PRIDE BODYBOARDS

Pride Bodyboards: Leading the Global Bodyboarding Revolution

History and Brand Origins

Founded in 1999 by Imanol Arrizabalaga, Pride Bodyboards began as a passionate, independent project in a small workshop in Biarritz, in the South West of France. Initially focused on providing high-quality custom shapes for local surfers, the brand quickly outgrew its regional borders due to its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to the sport. Over the past two decades, Pride has evolved from a grassroots European label into one of the most prestigious and dominant bodyboard manufacturers on the global stage, distributed worldwide and deeply respected by wave riders of all levels.

The Pride Racing Team and World Champions

Pride's ascent to the top of the industry is intrinsically linked to its powerhouse roster of elite athletes. The "Pride Racing Team" is widely considered one of the most formidable in the history of competitive bodyboarding, boasting multiple world titles. These athletes work directly with the shapers to refine board templates and introduce new technologies:

Pierre-Louis Costes (PLC): The iconic French rider and multiple-time World Champion. Known for his technical perfection and radical aerial game, PLC has been the face of Pride for years, developing legendary signature models like "The Answer" and "The Heartbreaker."

Tristan Roberts: The South African powerhouse and multiple-time World Champion. Roberts brings a raw, explosive style to the team, and his signature models are built to handle massive, heavy water conditions.

Lewy Finnegan: The fearless Australian charger, renowned for tackling some of the most dangerous slab waves in Western Australia with unmatched style and precision.

Isabela Sousa: The legendary Brazilian competitor and multi-time Women's World Champion, representing Pride's commitment to the highest level of female bodyboarding.

Technology and Innovation (Radial Flex)

Pride Bodyboards is heavily invested in research and development, constantly pushing the structural limits of bodyboard manufacturing. Their most famous proprietary innovation is the "Radial Flex" technology. This dynamic arc system, constructed from a single beam of high-tensile material, distributes structural stress along the entire length of the board. This results in incredible projection during bottom turns, unmatched recoil, and an extended lifespan for the board. Furthermore, Pride utilizes top-tier materials including Kinetic PP (Polypropylene), NRG+ cores, and advanced mesh and stringer configurations to ensure peak performance in all water temperatures.

Current Board Ranges and Sustainability

As a highly active and forward-thinking company, Pride caters to a massive audience while also striving to reduce its environmental impact. Their lineup includes:

Pro Models: Exact replicas of the boards ridden by their World Champions, featuring the highest-end PP cores and Radial Flex technology for elite surfing.

Animal Series & Premium Range: High-performance boards designed for advanced and intermediate riders looking for perfect balance and durability.

Recycled Initiatives: In recent years, Pride has integrated eco-friendly practices into their manufacturing, including boards made with high percentages of recycled polyethylene (PE) and sustainable packaging, leading the charge for a greener bodyboarding industry.

Quick Facts: Pride Bodyboards