The world of bodyboarding is about to embark on an exciting journey with the introduction of the Association for the Progression of Bodyboarding (APB). This newly formed organization aims to bring a much-needed sense of unity and direction to a sport that, despite its passionate community, has often struggled with fragmentation and a lack of cohesion.
A Unified Voice for Bodyboarding
One of the key figures behind the APB, Mike Stewart, the sport's Godfather, emphasizes the need for a unified voice. He believes that by bringing together the various independent efforts within the bodyboarding community, the sport can gain more leverage and support, especially when engaging with surf federations and national bodies.
"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." - Mike Stewart
Development Pathways and Youth Focus
The APB's focus on development pathways is a crucial aspect of its mission. Stewart highlights the need to prioritize youth development, aiming to create programs that nurture the next generation of bodyboarders. By investing in youth, the APB hopes to ensure the long-term vitality and growth of the sport.
"We'd really like to see some different programs for youth development come together." - Mike Stewart
Overcoming Community Skepticism
However, the APB faces a significant challenge in gaining the trust of a community that has experienced its fair share of broken promises and failed initiatives. Bodyboarders are known for their independence and a healthy dose of cynicism, which is understandable given their history. To address this, the APB emphasizes its transparent and not-for-profit structure, with Stewart pointing to the organization's foundational principles available on its website.
"There are provisions for no self-interest, bodyboarding first, everything's transparent." - Mike Stewart
The Olympic Dream and International Opportunities
One of the most intriguing aspects of the APB's vision is its pursuit of Olympic inclusion. Stewart believes that this pathway could benefit smaller nations with talented riders, providing them with the opportunity to compete for medals on the international stage. The APB also aims to explore participation in international competitions, such as the ISA and World Championships, as bodyboarding continues to grow globally.
"There's definitely an opportunity to pursue the Olympic pathway, which I think generally could be a really good thing for a lot of different countries." - Mike Stewart
A New Era for Bodyboarding?
The future of bodyboarding hangs in the balance as the community decides whether the APB represents a genuine step towards unity or simply another chapter in a long history of well-intentioned initiatives. Personally, I believe that with the right support and a collective effort, the APB has the potential to propel bodyboarding into a new era of growth and recognition. It's an exciting time for the sport, and I, for one, am eager to see how this story unfolds.
