The world of bodyboarding is on the cusp of a potential revolution, and it's all thanks to the newly formed Association for the Progression of Bodyboarding (APB). This initiative aims to bring much-needed unity and direction to a sport that, despite its passionate community, has often struggled to find its place in the global surfing landscape.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, bodyboarding is an exhilarating water activity that involves riding waves on a small board, often referred to as a 'boogie board'. It's a thrilling pursuit that has gained a dedicated following over the years, but it has also faced its fair share of challenges when it comes to organization and recognition.
The Need for Change
The bodyboarding community has, for a long time, been weary of governing bodies and world tour competitions. Previous attempts at establishing a unified front, such as the Global Association of Bodyboarders (GOB), the International Bodyboarding Association (IBA), and the Association of Professional Bodyboarding (APB), have come and gone, leaving a trail of caution and skepticism in their wake.
The current landscape sees the International Bodyboarding Corporation (IBC) running a world tour with a limited number of competitions, primarily in South America. This setup has its challenges, particularly in attracting riders from traditional bodyboarding strongholds like Australia, Hawaii, and the USA. The competition scene in these regions is largely volunteer-driven and lacks the cohesion and direction that a thriving sport deserves.
A New Vision
Enter the APB, a fresh take on the old acronym. This time, the APB is not aiming to run a world tour but to serve as a unifying force, bringing together all the disparate wheels of bodyboarding to create a smooth and cohesive movement forward.
One of the key figures behind this initiative is Mike Stewart, often referred to as the Godfather of Bodyboarding. Stewart emphasizes the need for a unified voice, stating, "There's a lot of different things happening independently, so if there's a way to unify everybody, we could have one voice that would speak for the sport, and that would be beneficial."
The APB's focus is twofold: to create development pathways, particularly for youth, and to ensure bodyboarders are properly represented and supported in surf federations around the world. Stewart believes that with a stronger, unified voice, bodyboarders can gain more leverage in these conversations and secure the support they deserve.
Overcoming Challenges
The APB faces a significant challenge in gaining the trust and support of a community known for its independence and a healthy dose of cynicism. Bodyboarders have seen their fair share of unfulfilled promises and half-hearted attempts at progress. To address this, the APB has structured itself as a not-for-profit organization with transparent foundational principles, ensuring that self-interest and ulterior motives are kept at bay.
Stewart calls on like-minded bodyboarding enthusiasts to contribute their skills and expertise, saying, "The point is to get boogie freaks to help. In a perfect world, those with the skills to make things move can help contribute so that we can get the sport in a more unified and healthy state."
The Future of Bodyboarding
The APB's future focus is on youth development and creating competitive pathways that ensure the long-term vitality of the sport. They aim to encourage coordination among national and international bodies and explore opportunities for participation in international competitions. The ultimate goal is to see bodyboarding take its place on the international stage, including regional, continental, and global events like the Olympic Games.
The Olympic angle is an intriguing prospect, as it could provide a platform for smaller nations with talented riders to compete for medals. However, the path to Olympic inclusion is a complex one, and it remains to be seen how the APB will navigate this journey.
The success of the APB will ultimately rest on the bodyboarding community's willingness to embrace this unified future. Will it be the beginning of a new era, or just another chapter in a long history of good intentions? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the sport of bodyboarding is at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape its future for years to come.
