ALMOST 20 young bodyboarders from the Great Lakes were put through their paces by two renowned bodyboaders last month at a coaching clinic held at Bulls Paddock.
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Former professional bodyboarders Ryan Hardy and Heydon “the boogie man” Bunting were in town to host the clinic on Saturday, November 29.
The group of young riders, who are members of Forster Tuncurry Bodyboard Association (FTBA) were put into four different testing surf conditions from three to four foot waves and heavy shore breaks to small inconsistent waves and sloppy swell.
The coaches focused on everything from the importance of core strength, manoeuvres and technique to using the correct board.
Both men also gave tips from their own experiences on the professional tour and pulled some riders aside to help fine them tune their skills.
Hardy, who operates a bodyboard school out of Margaret River in Western Australia, said local riders were spoilt for choice when it came to Forster’s beaches and they had done well throughout the one day clinic.
“Although the waves were not the perfect, wedging barrels that everyone assured me frequented this spot, there were plenty of waves around and it was a great day for all involved,” Hardy said.
“Heydon and myself were stoked with the enthusiasm from the local groms.
“Forster has a rich history of successful bodyboarders and from what Heydon and I saw things are looking bright for the club.”
Local rider Josh griffin said the coaching session had really helped him progress as a bodyboarder.
“I learnt so many ways to improve my riding from the take off, to rail control positioning of my body and hands down to the more advance moves including invert, flips and more,” Griffin said.
“I know for a fact the groms would be taking everything away that they learnt from the coaching sessions as I did.”
FTBA president Aaron Dodds said riders of the club were grateful to of had two veterans of the sport in Forster, sharing their knowledge.
“It was such an advantage for our young riders to receive some personal tips and pointers from these two legends and one of the world’s best, Ryan Hardy,” he said.
“What better way to see grass roots bodyboarding grow and develop.”
