Welcome to the 2nd edition of The Bodyboard Report! 🤙
This week we shift focus away from the waves, the titles, the highlights, and onto the people behind it all.
From a chimney sweep chasing waves between real life, to Alexandra Rinder finding joy again at the top, to Jeff Hubbard reminding us why we started in the first place.
This one’s about the humans in the lineup.
The grinders. The legends. The ones figuring it out as they go.
Because beyond the comps, the clips, and the chaos…
It’s always been about who you share the water with.
So whether you’re chasing barrels or just dodging closeouts…
Grab your board and let’s get into it! 😎
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Not every bodyboarder is chasing world titles, brand deals, or podium finishes.
Some are chasing tides, and that one thing we all desire…
This guy from the UK is a professional chimney sweep.
By trade, he cleans soot, fixes problems, and puts in the hours to support his family.
By nature, he’s a bodyboarder.
And as we all know, that part never switches off. If he’s not working, chances are he’s in the water, or thinking about it, as we often do.
Morning starts the same way most of us know well. You check the swell, the wind, and the tide. Usually with three different apps. We figure out where to be and when, then comes that pesky part of solving the puzzle - How to fit that magic window into your work (or school) day.
Because the ocean does not wait for anyone, and neither does life.
There was a time when he chased waves full time.
Six months away at a stretch in places like Australia, South America, Indo and Mexico. Anywhere with warm water and good waves.
That kind of run changes how you see things. For the chimney sweeping bodyboarder, it always came back to one thing. Style.
Not just making the section or landing the move. But how it looks.
Legs crossed. Upright posture. Flow. Making it look right. 💪
Back home in the UK, the scene is tight. Everyone knows everyone.
Same wedges, same reefs, same slabs. Different days, same crew.
And that’s the thing about bodyboarding. It’s not just about the waves. It’s about the people you share them with.
He’ll tell you straight. You’re probably not going to make a living from bodyboarding. So he sweeps chimneys. It is not your average everyday job, but it gives his family a good life.
And it gives him something just as important. That one thing we all desire. Freedom!🤘
Freedom to move things around when the swell hits.
Freedom to drop tools when the tide lines up.
Freedom to be where he needs to be, when it matters.
Because the tide waits for no man, between the graft, the family, and the day to day grind, he still finds his way back into the water.
That’s the real story of the amazing chimney sweeping bodyboarder..
Check out Brooke Mason’s 👉 mini-documentary.
At only 16 years of age, Alexandra Rinder claimed the 2014 APB Women's World Tour. She is the youngest female champion in the history of professional bodyboarding.
Pressure does strange things to people. It tightens shoulders, scrambles minds, and occasionally turns world champions into overthinking mortals.
Alexandra Rinder knows that game well. Three world titles deep, and still dealing with the same opponent every rider faces - The one between the ears.
The twist? 2025 wasn’t about going harder, training more, or chasing points like a maniac. It was about loosening the grip. Less pressure. More joy and actually enjoying the ride again.
Turns out the real fear was never the wave. It was that quiet voice saying, “What if you don’t hit the goal?” The kind that shows up uninvited and eats your confidence for breakfast and lunch.
So Alex did something most people avoid. She made peace with losing.
Worst case? First round exit. Ego bruised. Life continues and the ocean is still pumping out the blessings.
And just like that, fear packed its bags.
That’s the joke no one tells you about performance. The tighter you hold on, the worse you surf. The moment you relax, you’re back to being that grom with zero expectations and loaded with positive energy.
Maturity, it turns out, isn’t about being serious. It’s about knowing when not to be.
And the mental health piece is not some soft add-on.
It’s the engine. Ignore it, and you’re paddling with a handbrake on.
Respect it, and suddenly everything flows - Your timing, confidence, and style.
So here’s the takeaway from a 3 x world champ:
Chill out.
Accept the wipeout.
Laugh at yourself a bit more.
Because somewhere between pressure and play is where the best version of your bodyboarding lives.
Alexandra features as the podcast guest this week on IBC Beyond the Tour #3
Air King Jeff Hubbard gives a masterclass in how to stay frothing for 30+ years without losing your mind (or your style).
Jeff Hubbard has been surfing Pipeline longer than some riders have been alive, and somehow still sounds like the most stoked guy in the lineup.
Second place at Pipe? Cool.
Surfing six heats with your mates? Even better. That’s the real currency.
And here’s where it gets interesting: For a 3 x world champ, he’s weirdly chill about the whole “winning” thing.
Lose a heat? Learn something. No sponsor? Go surf anyway.
Didn’t make the final? Shame… now go enjoy the best lifestyle on earth.
That’s the deeper play. Jeff’s not talking about competition. He’s talking about sustainability. How you stay in the game without burning out, breaking down, or turning into that bitter ex-pro yelling at groms.
And then he flips the script completely…
The future of bodyboarding isn’t in world titles. It’s not in bigger airs or heavier slabs. It’s in kids on the beach, free contests, families, friends, and that first wave that hooks someone for life.
No big budgets or some complicated strategy. Just bring people together and make it all abou having fun.
That’s it. That’s the growth plan.
So while everyone’s chasing the next big thing, Jeff’s quietly been building the foundation for 3 decades.
And maybe that’s the real takeaway here:
You don’t grow the sport by being the best in the world.
You grow it by making more people fall in love with it.
At The Bodyboard Report, we believe that too. 🤙
Jeff Hubbard was the first guest on IBC Beyond the Tour #1
I have some “mystery moves” for you this week. 👽🛸
Nothing to write about, you just have to see it!
And give it a real name, if you can…
Check out the -
Patents pending…
13 Cortisol Proof Rituals that Work with Your Body's Rhythms 💪
This week you get a practical, easy-to-digest guide built for riders who want more energy, less stress, and better sessions in the water.
It features 13 simple, science-backed rituals that work with your body’s natural rhythms to keep you sharp, focused, and ready when the swell hits.
Inside, you’ll find actionable tips on recovery, breathing, movement, and daily habits that translate directly to stronger paddling, cleaner lines, and longer sessions.
Clear, motivating, and grounded, it’s all about small changes that lead to better waves and a better ride overall. 🌊
Bodyboarding has never really been about titles, clips, or who’s got the biggest move.
It’s always been about the people… the early risers, the weekend chargers, the ones juggling real life and still paddling out.
From chimney sweeps to world champs like Alexandra and Jeff, it’s the same thread.
Show up, enjoy it, and keep the stoke alive.
The Bodyboard Report is here to keep that energy moving.
If this hit home, pass it on.
Bring your crew in.
Grow the tribe.
Enjoy a stress free week, and I’ll see you in the next one. 🌊🤙
Disclaimer: The Bodyboard Report is published for informational and entertainment purposes only. All images, media, and referenced content remain the copyright of their respective owners and are used for editorial commentary and community sharing. The Bodyboard Report does not claim ownership of any third party content.