HISTORY

Ross Hawke scored the cover on Riptide Vol 5 July/Aug issue from a classic Shark Island Day in 1990. This session opened up the bodyboarding worlds eyes to how much potential the Island had.Photo Chris Stroh.

Maroubra bodyboarder Ross Hawke one of the sports first Pro riders would take a hike up the coast a few miles to Tamarama when conditions were right and usually score quality waves. This lip blast on his Manta model was taken around 1990 by Chris Stroh.

Ross “Hellman” Hawke built his reputation  by charging hard in Hawaii, one of Australias first international stars. Taking the drop at Pipe early 90′s.

Before Towouts ,Towins,reverse airs and all the air punts the humble cutback was one of the most important moves of a bodyboarders repertoire. Done properly like Ross below this basic turn can become a super powerful statement in the hands of the right rider. The more spray the better the visual result and contest points.These days not as much emphasis is put on the cutty. Photo Stroh late 80′s.

Ross “Hellman “Hawke charging at Pipe in Hawaii. Circa mid 80′s.

Ross Hawkes Pro Model bodyboard with Manta circa early 90′s was one of the most popular signature models for many seasons in Australia. The picture below was the official poster that accompanied each board.The shot was taken on a classic Island day in the early 90′s. It was crowded as usual and Hawkey wasn’t getting anything when he lucked into this one beast that hit Surge and went mutant. When he saw the sequence later he was blown away as he didn’t know what the wave was doing behind him. Ross even admitted at the time the poster was so popular that some kids bought the board just to get a copy of it.

When Ross “Hellman” Hawke joined forces with the new Aussie Bodyboard brand called Manta in the late 80′s it was to leave  a lasting impression. Hawkey was soon to become the first Aussie rider to have his own signature board model. Sales boomed and it kick started the Manta brand which would in the coming years dominate the Aussie market. Hawkey in the factory late 80′s. pic Stroh