370

348 - The Grit! November 29, 2025 11/29/2025

348 - The Grit! November 29, 2025 In today’s show David and Chas innumerate a Gratitude List and explain why the modern era is the best time to be a surfer, welcome Benedict Cumberbatch into the brotherhood, honor Mom John as the greatest mother of all time, wonder where they’d be without surfing’s quiet gift of discipline, realize that cold plunges are free, and explain why it’s okay to pretend to be religious. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432410

347 - The Grit! November 21, 2025 11/21/2025

347 - The Grit! November 21, 2025 In today’s show Chas and David offer suitable insults for children, advise on how to keep a second marriage thriving while avoiding a third, wonder if the WSL lost it’s internet connection in Hawaii, learn when it’s appropriate to ask another surfer on a date, and determine the precise moment you should quit surfing. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432450

346 - The Grit! November 14, 2025 11/14/2025

346 - The Grit! November 14, 2025 In today’s show, while Luke Cederman snores in the background, Chas and David predict that the next Matt Hoy will come from a wave pool, make predictions about Carissa Moore’s return to Tour, a long time listener gets regulated from a La Jolla reef, and another gets emasculated by both Coco Ho and then Billy Kemper, and we all get reminded why opting not to regulate females in the line-up is sexist. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432530

345 - The Grit! November 7, 2025 11/07/2025

345 - The Grit! November 7, 2025 In today’s absurdist themed show longboarders take center stage as youngest WSL champ ever wins her third title while Stab buries the lede, Joel Tudor wins over corporate airlines and then takes them to court, Moana Jones Wong joins OnlyFans, and the boys discover the perfect projectile to reintroduce regulation in your local line up. Plus Barrel or Nah?! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432560

The Weekend Vans Chats 11/04/2025

The Weekend Vans Chats In today’s show, recorded at The Boardroom Show, listeners get on the mic to share their stories, interview by the one and only Chas Smith; among them, Shea Somma, Com Turren, Chris Christenson, James from SD, Backside Dave, and Alejandro. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432575

344 - The Grit! October 31, 2025 10/31/2025

344 - The Grit! October 31, 2025 In today’s Halloween episode David and Chas confront a new spate of misplaced anger and advise Rory Russell on how to use Instagram, explain how to win a fight against four frat boys, get revved about the greatest invention since the wave pool, and learn that there’s no such thing as a one wave set. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/40432620

The Grit! with Chas Smith

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