HISTORY

Toddy grew up right on the sand at Lighthouse Beach at PT MacQuarie in the early 90;s the area was a stronghold of bodyboard talent with the likes of the Murray Bros, Rick Bannister, Simon Thornton and Eppo it had a very competive bodyboard scene. Young Toddy was one of the best competitors coming up the ranks and could excel at both Dropknee or prone. This shot was taken in Hawaii on his first trip mid 90′s by Mike Searle of Threesixty mag.

Matt Percy was a part of the early 90′s Shark Island crew who were respoonsible for pushing the limits with some serious slab riding. This photo was taken by Frank mid 90′s.

Situated at Newport Harbour in California , The Wedge is a notorious side washing wave that is exclusive to body surfers and bodyboarders. Big swells rebound off the rock pier creating a thick mutant slab and a heavy backwash creates some wild rides and dramatic freefalls. Jay Reale scores one of The Wedges more rider friendly and classic moments in the mid 90′s. 6 people have died surfing here.

 

Mike Stewart and Viper swim fins joined forces in the mid 90s and created a strong lasting bond.Advertisement  Circa 90′s.Photo Van Lennup.

 

 

Gold Coast bodyboarder Mitch Rawlins was just a wide eye young pup when he landed on the Northshore in the late 90′s for the first time. Mitch had a strong following back home so expectations were high.

Aussie bodyboard champion Steve Bullet MacKenzie after a long association with Morey surprised many when he brought out a signature board model with Toobs in the late 90′s.

 

French bodyboard star Thomas Richards scores the cover of Spin Air 1999.

Warren Wazza Finebeer was fearless when it came to surfing Shark Island during his prime. Wazza took on any wave that came his way including closeouts and lefts off Surge. Unfortunately his number came up on one particular nasty wipeout in the late 90′s and his back was crushed when he was bounced off the bottom. The injury kept him out of the water for a while but Wazza was back riding again before long but this time a lot more cautious and selective than his early devil may care antics. Wazza going left at The Island in his trademark canoe helmet. Photo Stroh.

662Mob was the work of Eddie Solomon a Californian bodyboarder known for his big wave charging at The Wedge at Newport and Waimea Shorey. Eddie was one of the first and most successful online bodyboard stores that popped up in the early 2000′s. Solomon loved the lifestyle and was a great promoter putting on premiers and wild parties. Eddie was also known for his sponsoring a heavy crew of core riders/ friends  including Dre and Hubb. Unfortunately Eddies life was cut short due to a medical condition but 662mob continues on today. That’s Eddie furthest on the left.

Paul Roach scored the cover of this Pit Magazine  from the US and featured heavily in the often left of centre editorial in most issues. Pit Mag had a strong following in the 90′s and was Free around this time in some areas.