ABC • Executive Producer
The Ultimate Surfer
This first-ever surfing competition series takes place in Kelly Slater’s exclusive Surf Ranch. Michael designed and oversaw challenges that test the physical and mental skills necessary to win a spot on The World Surf League’s Championship Tour, from a paddling tug-o-war, to teaching The Bachelor contestants how to catch a wave.
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Photos: Inside the making of ABC’s epic new surfing competition with Kelly Slater
The new competition series, from 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, premieres Monday. The Times has exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
Let’s get one thing straight before we start: surfers are inherently hot. The ugliest surfer still looks like a Greecian statue standing next to me, famed bridge troll Marshal Knight. Watching the contestants being introduced on ABC’s new competition program The Ultimate Surfer felt like a personal attack against my body and self esteem. On top of that, they’re brilliant athletes, so I’d like to officially announce today that I have given up.