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Joe Turpel on the WSL: “We’re just encouraged to be ourselves.”

Part III of the Joe Turpel interview dives back into the WSL and how the production is just so on point

From calling column scores at local surfing contests to calling the heats in the WSL and Olympic games for the most recognised broadcasters, Joe Turpel has seen surfing grow into one of the most viewed sports in the world. He’s a beacon of inspiration in the world of surf journalism, having carved his path from humble beginnings to become an iconic voice in surfing. 

His career commenced in the early 2000s, blending his love for surfing with a burgeoning talent for storytelling. Turpel’s journey began in the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California, where the rhythmic dance of the waves ignited a lifelong passion. His profound connection with the ocean was evident from a young age, leading him to ride the waves as both a competitor and a devoted surfer.

Turpel’s foray into journalism was a natural progression, merging his love for the sport with an innate ability to captivate audiences. He started covering local surf competitions, his insightful commentary and authentic enthusiasm quickly setting him apart. His deep understanding of the sport, coupled with a charismatic presence, resonated with the surfing community, earning him a reputation as a trusted voice.

OAHU, HAWAII – FEBRUARY 21: Jack Robinson of Australia and WSL Commentator Joe Turpel after winning the Final at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach on February 21, 2024 at Oahu, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images)

Behind the Scenes with Joe Turpel: Family, Waves, and the WSL Dream

Joe brings a unique blend of passion, knowledge, and charisma to the world of surf commentary. As we dive into the life and experiences of this surfing aficionado, we uncover the layers that make him an idol in the surfing community—his early beginnings, family life, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics at the WSL.

Joe’s journey into surf commentary began on the shores of Huntington Beach, California, at a stretch known as Brookhurst Street. Recalling his first event, Joe reminisces, “My first event I ever called was beach announcing with a broadcast. It was the NSSA Southwest Open series, and the waves were perfect—peaky overhead spinning barrels.” This moment marked a significant shift in his life, transitioning from being in the water to observing and narrating the sport he loved. “It was the first time in my surfing life where I showed up at the beach at six, and I wasn’t surfing. I was working. It was a weird but pivotal moment.”

The seamless integration of his surfing background into his new role brought an authentic touch to his commentary. “Being a surfer first, there’s nothing better than getting good waves with your friends,” Joe emphasizes. This deep-rooted connection to surfing is what continues to fuel his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport.

OAHU, HAWAII – FEBRUARY 21: Molly Picklum of Australia and WSL Commentator Joe Turpel after winning the Final at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach on February 21, 2024 at Oahu, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images)

Best Shredder in the Comms Team?

When asked about the friendly competitions among commentators, Joe’s humility shines through. “Sometimes I’m in with a former world champ, and it’s like, ‘Hey, it’s okay. I shouldn’t expect to have any chance of beating them in the heat.’ But if I get a compliment from anyone on the team, man, I’m beaming. I call my mom right away.”

Joe shares a special camaraderie with his colleague Rosie Hodge, a world-class surfer herself. “Rosie and I have a joke where she’s seen every great moment of my surfing life. She just happens to be there. If I get a good wave, she’s like, ‘That’s probably one of the best waves of your life,’ and I’m like, ‘You were there for that too.'”

MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 21: Two-time WSL Champion John John Florence of Hawaii after placing runner-up in the Final at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro on April 21, 2024 at Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia. (Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League via Getty Images)

Family Life

Balancing a demanding career with family life is a challenge Joe navigates with thoughtful consideration. “The hardest part is simply saying goodbye when I have to go to work. It’s harder on me than it is for my daughter. She’s never known anything different.” To ease these separations, Joe uses creative methods to keep connected. “I start letting her know a week ahead of time. I have a calendar in her bedroom, and we mark down the days until I come home.”

Technology plays a vital role in maintaining their bond. “She has an iPad, and I’m the one person she can text. I remind her, ‘Hey, you can FaceTime me anytime you want.’ FaceTime helps a lot.”

Joe cherishes the moments his family can join him on tour. “The ones where the family comes along, it’s like lifetime memories. My daughter is really good friends with Ronnie Blakey’s daughter, Minnie. They’re inseparable. I think it’s really cool that she’s getting this global experience so young.”

Favorite Spot on the Tour

When it comes to favorite tour spots, Fiji holds a special place in Joe’s heart. “Fiji, for sure. It’s like a cartoonish paradise—sand, trees, bright blue water. It looks like that when you’re pulling up on a boat.” The allure of Fiji goes beyond its beauty. “The idea of getting in a boat to go surf and being surrounded by world-class waves is incredible. There’s Cloudbreak, Restaurants, No-Kandui Left. It’s a dream.”

Joe finds joy in the unique surfing experiences Fiji offers, away from the contest site. “When you’re out of a location with a tonne of waves around, you just can’t believe you get to do this. You’ll surf another spot with just the other commentators and a couple of judges, and you’re scoring. Maybe it’s not as good as the contest site, but it doesn’t take much to get me stoked.”

Fiji

Judging and Broadcasting

Joe’s passion for broadcasting has always been clear. “I’ve judged some events on the amateur and regional level, but it was never something I wanted to do. I was always attracted to the broadcast.” Staying sharp on the judging scale is crucial for him. “I visit the judges quite a bit throughout an event to ensure I’m understanding the scale at all times. It’s important for us as commentators.”

Reflecting on his journey, Joe acknowledges the significance of the team assembled by Jed Pearson in 2014. “It’s funny when we start reflecting a lot nowadays, remembering past days. That team was a pivotal moment for me.”


Just being yourself



The World Surf League (WSL) fosters an environment where broadcasters are encouraged to be their authentic selves, creating a genuine and engaging atmosphere for viewers. Strider Wasilewski exemplifies this ethos perfectly. “You think he is just like that on camera. Stop rolling. He doesn’t stop doing exactly what you see, which is laughing a lot, not taking life too seriously, and loving to surf,” says Joe Turpel. Strider’s ability to stay happy and grounded is contagious, making him a delight to work with and a fan favorite. “He has a really good sense of just understanding how important it is just to be happy all the time, so he’s really a joy to be with,” Joe adds. Meeting Strider on the street would be no different than seeing him on screen—”he would love a conversation with you, he’s easygoing, and you can hear his laugh about a mile away. If you ever lose him, you’re like, there he is, he’s cracking up about something.” The WSL’s encouragement of such authenticity allows personalities like Strider to shine, enhancing the overall viewer experience with their genuine love for the sport and life.

Biography and Legacy

As Joe contemplates the future, the idea of documenting his journey has crossed his mind. “I’ve thought about a scrapbooking version of all the early travels on the road, primarily for my family and myself to remember all these travels.”

Joe Turpel’s story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for surfing. His journey from a young surfer on the beaches of California to the voice of the WSL is a testament to following one’s passion and finding joy in every wave, every call, and every cherished moment with family. Joe’s life and career embody the spirit of surfing, making him a true idol in the world of surf journalism. He stands as a true idol, embodying the spirit of surfing and the art of storytelling and the fact that he took time out for a Maltese surf magazine shows so much respect and stoke… 

BELLS BEACH, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 8: Joe Turpel at the Press Conference of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach on April 8, 2022 at Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia (Photo by Matt Dunbar/World Surf League via Getty Images)

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Part III of the Joe Turpel interview dives back into the WSL and how the production is just so on point