HISTORY

Julie from Queensland was Australia’s first female bodyboard star. She  organised  the first events and club on the Gold Coast. This interview appeared in Tracks  in 1986.

Also known as “ODB” Brandon from South Africa is one of the most travelled bodyboarders in the world. Foster rides 100% Dropknee and he  has been to many countries that most people would not even dream about. ODB has ventured  in search of waves often risking his  health and life off the beaten track. Brandon rarely competes preferring the search and soul riding aspects of the sport rather than the contest points. This pic is of Brandon at Off The Wall was taken around 2005 by Stroh. Check out this ODB clip. www.youtube.com/?v=HXnAztYFqOg

During the 80s and 90′s Mike Stewart was easily one of the most respected watermen out at Pipeline. Few who have seen him in action on a maxing 2nd reef day will argue.He was even voted by Surfers like Johnny Boy Gomes as one of the best. From positioning, to drawing his line, fearlessness and ocean knowledge makes him the one to watch. Other bodyboarders surf it well but Mike is a step above the rest. A true barrel genius. Photo Vince Cavataio circa ’94.

When Guilherme Tamega won the World Title in ’94 he instantly put Brazil on the bodyboard map. Up to that time it was still Hawaii and The Mainland that were the main influences in bodyboarding. Once Aussie Eppo in ’93 and then Tamega took the title the following year ending a decade of Hawaiian domination the sport blew up world wide. Tamega went from virtual obscurity to national hero back home. Along with the fame came the rewards and Tamega was well supported by Wave Rebel and Redley. The following adv. by Redley came out in early 94 celebrating Tamega’s historic win.

In the later half of the 90s Avalon’s Teal Nippard blew minds with his Dropknee turns. Teal had ballistic moves. Ripping it up like he was riding a surfboard instead of a soft sponge. Teal quickly made a name for himself and was popular in the US where DK was strong. After hitting Hawaii and making his mark he soon quit the sport to ride standup. Another lost talent before reaching his peak. Photo Stroh of Teal shralping Beach Park.

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

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.

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

When Eppo busted onto bodyboard radar he was known for his ability to bust huge airs. Eppo practiced getting big air by launching on a oversize trampoline and soon transferred his technique to the waves. Throughout the early 90′s Eppos airs were the biggest in the business and he took them further in the coming years when he single handed ushered in the gymnastic era of the sport. Check out some footage of Eppo from his movie Freakshow here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D7vHFnMuDM&feature=player_embedded

This pic below shot at Pipe around ’95 he made it.