Bodyboard pros in town for skills clinic

Almost 20 young bodyboarders from the Great Lakes were put through their paces by two renowned bodyboaders last month at a coaching clinic held at Bulls Paddock. 

Former professional bodyboarders Ryan Hardy and Heydon “the boogie man” Bunting were in town to host the clinic on Saturday, November 29. 

The group of young riders, who are members of Forster Tuncurry Bodyboard Association (FTBA) were put into four different testing surf conditions from three to four foot waves and heavy shore breaks to small inconsistent waves and sloppy swell. 

The coaches focused on everything from the importance of core strength, manoeuvres and technique to using the correct board.

Both men also gave tips from their own experiences on the professional tour and pulled some riders aside to help fine them tune their skills. 

Hardy, who operates a bodyboard school out of Margaret River in Western Australia, said local riders were spoilt for choice when it came to Forster’s beaches and they had done well throughout the one day clinic.

“Although the waves were not the perfect, wedging barrels that everyone assured me frequented this spot, there were plenty of waves around and it was a great day for all involved,” Hardy said. 

“Heydon and myself were stoked with the enthusiasm from the local groms.

“Forster has a rich history of successful bodyboarders and from what Heydon and I saw things are looking bright for the club.” 

Local rider Josh griffin said the coaching session had really helped him progress as a bodyboarder. 

“I learnt so many ways to improve my riding from the ...more

Beater Board mania invades the lineup

The Beater mania is conquering new surf fans with its retro, portable design. Meet the 4'6'' surfboard that looks like a bread toast.

  

At Catch Surf, the producers of the Beater Original, they say the board is ready to "take over the world". Made to be enjoyed as a surfboard, bodyboard or skimboard, the Beater "can turn an average beach day into an epic tale of radness".

The Beater is available in 1980s colors - lettuce green, pop yellow, pink red, turquoise, water blue, and purple. With three fin setup options - finless, single fin, and twin fin - the Beater boys and girls can easily get over the blackball summer season, when surfboards are not allowed in the swim zone.
The Beatermania is here to stay. Pro surfers ...more

How to improve your bodyboarding

Improve your bodyboarding skills with a collection of techniques, tips and advice given by a professional bodyboard. Remember, it's never to late to learn, and to get from good to great.

The devil is in the detail. Everything counts when you're riding a wave, in prone or drop-knee mode. Body and board will interact with the water wall, resulting in an unique result.
There are two important stages for bodyboarders. Getting from a beginner stage (where you can hardly complete an entire ride) to the intermediate level (where you can read a wave and complete a roll or 360).
Then again, taking your intermediate bodyboarding to the advanced arena, that's another story. If you want, you'll get it right. It's only a matter of training.
Heydon Bunting, also known as "da Boogie man", is a professional bodyboard coach, with more than 25 years of experience. He has taught beginners and professionals. He knows what improvement means.
The legendary rider has shared a few important ideas, if you really want to take your bodyboarding skills to the next level.
"Good bodyboarding comes down to good technique, flow, surfing as much as you can, staying fit and healthy, a correct-sized board and stretching every day, especially your lower back, your hamstrings, quads, calves and shoulders", says Bunting.
He also believe bodyboarders should develop a ...more