Riptide Magazine

So Who are Rossi?

Thursday, 16 June 2011 09:46

If you’ve delved into Riptide #182 (we're hoping you have!) you will have come across an unfamiliar brand. “Not another board company!” You may exclaim, but Rossi’s actually been around for what seems forever and has been the driving force behind some of your favourite South African riders.

Rossi Board Company was developed to shape the first custom built bodyboards in South Africa with quality, performance and the world’s finest materials in mind.

Marc "Rossi" Rossouw started the steps to forming this company when travelling to California in 1997, gaining experience from working with renowned shapers. His main ambition was to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the use of the best materials and shaping techniques. Originally starting by teaching himself in 1992 with local South African foams and plastics, Marc pooled all his experience gained in Cali and returned to South Africa. In 1998 Rossi Board Company was born and released on the South African market. Since then Rossi has gained international exposure and has made boards for riders from all corners of the globe.

Over a decade on and thousands of boards under his belt, having worked with every conceivable foam and plastic, Marc developed new manufacturing techniques to build world class boards.

Having worked with the likes of Mark Watts (2009 SABA champion), Andre Botha (Two-times World Champion), Alistair Taylor, Jared Houston, Daniel Worsley, Wesley Fischer and Sacha Specker to name a few, he has honed his skills and refined multiple templates that have been used in a variety of different riding styles and surf conditions.

Rossi Board Company has since setup further distribution and Rossi are now working hard towards gaining respect in one of bodyboardings super powers, Australia.