Hmmm, interesting--
Thanks for your input guys--much appreciated!
So it appears from viewing billabong's business site and characterized from what some of you are saying, billabong is split up into different territories around the globe. Do you suppose that the individual territories operate somewhat independantly, with little input from each other or upstairs when it comes to sponsorship? Globally or is Is it based on each head of region's personal biases? For instance, it appears that the U.S. guy is a surfer or x-surfer. I wonder about the Australian guy?
I haven't done much work on looking further into this, however, am fascinated. Especially after talking to multitudes of people in the last year throughout my rehab process, who have had nothing to do with bodyboarding, however are now informed and pretty stoked about it. Last week when I had to miss the final and last heats of Mark McCarthy at El Confitel, due to having 2 therapy appointments. I was pretty bummed about it and told them upon arrival, of course laughingly, that I was there against my will! I excitedly told everyone all about what was going on and everyone stopped what they were doing, to listen. Some continue to ask on follow-up visits, how the bodyboarding scene is going! I guess I was visibly stoked about it as can be and they sensed it and wanted to hear more! One guy even shared that he use to bodyboard in Hawaii! Another guy said he was over the surfing scene promo's but was an interested listener when it came to bodyboarding. Whoa! Didn't anticipate that, since there are no oceans close to here--but it was exciting and opened my eyes to a possibility! You know how so many things are cyclic!? Maybe surfing is on it's way out, as it appears from talking to people. Maybe Billabong and some promoter's/sponsor's are way off base and people are ready to move on to knew horizons! Certainly is the vibe I've witnessed.
I think it's prime time to stoke the fires of bodyboarding around the world!! Seriously guys, it takes everyone of you to share the enthusiasm, everyday! Take it as a challenge to talk to total stranger about it. Most importantly, having expressly taught my 3 daughters and not trying to sound "preachy" in the least: "Always take the high road"-- it is of utmost importance to SHOW RESPECT to other riders of the waves as well. This means the Surfer's too! YOU WILL BE SO MUCH FURTHER AHEAD AND WELL RESPECTED BY OTHER'S AS WELL!
See alot of crap in the comments on YouTube.
Shheeesh, I know how difficult it is, when someone is flicken it in your face, to keep yourself focused and not to give it right back. I myself, have become pulled into it on occasion. Am most certainly, suseptibly fragile to it at the moment, but regaining strength and composure.
I have MUCH RESPECT to all you bodyboarders and surfers, who have the luxury of a kief body of natural water, goin off with a nice swell, close at hand, to live out your dreams! Amped for you! I also have MUCH RESPECT for the skills of the talented athletes who have excelled at riding the "man-made-waves" as well. Equally as amped! Neither venue is a secured, walk-in-the-park and takes determination and practice. Several have some amazing natural skill resulting in phenominal style as well!! Face it dudes, all waves are different, but waves are waves. No need to try to compare, or use that argument in attempt to establish some form of hierarchy. It's weak and don't want to hear it. Important thing is to just have fun and share the stoke! My family, having done both, are making the best of things having a man-made wave close by and not the luxury of the ocean, anywhere close. I actually kind of chuckle to myself because, although Flowboarders take alot of crap, amazingly, as a result of our travels for Flowboarding competitions, we have met loads of the top bodyboarders in the industry and I have photographed them as well.
Including pro snowboarders and skateboarders. Hahahah, the word is out, Paul Roach, Eddie Solomon, Mike Stewart, Brandon Foster, Manny Vargas, Spencer Skipper, Jeff Bragg, AKA Lyman, Will George, Eric Apple, Jaime Lovett(Crazy Mexican-Hahah), Jimmy Hutaff, Shane DeVilla, The Bands Fall Out Boy(Natalie taught Pete and the Drummer to ride) and Red Hot Chilie Peppers, Scotty Carter, Olympic Snowboarder's Andy Finch, Shaun White and Actors Josh Duhamil and Jerry O'Connel...to name a few of whom we have met--some we see on a frequent basis--you would be surprized. Many ride, train and stay in shape, riding the "man made waves". It's great fun and especially convenient when the ocean swell is flat. If you haven't tried it or have included it as a routine, you are missing out! Natalie told me that photog Danny Black, along with several from Hawaii had a fun time riding at Wave House in California last fall. Good times!
After the holidays, I want to do some further research involving Billabong etc.--
I'm curious, so here is my question to all of you:
Why do you think bodyboarding is massive and still small as a sport?
Thanks sixty40 for the prompt--I want to subscribe to that mag starting with that issue--things are a little skrewed up right now, but will try to figure things out--
Looks like such a cool bodyboarding mag!
Sorry so long winded--
