Mike Stewart Tavarua eBodyboarding.com Interview- March 2019

eBodyboarding.com co-founder Jay Reale sat down with 9-time world bodyboarding champ Mike Stewart at Tavarua Island Resort in March 2019 during #tavitubetour2019 to get some insight into his life.

[@NB-ej1uh]

Mike is such a legend - always in the moment and so down to earth. He complimented ME on a cutback once. I didn't know what to say. I was thinking how pedestrian a cutback is compared to what I've seen him do. But, I said thanks - of course! Great job, Jay and continued success with the site!

[@anthonygato407]

Nice. Cutbacks are real wave riding. Have to know the wave, your board, and know to take the graceful lines while displacing that shear spray off the rail. Like, Ben Seversons double elbow cutbacks are legendary.

[@G.W.G.3]

Mike Stewart is the 🐐 of Bodyboarding! Jay saw the future with the advent of ebodyboarding, seeing the two of you together building each other’s brand is beautiful ✌🏾& 🤙🏾 from a long time fan and admirer...

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Many thanks George!

[@jamoss2007]

What up Jay! Always a pretty cool guy, ran into a few times at Creek! And was Always chill and would say hello

[@vincestithit381]

Hey Jay, nice to see your shop being a success and you're still in the sport. I was part of the 40th St. crew in Newport Beach during the halcyon days of the 80's

[@williamwolski4987]

ME TOO BRO! I bodyboarded Huntington, 40th, 56th, and HB pier in the late 80s early 90s with Mike and Eric Huseman, Ron Zeibell, Bill Hebner, Joe foster, and many others! Those were the days!!

[@brockman562]

I talked to some shortborder a while back and he said that mike was a phenomenal paddler. He was paddling circles around him catching all the good waves and back out into the line up quickly. Mike's a freak.

[@sportytaco2153]

I started bodyboarding in the late 80's/early 90's. I got out of it about 15 years ago after a couple of shoulder dislocations (bodyboarding during hurricanes can be sketchy...). I've got the itch to get back in the water, and seeing these two icons from my youth is bringing a lot of motivation.

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Sporty, are you on the VBC Facebook Group? If not, you should be! Vintage Bodyboard Collectors. It's full of older guys coming back to the sport. 20,000 people in that group!

[@sportytaco2153]

@@eBodyboardingcom I'll have to check it out. I found the VBC Instagram.

[@williamwolski4987]

This is actually Troy Cote using my cousins tablet.You were my main inspiration Mike growing up in Huntington Beach. Sorry for trying to steal one of your Redleys back in the day when you had a condo on Beach and Adams.Can remember me taking off right and you coming at me left busting an Air Reverse 3 ft out way back in 90. I've bodyboarded with both of you at the Wedge back in the day.Both of you always were polite and friendly despite your status in the industry. Good luck to the both of you!

[@williamwolski4987]

By the way that Redley was sticking out of your garage door just a hair. Lol

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Hi Troy, I doubt Mike will see this, but you can always message him through Facebook or Instagram.

[@styleat3475]

Stewart the legend 🤙🤙🤙

[@undertheblue2006]

Mike seems like such a cool guy, very humble and down to earth. He surfed my home break back in the day, but before I started surfing. I’ve seen an old grainy pic. He’s pulling into a shallow slab. He’s true inspiration on not just how to ride a bodyboard but how to keep fit and how to carry yourself

[@amputee11]

great interview Jay and Mike! super inspiring w both of you my age!!!!

[@dulichion]

Love it, to hear from two people dedicated to something that I love so passionately! Awesome down to earth doods!

[@hc_ox4842]

Ebodyboarding has the absolute best customer support.

[@eBodyboardingcom]

Thanks!

[@spungmike]

That is good to see some other old timers still having the stoke. But, kinda hard to lose the stoke if you ever find it.

[@TheShaunsc]

My dream camp! Hopefully, one day I’ll be out there!

[@1chabot1]

Great respect for the both of you. Would have loved excerpts of any sessions you had while at the resort as well.

[@majorscreative]

Love this. My first real board was Jay Reale Mach 7-SS until I flexed it right in two and Mike I had poster of you. After 5 years out of the water I just got a whole new setup now just waiting for good day to get back out. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@JayReale]

Stoked!

[@fernandopaulo1974]

Mike Stewart 🤙

[@eganc1976]

I was waiting for Mike Chamberlain to jump in and take over the interview.

[@TB-op7bx]

Great...

[@tonyallen8626]

Mike doesn't age, he's around the same age as jay and there's a bit of a difference.

[@jamestylerbrown1534]

Thunk it. lol

[@jamestylerbrown1534]

Jay. u misspoke. It's thought it