HISTORY

The sports first international star Jack “The Ripper” Lindholm appears in a Morey Boogie advertisement  in 1977

By the time the 90′s rolled around Scott Bodyboards who had once dominated a large slice of the world bodyboard sales throughout the early to mid 80′s were now trying to reclaim lost ground. When the brand pulled back completely on promotions and sponsoring riders it hurt there image. In doing so they allowed other newer brands to fill the gap. In this early 90s advertisement Californian bodyboarder Mike Lubudziewski helps try to put Scott back on the map. Photo Aaron Lloyd.

Originating from Brazil, Redley Fins quickly became a favourite with the elite bodyboarders in the 80′s. While many still preferred the Churchill Makapuu’s the two brands dominated the bodyboard market for many years. Below high profile riders like Mike Stewart and Ben Severson are seen promoting the brand in this early 90′s advertisement. Redley’s reputation was growing fast. Older models fins are now like collector items. Photos Ted Grambeau.

When Ben Severson hooked up with BZ Bodyboards in the 80′s his custom board was highly sort after and his model was one of the top sellers around the world. This shot shows a typical Sevo move, a stylish  floater spin. Photo Bielmann.

By 1977 after the growing success of Tom Moreys original design other brands began to hit the market like the SurFlexie. At the time none could compete with the Morey Boogie which led the way for many years to come.

 

Paul “Barney” Barnard was the first bodyboarder sponsored by clothing giant Billabong. Barny from the Gold Coast in  Queensland was a high profile rider in the 80′s and early 90′s who notched up 2 Aussie titles and was one of Australia’s first international pro’s competing at Pipeline. Photo Marty Tullemans.

Circa 80′s. Mike Stewart found solid sponsorship support from O’Neill Wetsuits. It was at a time when most top rated bodyboarders were still struggling to find decent backing. This pic was taken by Hank.

The 1991 Mike Stewart Turbo Pro Comp II

One of Moreys first and most popular logos of the late 70′s.

By 1984 the bodyboard boom was taking off all around the world. In New Zealand this Natural Flight Bodyboard advertisement appeared showing the first signs of a bodyboard industry beginning to get amped in the land of the long white cloud.