H.b Bodyboarding History
In 1988 H.b began a programme to bring people back to the beach, to experience the thrill of riding waves. The successful development of HB's initial range of bodyboards was built around the launching of HDPE (high density polyethylene) slicks. Rick Broderson (Morey/BZ) had moved to New Zealand from California, his drive, initiative and creativity crystallized into a cutting edge factory. By providing strength, durability, drive and direction H.b's bodyboards was launched.
PE (polyethylene) cross-linked foam became the second stage of development. Previously used non-crosslinked foam became obsolete. PE crosslink core provided memory and water resistant properties in a quantum leap in material development
Research and technological improvement of H.b's boards has been international. Team of surfers has been working to build and develop boards for all levels of bodyboarding. In the early days, Californian Matt Allen's big wave performances in Hawaii and at Newport Wedge were awesome. Australian surfers such as Adrian Hybner, Trent Mitchell, Joey Byrnes, Jason Spence and a team of young believers were at the cutting edge of BB evolution in Australia.
In 1999/2000 H.b launched the 'TRS' Tapered Rail System. A development pioneered by surfboard rails but evolving the needs of bodyboard projection. Models carry TRS in either proportional chines, or, rail angle variations, or, both. Shark Island hero Ryan 'Ringa' McKinnon added to design forums with stiffer high performance boards that have been created for places like The Island and Tahiti's Teahupo'o, places that need to be ridden with absolutely no fear. Dean Fergus's performances at Teahups helped in developing H.b's Shock Bar systems and channel refinement for more radical approaches.
The 21st century is now....H.b has worked hand in hand with Nick Mesritz (arguably the world's best craftsman) in focusing production in Indonesia. Dan Sivess has devoted years in working up new shapes and materials combinations. The result is Sean Virtue and Brad Hughes bringing their incredible aerial acts to H.b's continuing quest for the best materials, construction and performance. Not only with H.b boards, but with fins, leashes and accessories.
In 2006, H.b is committed to quality product for all levels of wave riding. Dan's work with the H.b Team has created the 'ICON Big Wave Series'. ICON is the latest in a long line of ground breaking developments within bodyboarding. ICON provides the ultimate board for the ultimate waves. ICON is based exclusively on the boards Sean, Brad, Ringa and Dean ride when everything counts....when it is BIG!
