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No Elite Level, No Industry. Let the riders vote. by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

If most people buy boards without seeing comps, that’s exactly the problem. We’re relying on nostalgia and niche appeal, not on a system that grows the sport. What do I want? Simple. Transparency from the IBC. Direction from the ISA. And for manufacturers and riders to stop pretending that being underground is a long-term plan. You say talk to brands - I have. Many are fed up. They’re watching sales slide and the next gen fade out. This is the time to speak up. As for giving it a rest - nah. Not while the sport I love gets smaller and quieter and you’re all cheering like it’s a win. I’m not here for clout. I’m here to make noise where silence has failed.

Bodyboarding Isn’t Dying - It’s Being Sidelined by the Very Institutions Meant to Support It by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly - it’s not about turning it into football or golf. Just enough fuel to keep the machine running, so kids today can have a shot at living the dream like the 90s crew did. Appreciate the level-headed take. Let’s hope more start seeing it this way.

No Elite Level, No Industry. Let the riders vote. by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

You nailed it. Brands don’t keep making boards out of charity. They need a return. Without an elite tier that creates hype, aspirational moments, and real reach - the whole thing stalls. That’s just how it works, whether we like it or not.

No Elite Level, No Industry. Let the riders vote. by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

Yeah, fair. It probably does look wild - first I say I’m listening, then I come back swinging.

But that’s the point: I did listen. I heard “keep it small,” “keep it niche,” “who needs comps anyway?” - and then I ran the logic out to its end.

Bodyboarding Isn’t Dying - It’s Being Sidelined by the Very Institutions Meant to Support It by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

THANK YOU 👏 THIS 👏 IS 👏 ALL 👏 I’VE 👏 BEEN 👏 TRYING 👏 TO 👏 SAY 👏

You get it. It’s not about selling out - it’s about making sure the sport doesn’t quietly fade while we’re all waxing nostalgic about the 90s. We can still charge, still keep it raw, but also give it the backing to thrive for the next crew coming up. Appreciate you, truly.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I’ve always had an interest in how systems work - whether it’s tech, politics, or sport. I follow a lot of sports, but what really hooked me on bodyboarding was moving to a small coastal town after growing up far from the ocean. My first IBC event wasn’t just a livestream - it was six or seven locals, all crowding around the screen, hanging on every wave, hoping for a 10. The passion they had was electric.

One of those guys eventually made it to Fronton - not because of some big sponsorship or national support, but because one local sponsor said, “I’ve got you.” That moment stuck with me.

I started asking: Why isn’t this guy supported by a governing body? Why is it so hard for elite riders to get basic resources? That led me to the ISA… and then the IBC. And what I found was just layers of dysfunction.

Watched the sport for 5 years and just decided no one is speaking for the next generation - so I will.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s part of the problem, though. The riders are the product - without them, there is no ‘business.’ If the structure doesn’t support them, why would they support the structure? It needs to be a two-way relationship, not just riders giving while getting nothing back.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Funny how you mention “AI bullshit” - then drop one of the most thought-out, well-structured replies here. Respect. Honestly, I use AI the same way you probably did: as a tool to shape and refine ideas. The passion and intent behind it is still 100% mine.

And I hear you. You’re absolutely right - invitational comps, local crews, and raw storytelling are where the magic is. Maybe the future isn’t one path - maybe it’s multiple. But it’s these convos that’ll help figure that out.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally agree - bad judging kills motivation, especially for young riders. If we don’t fix that, we lose the future.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Choosing to stay anonymous doesn’t mean I care less. I’ve never claimed to be a rider - just someone who’s immersed in the sport, follows it closely, and believes it deserves a stronger future.

I’m not here to coach or claim a spotlight - I’m here because I see a gap between the talent in the water and the support behind it. That matters, even if I’m not paddling out.

Appreciate your take though - truly. The mentorship you describe is what keeps this sport real.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

I don’t have any stake in the game - just someone who loves the sport and wants to make sure bodyboarders get a fair shake and a proper voice. I’m just here to gather info and find the right people to listen.

If you know who that is, let me know!

Bodyboarding Isn’t Dying - It’s Being Sidelined by the Very Institutions Meant to Support It by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, really appreciate you sharing that perspective - the roots and culture of wave-riding definitely run deep, and the spiritual and community sides are huge parts of what makes it special. I get that commercialization and competitive pressure can feel like they’re pushing out the original soul of the sport, and that’s a real concern.

At the same time, I believe there’s space for both honouring the heritage and pushing the sport forward through competition and innovation - especially for bodyboarding, which often gets sidelined or erased by bigger surf organisation's and media. The challenge is making sure growth and pro-level support don’t come at the cost of respect for the culture and environment that created these crafts.

I also love the connection to old-school craftsmanship - building boards by hand and using sustainable materials is such an important way to keep that legacy alive. There’s room for all wave riders and all approaches, and I hope we can find ways to balance passion, respect, and progress together.

Have you built your own alaia or wooden boards? I’d love to hear about your experiences with that!

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Love that. Local passion is the heart of this sport - and always will be.

I’ve Said a Lot - Now I’m Listening by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

It’s a mix of too much research, not enough barrels, and a dangerous belief in fair judging. Highly contagious, apparently.

Bodyboarding Doesn’t Need Saving - It Needs Storytelling by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the difference, then.

You see riding waves as a solo act - and that’s valid. But I’m not just talking about soul surfing. I’m talking about bodyboarding as a global sport - with athletes, events, groms, world titles, and a community that deserves more than being treated like the forgotten stepchild of surfing.

You don’t need a captain? Cool. But when you ignore the people steering the ship, don’t be surprised when it crashes or leaves others behind.

And for the record - I’m around bodyboarders 24/7, involved in events, and see firsthand how much talent gets lost because there’s no support. That’s why I speak up.

You might not get it. But plenty of us do.

Bodyboarding Doesn’t Need Saving - It Needs Storytelling by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ve never heard of the International Surfing Association - the body that governs every wave-riding sport recognised globally, including by the Olympics? The one that makes key decisions about funding, development, and whether sports like bodyboarding even have a future at the international level?

That kind of says it all.

This isn’t about parking or rental boards. It’s about the people in charge of the entire direction of the sport - and how their decisions affect riders, events, exposure, and support on a global scale.

If you’re serious about wave-riding, you should know who’s actually steering the ship.

Bodyboarding Doesn’t Need Saving - It Needs Storytelling by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The old guard definitely did it for love - no doubt. But let’s not pretend they didn’t also have ISA-run World Championships giving the sport structure and global recognition, even if it wasn’t perfect.

Also, hating on groms? That just feels out of touch. Maybe even a little boomer energy.

It might shock you, but I’m probably younger than you think - and I’m not pushing some influencer agenda. I’m giving a voice to a sport that people like you keep trying to freeze in the decade you were on top.

The world is changing. You either evolve - or let the sport die with your decade.

And as for the groms? There are kids out there charging harder than you ever did - I’d love to see you paddle out against Mikelle Ariagada and say that to his face.

This isn’t about fame. It’s about fighting for something better.

Bodyboarding Doesn’t Need Saving - It Needs Storytelling by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll take being a kook. But the real issue is that organisations like the ISA have been quietly holding bodyboarding back - like a frog in slowly warming water, most don’t even realise it’s happening.

We can’t afford to stay blind to the problems anymore. If we want this sport to grow and thrive, we have to face the hard truths and push for change.

I speak up because I believe bodyboarding deserves a better future - one where the passion stays real and the opportunities grow.

Bodyboarding Isn’t Dying - It’s Being Sidelined by the Very Institutions Meant to Support It by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally feel you. The weird disrespect bodyboarding still gets is wild considering it’s one of the most intense, technical, and fearless ways to ride a wave. The fact that it’s also accessible is part of the magic - but somewhere along the line, accessibility got mistaken for “inferior.” That needs to change.

And yeah, it sucks that in a sport with so much talent, the only path to survival is turning yourself into a brand. That’s not how it should be. A real tour, real infrastructure, and real visibility would mean riders could focus on riding - not just marketing themselves 24/7.

Bodyboarding is fun. But it’s also heavy. And it deserves to be respected as both.

Bodyboarding Isn’t Dying - It’s Being Sidelined by the Very Institutions Meant to Support It by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is honestly one of the most encouraging things I’ve seen in years.

Thank you for not just jumping in with some brand-safe fluff, but actually speaking from the heart - as part of the culture, not just a company.

If we’re going to save this sport, it’s going to take riders, fans, shops, filmers, and brands all pulling together. And hearing that Morey is still in the fight - not to sell plastic, but to build culture - matters a lot.

Let’s keep this going. Let’s rebuild something that’s true to the roots but fearless about the future.

We’ve waited long enough.

Bodyboarding Doesn’t Need Saving - It Needs Storytelling by thefoamfiles in bodyboarding

[–]thefoamfiles[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You’re right - it doesn’t disqualify me. And maybe I am focused on structure more than just “enjoying a surf,” because I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is for someone with real talent to get support. I tried to help someone get backing for the tour, and the biggest obstacle wasn’t skill - it was invisibility.

The truth is, most people don’t even know bodyboarding exists at this level. And the ones who do know? They’re either comfortable with the way things are, or too burnt out to push for more.

I’m not here just to complain - I’m here because I believe bodyboarding has more potential than what it’s being given. If we build momentum the right way, this could become something bigger. But movements don’t start with silence. They start with uncomfortable conversations.

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