Intro
Meet Taj Lindblad. Pro surfer, rancher, and the definition of a Coastal Cowboy. Growing up in San Clemente, California, Taj is from one of the most surf-rich towns in the world. He’s focused on the path to the WSL World Tour to surf alongside his sister. He's the reigning North American Qualifying Series ratings champion, fresh off a major victory at the 2026 BTMI Barbados Surf Pro QS 6000, and already locked in training mode for this year's Challenger Series. What stands out about Taj beyond the trophies and titles is how he carries himself — respectful, composed, and mature well beyond his 23 years.
When he's not chasing surf, you'll find him competing in local team roping jackpots, out with his horses, never passing up a good BBQ joint, and listening to country music loud enough to fill the whole yard. World-class surfing and rugged Western grit, Taj lives life between the ocean and the ranch. We're proud to welcome him to the family.
Q&A
What is your profession? And did you always know this is what you would end up doing, or was it something you stumbled into?
I'm a professional surfer. I grew up in San Clemente, CA — a little surf town full of pro surfers. I was just always around it. My dad was a semi-pro surfer before I was born, so I pretty much grew up going to the beach every day. I loved it.
When you’re not doing your core pursuit, what else do you enjoy doing?
I'll usually be at the ranch team roping. I'm lucky enough to own two horses and I'm completely obsessed with it. Even when I'm on surf trips, if I'm not in the water, I'm watching rodeos or jackpot ropings on YouTube.
How do you incorporate music into your life?
Music is a huge part of my life. I listen to music before every competition — it calms me down when I'm anxious or hypes me up when I'm tired. It gets me through hard workouts and tough losses. Music is the best.
What does “Live Free” mean to you?
Do it your own way and don't let anyone change who you are.
Any guilty pleasures?
Definitely going out to the river. I love being on a boat, listening to some tunes, and drinking beer. Those are my favorite times.
What’s your hottest take or most controversial opinion?
If you want it, you gotta go out and get it.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you in the wild/on tour?
When I'm surfing, nothing too crazy usually happens. But one time I was hauling horses back from Texas with my buddy. We were in the middle of Arizona at like 3 a.m. dropping a few of them off — and we already had the horses mixed up in the trailer, which was our first problem. Then one of the horses that was supposed to stay jumped out of the trailer, ran me completely over, and took off into the desert. We eventually caught her, but looking back, it was pretty funny.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Or what are you listening to right now?
My favorite artists right now are Ryan Bingham and Colter Wall. I'm always listening to Johnny Cash and Waylon too. If I need to get super hyped up, I'll jam some Tupac.
Favorite Turtlebox speaker and why? How do you use it?
The Ranger is probably my favorite — first off, it shares the same name as my dog and my horse. Best name ever. It's loud, portable, and goes with me everywhere. I'll listen to music while I warm up and stretch before surfing, then bring it out to the ranch where we jam while we rope. After that it comes with me to the gym, into the sauna afterward, and then back home where I'll connect it to my record player to wind down the day. I really do use this speaker all day long.
