BIO/PROFILE: Who is Steve "Action" Jackson?

BIO/PROFILE:  Who is Steve "Action" Jackson?

Steve "Action" Jackson at the 2011 Encanto Pro Puerto Rico.  Photo: Manny Vargas

Name: Steven Jackson

Age: 41

Height: 5'7"/ 170cm

Weight: 154lbs./ 70Kg

Status: Divorced

From: Brielle, New Jersey, USA

Current Residence: Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA

Years Bodyboarding: 31

Home Surf Spots: Manasquan, Belmar, and Jenks in NJ.

Favorite Quote: "Those who dream by day are aware of many things which escape those who dream only by night." -Edgar Allan Poe

AMATEUR BODYBOARDING CAREER:  I competed full-time as an amateur in the Men's Bodyboarding Division of the ESA (Eastern Surfing Association) Central New Jersey District from 1996-1999 and from 2003-2004, as well as competing in a couple of ABA (Atlantic Bodyboarding Association) events during my amateur career.

(Eastern Surfing Association- Central New Jersey District)
- 1997 ESA/CNJ Men's Bodyboarding Champion
- 1998 ESA/CNJ Men's Bodyboarding Vice-Champion
- 1999 ESA/CNJ Men's Bodyboarding Champion
- 1999 ESA/CNJ Open Bodyboarding Champion
- =9th in Men's Bodyboarding at 1999 ESA East Coast Surfing Championships
- 2003 ESA/CNJ Men's Bodyboarding Champion
- 2003 ESA/CNJ Open Bodyboarding Champion
- 3rd in Men's Bodyboarding at ESA Northeast Regional Championships
- 2004 ESA/CNJ Men's Bodyboarding Vice-Champion

Most Memorable Win: My personal favorite was in 2003.  I won the ESA/CNJ event at Manasquan Inlet on Halloween weekend.  There is something very special about the feeling of winning a competition at your home break, in front of all of your friends!

(Atlantic Bodyboarding Association)
- 4th place in Open Bodyboarding at 2004 ABA Belmar Pro/Am (New Jersey)
- 3rd place in Masters Bodyboarding at 2006 ABA Kitty Hawk Pro/Am (North Carolina)

I was stoked on a 3rd place finish in the Masters Bodyboarding division at the 2006 ABA Kitty Hawk Pro/Am in North Carolina. This was my last competition as an amateur, and a nice way to finish off my amateur career.  Photo: Justine Renzi

PROFESSIONAL BODYBOARDING CAREER:  I competed in the Men's Pro division on the USBA (United States Bodyboarding Association) National Championship Tour 2005-2011.  I managed to rank in the top 20 in final season standings for 2006, 2007, 2008, and once more in 2011 but, to be completely honest, my "pro career" was lackluster and disappointing at best.  With minimal sponsor support compounded by a run of injuries and persistent health issues, I was never able to compete on a full-time schedule or put together the results I was striving for.

One of my last pro events...The 2011 US Open of Bodyboarding in Huntington Beach, CA. Photo: Liz Crowley

INVOLVEMENT IN THE SPORT OF BODYBOARDING:

On the fly during the 2012 USBA Scion Jenks Pro in New Jersey!

USBA- UNITED STATES BODYBOARDING ASSOCIATION:

 I worked USBA tour events in New Jersey, California, and Mexico from 2005-2012 as:
- Event Coordinator
- Transportation and Logistics
- Beach Marshall
- Beach Announcer
- Webcast Commentator
- Security
- Media Relations and Press Releases
- Sponsor Liason

  For as long as I was involved with the USBA, if there was a job to be done I was willing to jump in and take care of it!  If I am not familiar with how to handle a job or situation, I am always willing to find a solution and learn on the fly!

Frame grab...interviewing Jeff Hubbard during the live webcast of the 2011 US Open of Bodyboarding in Huntington Beach, CA.

IBA- INTERNATIONAL BODYBOARDING ASSOCIATION:

BUZIOS BODYBOARDING 2010:
Location: Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: May 2010
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Host, Press Release Writer

After working commentary each day, I would go back to the hotel and type up the IBA press releases for Buzios Bodyboarding 2010.

2011 PIPELINE PRO:
Location: Pipeline, North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
When: February 2011
Job Description:  Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

"Action" Jackson and Manny Vargas, 2011 Pipeline Pro webcast commentators on Red Bull TV!

*2011 PIPELINE BODYSURFING CLASSIC:
Location: Pipeline, North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
When: February 2011
Job Description: Announcer/ MC

The Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic competition was run as part of the IBA Pipe Pro.  I was asked to work as beach announcer and MC...stoked! Photo: Manny Vargas

2011 ENCANTO PRO:
Location: Middles, Isabela, Puerto Rico
When: November 2011
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

Manny V and "Action" Jackson in the commentary booth at the Encanto Pro in Puerto Rico.

2012 ITACOATIARA PRO:
Location: Itacoatiara, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
When: June 2012
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

Frame grab of Steve "Action" Jackson and Manny Vargas from live webcast of the 2012 Itacoatiara Pro in Brasil.

RIO BODYBOARDING INTERNATIONAL 2012:
Location: Posto 5, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
When: September 2012
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Host, End-of-Day Highlights

Hosting the English-speaking commentary for Rio Bodyboarding International 2012 with 5x World Champion Neymara Carvalho sitting in for guest commentary.

RIO BODYBOARDING INTERNATIONAL 2013:
Location: Posto 5, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
When: September 2013
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Host, End-of-Day Highlights

Bodyboarding legend Jay Reale and Steve "Action" Jackson hosting the English-speaking commentary for Rio Bodyboarding International 2013.

APB- ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL BODYBOARDERS:

2014 ITACOATIARA PRO:
Location: Itacoatiara, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
When: July 25th- August 3rd
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Host

In the commentary booth with 9x World Champion Mike Stewart.

2014 ARICA CHILEAN CHALLENGE:
Location: El Gringo, Ex-Isla Alacran, Arica, Chile
When: August 15th-24th
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Host,  APB press releases

In the commentary booth with 2010 World Champion Amaury Lavernhe.

2014 ANTOFAGASTA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL:
Location: La Cupula, Antofagasta, Chile
When: August 26th-31st
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host, APB press releases

Working live webcast coverage with ISA commentator Philip Muller.

2015 ITACOATIARA PRO:
Location: Itacoatiara, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
When: July 2nd-12th
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Morning Show Host, press releases

Commentary and Morning Show co-host Paula Simão and Steve "Action" Jackson.

2015 ARICA CHILEAN CHALLENGE:
Location: El Gringo, Ex-Isla Alacran, Arica, Chile
When: July 17th-27th
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Host,  APB press releases

Frame grab from live webcast coverage of the 2015 Arica Chilean Challenge.

2015 ANTOFAGASTA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL:
Location: Nilda Point & Budeo, Antofagasta, Chile
When: July 28th-August 2nd
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Host, APB press releases

Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival 2015.

2015 ENCANTO PRO CULTURA
Location: Middles, Isabela, Puerto Rico
When: Movember 4th-15th
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Morning Show Host

Hoisting the APB Men's Championship Trophy on The Morning Show in front of  title contenders Pierre Louis Costes (France), Jared Houston (South Africa), and Amaury Lavernhe (Reunion Island).

2016 ITACOATIARA PRO
Location: Praia de Itacoatiara, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
When: July 16-26
Job Description: Webcast Commentator

Frame grab of Steve "Action" Jackson and Dave Hubbard during live covergae of the 2016 APB Itacoatiara Pro.

CIRCUITO CARIOCA DE BODYBOARD (Rio City Bodyboarding Tour):

Locations: Ipanema, Copacabana, Macumba, Sao Conrado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: August through December 2013
Job Description: Assistant Beach Marshal

Working the flags as Assistant Beach Marshal for the 2013 Circuito Carioca de Bodyboard.
Photo: Flavio Brito

BODYBOARDING 101:
  I began the Bodyboarding 101 blog in June of 2012, during the Itacoatiara Pro.  I research, write, and update all of the blogs with pro riders, knowledgeable industry figures, and legends of bodyboarding helping me to uncover and document the history of bodyboarding as well as helping with the questions I tend to have.  All of this information is gathered, organized, and passed on to the bodyboarding community.  Bodyboarding is a labor of love for me.  I am fascinated by the 40+ years of our sport and constantly try to learn more!  So far, in the first four years of Bodyboarding 101, this blog has had more than 125,000 page views, with that number growing every day.  For more information about BODYBOARDING 101, please be sure to visit this link:

http://bodyboarding101.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-is-bodyboarding-101.html


WRITING:
  I have written for several bodyboarding publications over the years, both print and online, including:
- Bodyboarding Magazine
- Bodyboarder Magazine
- Crysis Bodyboard Magazine
-Surge Bodyboarding Magazine
-BBR magazine
-Riptide Magazine

I have, also, written press releases for the USBA national tour, the IBA world tour, and the APB World Tour.


OTHER EXPERIENCE:

(ASP-ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS)

2014 ASP Men's QS Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Powerade
Location: Praia de Itauna, Saquarema, Ri de Janeiro, Brasil
When: May 20th-25th
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

The English-speaking commentary team for the ASP Saquarema Prime, Steve "Action" Jackson and big wave surfing legend Peter Mel!

(WSL- WORLD SURF LEAGUE)

2015 WSL QS10,000 Quiksilver Pro Saquarema presented by Powerade
Location: Praia de Itauna, Saquarema, Ri de Janeiro, Brasil
When: May 5th-10th
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host, Morning Show Host

WSL Quiksilver Pro Saquarema Morning Show.

2015 WSL QS1500 Maui and Sons Arica Pro presented by Corona
Location: El Gringo, Arica, Chile
When: August 4th-9th
Job Description: Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

WSL QS1500 Maui and Sons Arica Pro presented by Corona.

2015 WSL QS6000 Red Nose Pro
Location: Praia do Santinho, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil
When: October 20th-25th
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

Red Nose Pro English-speaking commentary hosts Flavio Padaratz and Steve "Action" Jackson.

2015 WSL QS6000 Mahalo Surf Eco Festival
Location: Praia de Tiririca, Itacaré, Bahia, Brasil
When: October 27th-November 1st
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

English-speaking webcast commentators Flavio Caldas and Steve "Action" Jackson during the Mahalo Surf Eco Fest.

(ISA- INTERNATIONAL SURFING ASSOCIATION)

2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship
Location: Punta Uno, Iquique, Chile
When: December 6th-14th
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host, Portuguese-speaking interviews

Frame grab of live interview during ISA WBC 2014.

2015 ISA Iquique Para Todos World Bodyboard Championship
Location: Punta Uno, Iquique, Chile
When: December 6th-13th
Job Description: English-speaking Webcast Commentator/ Co-Host

ISA WBC 2015.

2015 ISA WBC Final Day Highlights:

(PHOTOS)

Cabo Freak Fest 2010. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Photo: Manny Vargas.

Pt. Pleasant, New Jersey 2011. Photo: Chris Zeh.

P5, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2012. Photo: Oswaldo Sigueira.

Copacabana Shorebreak, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2013. Photo: Felipe Watson.

P5 2014. Photo: Jonathan Cardoso.

P5 2015. Photo: Manolo Expression Session.

P5 2016. Photo: Oswaldo Sigueira.

P5 2016. Photo: Alexandre Girão.

P5 2016. Photo: Henrique Carlos.

P5 2016.

Sorriso 2016 (Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil).

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

IN THIS EDITION:  Amaury Lavernhe Wins NSW South Coast Crusade,  USBA Restructuring for 2013.

AMAURY LAVERNHE WINS NSW SOUTH COAST CRUSADE

  NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA-  2010 World Champion Amaury Lavernhe (Reunion Island) has won the NSW South Coast Crusade, event #2 on the 2013 GoPro IBA World Tour.  For more information on this event, please be sure to visit the following link:

http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/04/amaury-lavernhe-wins-the-south-coast-crusade/

Stay tune to www.ibaworldtour.com and www.youtube.com/ibaworldtour for all of the latest news and highlights from the world tour.

USBA RESTRUCTURING FOR 2013

  OAHU, HAWAII-  The USBA (United States Bodyboading Association) National Championship Tour will be run under a new format and national structure for 2013.  In a press release posted on March 26th 2013 on the USBA Facebook page, Tour Director Jason Bitzer explains:

To the fans and athletes of the USBA National tour. Due to economic constraints and the lack of a Title sponsor for the year of 2013 the USBA tour will be reforming to create a sustainable national ranking system.

With the aid of regional organizers this is feasible. As of right now due to Super Storm Sandy and the rebuild in the northeast, the Jenks Pro is on Hiatus for 2013. In
Replacement , the FBA Association and its head organizer Kenny Lawrence are in the process of securing a central Florida rated USBA event with their team.

As of right now , the Sandy Beach Pro/Am will be the first rated event on the USBA National tour. The event will have a check in at Dave and Busters at the 5th of July and be run the 6th and 7th. Over the weekend.

At present time the local organizers in California have not committed to an event but we will keep the body boarding community posted as things develop. the USBA Hawaii regional tour will not be running for the 2013 season. A new tour under the management of the IBA Hawaii is looking to run events for the 2013 season for Pro athletes only and all riders are encouraged to look into this to stay competitive and progress in the wonderful sport of body boarding.

For now we would like to the thank everyone for their support of the USBA National tour. We would like to thank in no specific order Steve Jackson, Manny Vargas, Kainoa McGee, Todd Martin, Matt Catalano, Roberta Bitzer, David Kelly, Pat Caldwell, James Clancy, RJ Clayton and Conner Cameron (RIP) . We would also like to thank the Jenkinson’s Property in New Jersey and their staff for years of great events, The City and County of Honolulu, our long term partners SCION, Dave and Busters as well as many others along the years such as SCIENCE Bodyboards, Morey Bodyboards, 662 Mob and others for their industry support of the USBA Movement.

Most importantly however we would like to thank the athletes who support the tour from each part of the nation with a huge emphasis on the Hawaiian talent that always supported and traveled to every event they can. For every hard day of event running there is a new talented youth with a smile that make it worth the effort. We truly thank you the athletes and parents of our Amateur athletes for being apart of the USBA and what we had done over the last 8 years.

From here we hope to grow more regions and local organizers willing to create successful events in their region and keep the movement going on their home soil.

Aloha

Jason Bitzer
Founder of the USBA National Tour

Stay tuned to www.usbatour.com and www.facebook.com/usbatour for all of the latest news and updates.


  That's it for this edition of CURRENT EVENTS.  Until the next time, I'm Steve "Action" Jackson.  I'll see you out in the water...YEEEWWW!!!

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

IN THIS EDITION: Dubb Wins in Peru, Jeff Hubbard Day, Florantin Signs with ID, Vargas Goes Full-Time with Creed SUP, 2013 IBA Annaelle Challenge Specialty Event Confirmed, Australian GSS event confirmed.


DUBB WINS IN PERU

  PERU-  5x DK World Champion Dave Hubbard has won the 2013 IBA Peruvian Inka Challenge.  With this win, Dave was awarded 2200 points which moves him into the #1 ranking, currently, on the 2012 IBA DKWT.  Here are the highlights from Peru:

For more information on this story, all of the latest news, updates, rankings and more be sure to visit:

www.ibaworldtour.com


JEFF HUBBARD DAY OBSERVED IN KAUAI

  KAUAI, HAWAII-  3x World Champion Jeff Hubbard was honored for his accomplishments on his home island of Kauai.  Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. proclaimed April 2nd 2013 to be Jeff Hubbard Day.  In a small ceremony which included the mayor, Jeff, and the Hubbard family Jeff received a framed proclamation from the mayor and the county of Kauai.

YOAN FLORANTIN SIGNS WITH ID BODYBOARDS

  REUNION ISLAND, FRANCE-  2012 IBA Rookie of the Year Yoan Florantin has signed with ID Bodyboards.  The new sponsorship deal was announced over the weekend (Sautrday, 6 April) on the ID Boards Facebook page and confirmed on Yoan´s Facebook page as well.


MANNY VARGAS GOES FULL-TIME WITH CREED SUP

  SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA-  In an official announcement on his blog, Manny V in the Water,  Manny Vargas announced that he has taken a full-time job with Creed SUP.  For all of the details regarding this story, be sure to visit Manny´s blog:

http://www.mannyvinthewater.blogspot.com.br/2013/03/going-full-time-full-bore.html

Also, be sure to visit this link for RIPTIDE magazine´s coverage of the story:

http://www.riptidemag.com.au/news/1459-manny-vargas-leaves-the-iba-world-tour



2013 ANNAELLE CHALLENGE SPECIALTY EVENT CONFIRMED

  ANNAELLE, FRANCE-  In an official announcement from the IBA, made in a video release (seen above) by 2010 World Champion Amaury Lavernhe and 2011 Miss France Laury Thilleman, the 2013 Annaelle Challenge has been confirmed as an IBA specialty event.  This invitation-only competition will feature 20 riders and a waiting period running from August 15th to November 26th, 2013.  Be sure to stay tuned to the following links for all of the latest news and updates regarding Annaelle:

www.annaellechallenge.com

www.ibaworldtour.com


AUSTRALIAN GSS EVENT CONFIRMED

  NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA-  The IBA has officially confirmed event #2 on the 2013 IBA GoPro Bodyboarding World Tour Grand Slam Series.  The NSW South Coast Mobile Challenge looks to run in the Kiama region with a waiting period of April 18th through May 1st.  For the official press release, please visit the following link:

http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/03/australian-grand-slam-series-confirmed/


  Well, that´s everything for this edition of CURRENT EVENTS.  Until the next time, I´m Steve "Action" Jackson.  I´ll see you out in the water...YEEEWWW!!!

CURRENT EVENTS: Player, Specker, and Sousa Win at Pipe

CURRENT EVENTS: Player, Specker, and Sousa Win at Pipe

2x World Champion Ben Player wins the 2013 IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge.

  OAHU, HAWAII-  The 2013 IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge concluded on Friday, March 1st.  2x World Champion Ben Player (Australia) took the win in the Men's Pro.

Sacha Specker riding home on the bike trail after winning the DK Pro at Pipeline.

In the Drop Knee Pro, 2012 DK World Champion Sacha Specker (South Africa) made it back-to-back victories with his win at the 2013 IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge.

2x World Champion Isabela Sousa came away victorious with her second consecutive Pipeline win.

2x World Champion Isabela Sousa (Brasil), also, made it two wins in a row with her victory in the Women's division of the 2013 IBa GoPro Pipe Challenge.

For more information, please visit the following link for the official IBA press release:

http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/03/player-sousa-and-specker-win/

For all of the latest news, updates, and video highlights from the 2013 IBA GoPro Bodyboarding World Tour, stay tuned to the following links:

www.ibaworldtour.com

www.youtube.com/ibaworldtour

www.facebook.com/ibaworldtour

  Until the next time, I'm Steve "Action" Jackson.  I'll see you out in the water...YEEEWWW!!!