Bodyboarding is generally considered a very young sport. And much like other board riding disciplines, calling it a sport in itself is very subjective. It is ultimately a lifestyle at the end of the day. it doesn’t require an individual to sign up to a team, it can be done at any time – any time there are waves to be ridden. It doesn’t require a special field or arena, whereever there are waves, bodyboarding is a go.
Dropknee bodyboarding, also known as just dropknee or DK, was created by Hawaiian Jack Lindholm in the mid 80’s. Many riders also refer to dropknee as “jackstance”, in honour of its inventor. Whether you call it dropknee or jackstance, or even its less common name, halfstance, this unique way of riding waves has always been the realm of the more outgoing and rebellious boardriders. A surfing subculture, within a subculture. Dropknee, when done well is arguably one of the most stylish forms of riding waves. The following five bodyboarders have paved the way for future generations, and their photos and video footage are reference points for what is the pinnacle of dropknee riding.
5. Jack Lindholm
Jack is in. Because without him, jackstance aka dropknee, wouldn’t even be a thing.
4. Fred Booth
More than just an influential dropknee rider, Fred Booth, is one of the most iconic bodyboarders of all time. The Hawaiian was always getting the best photos, prone or dropknee. But it would be his cool calm style in heavy situations at waves like Backdoor and Off the Wall whilst on the knee that makes him one of the best to ever do it.
3. Dave Ballard
Australian bodyboarding legend, Dave Ballard, put dropknee riding on the global map. Countless video sections, numerous magazine covers, the face of many of the biggest brands in surfing, and one to not shy way from tackling the infamous Shark Island slab riding backside dropknee.
2. Aka Lyman
Arguably one of the most stylish dropknee riders to ever pick up a bodyboard. This Hawaiian has become the blueprint for modern dropknee riders with his flowing style both frontside and backside.
1. Paul Roach
Slayer owe this man royalties. His aggressive thrash style made this Californian one of the most marketable bodyboarders in the world and his wave riding prowess set the surfing world on fire. Everything done at full speed, nothing forced, nothing awkward. Paul Roach is a bodyboarder who redefined the art of dropknee bodyboarding, and still to this day, is the gold standard by which this wave riding stance is measured. All hail Roach.
Honorable mentions…
Other highly influential dropknee bodyboarders include, Kainoa Mcgee, Kieth Sasaki, Manny Vargas, Kyle Maligro, Dave Hubbard, Jacky Buder, Crispin Hughes, Chris Won and Matt Lackey.
