Ed)
So you started NZ's first bodyboarding clothing company Koop, how is it
going?
Bayden) It’s going good.
We are wrapped with how it’s turned out. We weren’t too sure how
we would be received at first, but we’ve had plenty of positive feedback,
so we are really stoked about it at the moment.
Ed)
What inspired you to setup Koop?
Bayden) I think a lot of
things contributed toward Koop being started. First of all, it was
the changes in attitude in bodyboarding circles, especially in the USA,
where they got out and started doing their own thing. Around 1997-1998
there was an uprising where bodyboarders were starting to move away from
surfing (being treated as second class citizens), its still happening with
the “No Friends” projects and stuff. Also, I was too poor to buy
clothes and stuff so I thought it would be better to make them myself!
Ed)
Do you plan to expand Koop into different areas in the future?
Bayden) Yeah, I can see
it expanding into a wide range of areas. Bodyboarding would be our
core business, but weve had skateboarders and even basketball players wanting
to wear our stuff so there’s potential in other markets. We enjoy
a lot of other sports so we want to make gear that is can be used by a
variety of codes.
Bayden attacking
Raglan backhand.
Ed)
You surf the Ragaln points alot, what do you like best about it?
Bayden) It gets plenty of
waves! There are heaps of options when its big, small, onshore, offshore
or whatever! I wish there were identical points on the other side
of the harbour, cause I’m getting sick of riding lefts!
Ed)
What are your views on the current bodyboarding scene in NZ? Do you feel
any improvements should be made?
Bayden) I think the scene
is starting to pick up. When we kicked off, we got a heap of e-mails
and letters from bodyboarders who were just waiting for something.
It sounded like they had become disillusioned with it all and were so stoked
when something started to happen. It’s got a long way to go though,
however we are definitely making in-roads. Bodyboarding is only a
young sport compared to surfing, so it didn’t have that “father/ mother
to son/ daughter” grounding. Well that’s all changing! Soon
you will start seeing a heap of 2nd generation bodyboarders coming through
the ranks. Ive got two sons, (Tre, 2yrs and Kaea, 4 months) who will
be part of that movement. That’s where I see the future! One
of the reasons for starting Koop was to prepare for their arrival.
Soon we will be running under 8 divisions at all the comps, mark my words!
My two year old can barely say “bodyboard” but Ive got him practicing his
dropknee on one of my old boards while he watches barney on Tele!
I cant wait till he’s 3 so I can take him out to indies with me for the
dawny, hehe! But I know a heap of 1st generation bodyboarders who
have got young families, so the medium-longterm future of bodyboarding
in New Zealand and around the world looks better than ever!
|
