HISTORY

When Lanson Ronquilio busted onto the Northshore scene in the early 90′s he quickly became the “next big thing” in the sport. Lanson had smooth textbooks moves and charged hard. While his comp results didn’t reflect his natural ability it was his free surfing and clean style that gained him world wide respect. He was signed to Morey, pulled the move that sparked the rise of the gymnastic era , was apart of No Friends and almost drowned once at Pipe. Lanson is typical of the Hawaiian bodyboarders, all about getting the job done without banging his own drum.Pic Stroh ’96.

Brett grew up at Avalon with The Player Brothers. While his mates scored all the media push Brett was content to just hang in the background and get pitted. After following the usual path to the Northshore it was a chance trip to Tahiti that really changed his direction in life. Along with Simon Thorton the pair fell in love with Teahupoo in Tahiti and for many years dedicated their life to surfing that wave. No hardship could deter the pair who roughed it often penniless just to surf Chopes. Brett ended up well respected even by the standups for his fearless charging and taking the drop without the aid of a jetski. After many years of Tahitian barrel perfection Brett reluctantly had to move on and join the human race once again back home. Pic Stroh getting shacked in the late 90′s

Jordan Hetrick busted on the international bodyboard scene from California in the mid ’90s and instantly made a huge impression. He rode for Custom X , Premier and Outcast wetsuits and was heavily featured in Pit Magazine. He was regular in Hawaii during the winter seasons and was a standout along the Backdoor to OTW strip pulling big airs and deep tubes. A few years later Jordan seemed to just disappear off the bodyboard radar. Hetrick moved downunder for a while and continued to bodyboard but just lost interest in the whole scene. Jordan carving photo Stroh

In the early ’90s Mariana Nogueira and her sister Isabella were standouts on the Worlds Women Contest scene. Coming from Brazil, Mariana was as equally impressive on land as she was in the ocean, with model like features she was a fav with photographers. Mariana had a smooth powerful style and often blew away most of the men in the water. She was fearless at Pipe and notched up a lot of victories as she travelled the globe competing throughout the nineties.Mariana below slotted in Hawaii Photo Stroh

Neal Stephenson, in the mid 90′s was South African Champion and the country’s most standout rider. He rode for the prestigious Morey label and his performances at Pipe were fearless. Along with Dean Seppings, The Cockwell Bros  and a young Alistair Taylor they put South Africa on the bodyboarding map competitively. In ’98 while surfing a local wave back home called Keurboomstrand he was attacked by a white pointer shark and suffered severe injuries to both legs. His left leg was saved, but his right leg was amputated above the knee and a prosthesis was fitted later. The attack finnished his bodyboard career but undetered he is now a champion wave-ski surfer. Photo Stroh Neal competing in the Pipe Championships around ’94.

Young Alex was hailed as a child star during the Pro Comps held in Aus. around ’89. In Manly’s notorious small wave conditions Alex light weight frame and small wave skills saw him take down many more well known competitors. Just as his profile was growing the family moved to Hong Kong and ended what looked like a promising future in the sport. This shot showing Alex at his peak at Tamarama in ’90. photo Stroh.

Chris from Hawaii was a member of the Kauai Classic team who in the late 80′s formed to promote the bodyboarders from the neighbouring Island of Kauai and Christianity. Along with Kyle Maligro, Harry Antipala and others Chris was apart of the first bodyboard team. He appeared regularly in Challenger advertisements and was equally talented at both DK and Prone. With his blond hair and smooth clean style he was a favourite with photographers and regular standout at Off The Wall. Photo Stroh taken at Beach Park January ’93.

The Emerald Surf shop at Cronulla was the first Bodyboard specialist store in Australia. Around the mid 80′s Arnold and Kathy Cohen set up their shop in the lane way across from Cronulla station and stocked all the latest bodyboard products. They also ran The Cronulla Bodyboard Club which today stands as the longest running club in the world. The club was responsible for encouraging the local talent including Doug Robson, Brett Young, Matt Percy, Wingnut, Nugget, Mark Fordham, Dave Ballard, Andrew Lester and many more. Today the business has changed hands several times and locations but it continues to support the sport.  The Cronulla Street Shop photo by Stroh

Two of the hot new generation of Aussie kids around ’95. Beau Day had one of the most tweaked inverts in the business until he tweaked it to far one session and screwed his back up big time. Ben Player was the name on everyones lips back then, hailed as the child prodigy , he went on to win two world titles and still going strong. Photo Stroh taken at Port MacQuarie.

Another extremely competitive rider from Brazil who made his presence felt on the World circuit throughout the 90′s. Fabio was a regular finalist and excellent free surfer with a flowing style known for his combinations. Check this clip to see Fabio in action http://www.videolog.tv/video.php?id=410209

This pic in this nice fluro pink wetsuit  was snapped in Reunion Island by Chris Stroh  in ’95