Bodyboarding - Bodyboarders

Bodyboarders

• Mike Stewart (Hawaii, USA) is considered the father of modern bodyboarding, acclaimed as one of the best wave riders of all time, and holds an unprecedented 9 world titles. He is also the only bodyboarder to receive the Mr. Pipeline title.

• Ben Severson (Hawaii, USA) is a pioneer of bodyboarding, world champion, and competitive rival of Mike Stewart for over fifteen years.

• Jack Lindholm (Hawaii, USA) is the creator the dropknee stance and pioneer at Pipeline. Hence the term "Jack Stance" refers to Jack Lindholm's contribution to the form of riding.

• Guilherme Tamega (Brazil) is second only to Stewart for number of world titles: 6. He has gained reputation and fame for his aggressive riding style and approach in both small and heavy surf.

• Mike "Eppo" Eppulston is the first Australian and also the first non-Hawaiian to win the World Title (1993). He is also known for creating the ARS and backflip.

• Paul Roach (California, USA) is accredited with developing a new style of progressive dropknee riding in both small and large waves. He is also considered, by many, as the greatest dropknee rider of all time.

• Jeff Hubbard (Hawaii, USA) is best known for his phenomenal aerial approach to bodyboarding. He holds 2 world titles.

• Ryan Hardy (Australia) is considered one of the fathers of the present Australian bodyboarding generation. He has adapted a unique style and approach to bodyboarding that has influenced bodyboarders world-wide.

• Damien King (Australia) is two time world champion (prone) and one time dropknee world champion. He is the only Australian to hold both such world titles.

• Ben Player (Australia) is also considered one of the greatest influences in bodyboarding both Australia and the world. He holds 2 world titles.

• Spencer Skipper (Hawaii, USA) is famed for his fluid style, especially at Pipeline, and predecessor of Mike Stewart.

• Kainoa McGee (Hawaii, USA) is famed as one of the greatest Pipeline bodyboarders and surfers of all time. Since retiring from bodyboarding, he has developed both professional stand-up surfing and stand-up paddle board (SUP) careers respectively.

• Andre Botha (South Africa) is the youngest athlete to win the world title (1998). He then won a second world title the next tour season of 1999. Known for his extreme approach to wave riding in shorebreaks and heavy waves.

• Mitch Rawlins (Australia) is known for his free surfing and influence on Australian bodyboarding. He is owner of Found Boards.

• Chad Barba (California, USA) is argued by many as the best bodyboarder to have come from the mainland USA, i.e. California.