Boogie Nation to help amateur bodyboarders
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kaua'i's David Hubbard is still in the prime of his professional bodyboarding career, but he wants to see the next generation of competitors surpass him.
Hubbard recently created the Boogie Nation Foundation to help provide funds for deserving amateur bodyboarding competitors.
"I feel like I've already been blessed with the opportunities to travel and compete," said Hubbard, the 2005 drop-knee division world champion. "I want to show the amateurs that there's still something out there to work for and build up some pride in the sport."
Hubbard recently completed a bodyboarding DVD titled "Boogie Nation," and all proceeds will go toward sponsoring amateur bodyboarders from Hawai'i.
The DVD was produced by Kaua'i photographer Tim Hamilton. The 50-minute footage includes most of Hawai'i's top competitors in action, including Mike Stewart, Spencer Skipper, David Hubbard and his older brother Jeff.
Hubbard said several amateur competitors are also featured in the DVD.
"I think it was important to show some of the amateurs because they don't usually get any kind of publicity," he said. "And it's a big thing for them to see themselves alongside some of the big names like Mike Stewart."
The DVD will make its premiere on four islands in the next two weeks:
Admission to all sites is free, and prizes from various bodyboarding companies will be given away.
Hubbard said he plans to market the DVD nationally and internationally.
"There are so many good bodyboarders in Hawai'i who don't get recognized because they don't have the money or the sponsors," he said. "I'm just trying to help them out."
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.
