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.

386 - The Grit! August 20, 2026 08/20/2026

386 - The Grit! August 20, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas learn the dangers of appropriating foreign language, discover the secret to how an independent surf brand can become the next corporate conglomerate, distill how fragile the essence of aloha is, learn why the alpha’s hatred of you has nothing to do with your gender, learn the value of shedding your neoprene, and why you should be very wary of any man who wants to wax your board. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42508885

385 - The Grit! August 14, 2026 08/14/2026

385 - The Grit! August 14, 2026 In today’s show the boys celebrate Chas’s 50th birthday with finally giving credit to their favorite folly-makers, Kelly gets their applause, Griff surfs his way into their hearts, except ELO still stays in the creep zone and the WSL learns a lesson on why they shouldn’t be influenced by a shaka, but then a listener reminds how you’re only one elevator ding away from a better life, and the boys harken back to a time when the gals risked everything in a teeny bikini. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42442465

384 - The Grit! August 6, 2026 08/07/2026

384 - The Grit! August 6, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David defend and attack (respectively) JOB’s recent podcast appearance and wonder if being a savant precludes one from all other sympathetic human character traits, question if Jonah Hill would annihilate them in surfing, marvel at JJF’s continued development, question the race ethics in Hollywood casting, learn the dangers and benefits of fake tanning, and put a specific value on living on the beach. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42352260

383 - The Grit! July 30, 2026 07/30/2026

383 - The Grit! July 30, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas soak in the absurdity of Huntington Beach, tally the rampant injuries plaguing high-level middle aged surfers, clock another frivolous wave pool lawsuit, offer unsolicited advice to a movement coach on how to reduce her fury, learn why the WSL is pivoting to matchmaking, play hard-to-get with the siren call of yoga, and warn what can happen if you drink milk as an adult. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42267100

382 - The Grit! July 23, 2026 07/23/2026

382 - The Grit! July 23, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David peek into the future of virtual reality surfing to feel the sensation of JJF’s carve at Margs and calculate what is lost in the journey, they articulate precisely where and when the backside Windshield Wiper can and should be used, long for the return of the Floater, give Meola and Layer their due applause a decade too late, learn why Gerry doesn’t have time for Pipeline, and resist the return of Y2K. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42195980

381 - The Grit! July 16, 2026 07/16/2026

381 - The Grit! July 16, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas do a deep investigation to out the poser who is trying to dupe you into buying a soft top, discover the scientifically proven unit of infraction Kell and Griff broke the code of ethics, clock the appropriate time to wait for a beach parking spot, reveal surf’s sordid history with sexual innuendo, and explain why it’s okay (nay, advisable!) to go gay with your best bud. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42119760

380 - The Grit! July 10, 2026 07/10/2026

380 - The Grit! July 10, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas find the ultimate forecast tool to survey the surf report without the risk of getting sucked into the social media phone vortex, Griff accidentally leaks evidence that he’s in one of surfing’s most secretive and exclusive cabals, a listener sulks through reality after the comedown of the perfect Maldivian surf trip, KS Wave Co Austin faces financial peril, and the boys learn why making out with your spouse may salve the seven-year itch. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42035870

Poopoo Touch by DJ Seaweed 07/09/2026

Poopoo Touch by DJ Seaweed A classic from the ELO era, wherein the WSL CEO had the opposite of the Midas Touch. Produced and performed by the one and only DJ Seaweed. Enjoy. /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/42035930

379 - The Grit! July 3, 2026 07/03/2026

379 - The Grit! July 3, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David reevaluate the legacy’s of surfing’s most notorious big wave icon and OG stylists, reflect on the inauspicious inception of the CT’s latest venue, celebrate surf culture’s funeral with a DJ set by Paris Hilton and the unlikely return of a surfer lost at sea, then wonder if demo days are a scourge and warn about the dangers of sleeping in the buff. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41956280

378 - The Grit! June 26, 2026 06/26/2026

378 - The Grit! June 26, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas review the Louis Vuitton surf capsule and fashion show, acknowledge one of the most influential surfers of this generation, make an alarming accusation at Surfer Magazine, reveal the heralded world champ who tried to cut the bathroom line, measure the distance from the beach it’s acceptable to ride a bike in a bikini, and warn the dangers of having a favorite surfer as an adult. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41814055

377 - The Grit! June 22, 2026 06/22/2026

377 - The Grit! June 22, 2026 In today’s show Chas gives the Moroccan surf report and finally unlocks the joys of big boarding, David fills him in on the major upsets in Brazil, and the cisgender white males dissect Tyler Wright’s oral sex pantomime claim, reveal the greatest surf magazine cover of all time, advise on a perfect must-have surf caboodle, and explain the dangers of crying as an adult male. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41729925

376 - The Grit! June 12, 2026 06/12/2026

376 - The Grit! June 12, 2026 In today’s show, live from Morocco, David and Chas bid a fond farewell to a moderation great, reveal how the WSL hamstrung an innocent CT surfer’s potential, get floored by the souliest surfer’s lauding of chlorinated tube time, explain why you should never dab someone up, navigate how to rewrite your social media history, and learn about the time Megan Fox got to see Chas embarrass his family. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41614720

375 - The Grit! June 5, 2026 06/05/2026

375 - The Grit! June 5, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David question the ethics of the El Salvador local who kicked his board at Jack Robinson, survey Italo’s laceration from a different local, witness a near end of life at End Of The Road, learn the exact timeline of Taj’s employ at Hayden, hear about old school street justice from Sunny Garcia, explain the relief that comes from horse massage, and identify that there are far worse things than being anal. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41552750

374 - The Grit! May 29, 2026 05/29/2026

374 - The Grit! May 29, 2026 In today’s show David and Chas question the intelligence quotient required to be labeled a “boob”, worry about the Dora household dynamics, question the purity of Stab’s latest winner amidst a bombshell of new truth, pay remembrance to one of California’s surfing savants, and determine the exact age to stop fighting back pain and accept a hobbled life. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41469995

373 - The Grit! May 21, 2026 05/21/2026

373 - The Grit! May 21, 2026 In today’s show Chas and David fantasize about a life after quitting surfing, wonder the pleasures of dragging their nether regions through a gapping pit, finally pay respects to Hamana Kalili, flirt with the idea of a having a surfboard dalliance, discover the ultimate White Person Problem, and endeavor to teach the youth the exquisite pleasure of snapping a towel on someone’s butt. Plus Barrel or Nah?! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/7198e00e-4ae6-461e-9e33-94c0c2a45e14/id/41382115

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

The Grit! with Chas Smith

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