Our Founding Principles

Association for the Progression of Bodyboarding

Foundational Statement of Purpose & Direction.

The Association for the Progression of Bodyboarding (APB) is a global initiative currently under formation, created to advance the sport’s unity, alignment and long-range evolution. APB is founded on a “bodyboarding-first” principle, to ensure that the interests, identity and progression of our sport remain central to its future development.

Through collaboration across riders, organizations, and industry APB seeks to provide shared direction by promoting international participation, strengthening athlete representation, and prioritizing the development of youth pathways to support the sport’s next generation.

APB is further established to promote bodyboarding on the world stage, including the development of pathways to multi-nation competition and broader international recognition.

APB is designed to remain independent from other bodies, while being capable of alignment with the range of national, regional and global frameworks, tour promoters athletes, and other organizing entities, where such collaboration supports foremost the progression of bodyboarding.

As participation and alignment grow, APB may, over time, serve as the foundation of a unified international framework for the sport.

APB shall support:

• Greater global alignment among stakeholder organizations;
• Growth and encouragement of youth participation;
• A stronger voice for competitive athletes and their structures;
• Constructive engagement and with industry; and
• Greater visibility, including full Olympic Games recognition.

Where the Sport Currently Stands

Bodyboarding has grown across generations, coastlines, and cultures into a truly global sport, shaped by the riders, communities, and innovators who have carried it forward. Today, it is practiced across the Americas, Austral-Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, carrying with it a distinct culture defined by individualism, innovation, accessibility, and creativity.

At the same time, its development has largely occurred without a unifying framework to guide long-term advancement. Competitive structures, regional organizations and industry leadership have often operated independently, absent broader coordination or shared direction.

Why APB Is Being Formed

APB is formed in response to this moment.

It is not intended to replace what exists, but to provide a point of connection, bringing together those invested in the sport’s future, to help define direction and support collective progress.

What APB Is (At Present)

At this stage, APB is a global coalition, convening like-minded individuals, organizations, and industry participants across multiple countries who share an interest in the progression of bodyboarding and see the value in closer coordination.

APB is not tied to any single jurisdiction and does not seek, at this time, to assert authority over existing structures. It serves instead as a platform for communication, collaboration, and the gradual development of shared initiatives. As it evolves, under the guidance of participants with buy-in, its mission will solidify.

APB is conceived and formed as independent, while remaining capable of alignment with the full range of regional and global sport bodies, tour partners, and organizing entities where those collaborations supports the progression of bodyboarding.

As participation and alignment grow, APB may, over time, serve as a foundation for a more unified international framework for the sport.

Forward Direction

As bodyboarding continues to grow, there will be increasing opportunities for the sport to participate in broader multi-nation competitions and events.

APB is formed with an understanding of this opportunity and a commitment to supporting ways to let bodyboarding to take part on the international stage, including regional and continental competitions as well as global events such as the Olympic Games, too and including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games cycle.

Central to this forward direction is the continued development of youth participation and competitive pathways that ensure the long-term vitality of the sport.

Early efforts may include encouraging coordination among national bodies and exploring opportunities for participation in international competitions in the Americas and beyond.

An Open Invitation

APB is open in its outlook and global in its intent.

Organizations, riders, industry contributors, and national bodyboarding groups who share an interest in the progression of the sport are encouraged to take part, through open dialogue, collaboration, and participation in future APB initiatives.

Closing

APB begins as a simple idea: that bodyboarding can benefit from greater alignment, shared purpose, and a clearer path forward.

What APB becomes will be shaped by those who choose to take part.