Doc: Hey Alex,
You’re a Shark Island local. How would you describe the wave itself?
AL: It’s the best bodyboarding wave in the world! To sum it up it’s just a massive wedge into an incredible bowl that is so square and shallow. Also it has a surge on the island where the thicker part hits and it intensifies and creates a shockwave inside the pit that becomes a foam ball and escapes out to a channel.
Doc: What has it been like being ‘born and bled’ at SI and what sort of rider has it made you?
AL: Well growing up at SI was pretty special. I’m very appreciative of that. It has made me learn a lot about riding in the pocket and on the shockwave. Unlike most beach breaks where other kids grew up and practiced their manoeuvres it was all about riding the barrel. Knowing what lines to take inside the pit and stuff is what shark island is all about not the manoeuvres side of bodyboarding.
Doc: The SI crew has gone through a lot of changes through the years – how would you compare how it was ‘back in the day’ to how the crew is there now?
AL: When I grew up there was about 5 grommets with me and that was it. Then you had the older crew like Robson, Youngy, Ballard Nugget, Rissole, Wazza, Percy, Wingnut, McIntrye, etc. who at the time where the epicentre of bodyboarding and it all based around shark island.
Nowadays it gets very crowded and a lot of people are trying to get waves when they have been only surfing there a year or two and want to be heroes and pull into closeouts. They don’t realise that it takes years and years to earn respect out there and learn to ride the wave. I learnt from watching the older crew master that wave and I’m very fortunate to have done so.
Doc: Being an invitee to the 2009 SIC, what are your thoughts and opinions on this years event vs an IBA gig?
AL: Look at the first year it ran- 12 locals vs 12 invites. To this day it is still the best contest that has ever been run. It’s what it’s all about. The IBA doesn’t understand that this is where it started and this is what its about. Bringing this year back to the roots is cool and I’m all for it. There should be more locals though in it than just 4. There should be half. I’m taking a 12 month ban from the IBA tour for competing in the event, hopefully this shows to people that us locals are very passionate about SI.
Doc: what mix of Prone and DK are you riding?
AL: 100% prone.
Doc: What boards are you running in your current quiver and what are your current faves?
AL: I’m riding for TOYS now and am riding THE GAME board which I designed custom to my style of riding in the pit. Narrow and strait.
Doc: What dimensions and core compositions are you finding hot for your riding at the moment?
AL: You can’t go past Dow (PE) at the island. It handles so well on the shocky and scooping with it is a huge advantage drawing off your scoop with speed
Doc: And how about accessories – leash, fins and wetsuits?
AL: ALLY finz , DENZIEN leashes and TIKI wetsuits.
Doc: D.O.B height and weight?
AL: 8th april 1982, 6 feet and 88kg’s of pure muscle hahaha
Doc: Fave breaks – local and overseas?
AL: I love Tahiti and Shark Island. Best right and left handers in the world for tube riding.
Doc: What would be the biggest wave you’ve taken on?
AL: Tahiti 06 prob the biggest. Maybe 12 feet. Ive towed bigger but I don’t count that.
Doc: And what’s the toughest wave you’ve hit up?
AL: Pipe I think. The power at pipe is extreme. You can get really hurt there.
Doc: Do you have a crew you hang with in the water?
AL: Yeah the 662 family when im away- dre, hubb, omerod, thorto, eddie, savoji,
At the island we stick together our boys out there…. They all shred.
Doc: What’s the maddest roadtrip you’ve been on?
AL: North wa desert trip insane waves
Doc: Best boat trip?
AL: Indo challenge.01 longest pits ever!!!
Doc: Who are some of your fave photogs?
AL: Jonesy is by far the man. Rodeo Owens is bullshit too. Gleeson is the man for heavy support at the island!!!! Toinz is f##ked up too!
Doc: Board history – any chance you can remember and name the boards you have had under you over time? Fave ride ever of all of them?
AL: Wingunt model….the best !!!
Doc: Scariest moment on the boog?
AL: Been heaps…
Doc: How would describe the boog scene in Australia at the moment and where do you see it heading?
AL: More events like this year’s event will be the forward direction if we get it pumpin’ …. We need more events like this than IBA events and watching grovellers win in 2 feet slop and being crowned world champ - that’s not bodyboarding….
Doc: What do you reckon BB needs most at the moment?
AL: To be run by previous professional bodyboarders properly. It’s very marketable but its not being managed properly .
Doc: What do you love most about the BB culture?
AL: Good c##ts in our sport and mates who have become family….
Doc: Who would you like to give a shout-out to?
AL: The competitors going up against me – bring it on c##ts, you win some you lose some.
Doc: And finally who are your sponsors?
AL: 662mob, TOYS,ALLY, TIKI, DENZIEN,
Thanks so much for your time Alex
No worries…
Now da pics – Leon has floated us a couple of cracker double-page mag shots from Rippy and a sweet one from SI local photog Darryl Menzies, but if you would like to see a few more head to the 662 site at: http://www.662vm.com/662-mob-team/alex-leon
And type Alex Leon into the search box for a swag of online treats, including an excellent facial
….And if you reckon Leon (booger) v Laird Hamilton (SUP) in Tahiti quoted as: “Alex Leon and Laird Hamilton score a classic iconic team wave” is worth a look, then head to Dre’s site: http://www.dreboy.com/bodyboarding/
And stick yer head in.
Now for the ‘gurgle’ (All pics Shark Isalnd – of course!)
1. Rider: Alex Leon Photog: Darryl Menzies http://www.biarmsdigital.com/
2. Rider: Alex Leon Photog: Tim ‘Jonesy’ Jones
3. Rider: Alex Leon Photog: Craig Stroh
The small text says: “ ‘Leo the Lion’ is the latest alias attributed to 22yo Cronulla ripper Alex Leon. Originally it was way more of a play on his surname than his personality. Leo growls inside this nasty Island funnel. Only the Island roared louder.”
