HISTORY

During the 90′s with the help of his sponsors Billabong and Manta, Dave Ballard was one of the highest profile riders in the world. At one stage he held the record for more covers on Riptide than anyone else. It was all because of his powerful stylish moves and ability to get the shot. This DK blast is proof photo Chris Stroh

When Mike Stewart broke away from his sponsors and created his own board company called Science  in the 90′s he also introduced the bodyboarding world to his unique Gyroll leash which at the time was high tech and futuristic.

During the 80′s and 90′s Jay Reale was  mainland USA’s  highest profile rider. He was one of the first bodyboarders to  focus in on creating a strong media image by working with photographers and sponsors. This carving cutty on the cover of Bodyboarding Mag from the early 90′s shows Jay’s lucrative sponsors when the sport was blowing up.

A determined looking Roach scores the cover of French mag Bodyrider in a clean Fiji tube in 1997.

The late Tahitian Matt Walbrou on the cover of French Mag Spin Air 1999.

The Ben Severson Design bodyboard brand utilised a lifetime of experience by the former World Champ and pioneer of professional bodyboarding. Sevo single handedly created quality boards and products in the mid 90s and continues to produce the goods today from his home in Hawaii.

Avalon Dropknee master from the 90′s on edge and stylin.

Andre Botha the youngest world champ ever pic Bielmann.

After winning the World Title in 93 around 6 months later Eppo  unleashed 2 new moves on the bodyboard world. First came the ARS then quickly followed the Backflip. Pic below taken at Suckrock shows Eppo pulling the Backflip move he invented. Photo Chris Stroh mid 90′s.

 Rick Bannister slotted at Waimea Shorey Jan ’95. Ocean Fire was No5 in the Underground Tapes video Series. Photo Chris Stroh.