Welcome to Episode 35 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Jeff Dean Hubbard, a professional bodyboarder and entrepreneur from Hawaii. We discuss Jeff’s journey from his early days on Kauai to becoming a world champion and co-founding Hub Boards with his brother Dave.
He shares insights on bodyboarding culture, product innovation, and the challenges of running a specialized sports brand. The conversation covers community traditions, the cyclical nature of the sport, and balancing family life with business. Jeff’s reflections highlight the importance of passion, resilience, and staying connected to both the sport and its evolving community.
This episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and a deep passion for bodyboarding and entrepreneurship. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just curious about the sport, there's something here for everyone. ⏱ Timestamped Overview
00:10 – Introduction, Personal Reflections and Advice to Younger Self 02:07 – Family Background and Early Life 03:49 – Discovering Bodyboarding and Early Influences 05:05 – Beginning to Compete and College Years 06:22 – Parents’ Origins and Moving to Oahu 07:16 – No Friends Crew and Community 09:04 – Bodyboarding in South Africa and Global Peak 11:45 – No Friends Videos and Favourite Memories 12:58 – Returning to School and Applying Business Skill 15:13 – Entrepreneurial Ventures Before Hubboards 16:58 – Launching and Running Hubboards 18:04 – Product Range and Design Philosophy 19:42 – Branding and Tagline 20:22 – Recent Achievements and Family Success 24:26 – Personal Brand and Daily Routine 26:20 – Technology and Surf Forecasting Evolution 27:55 – Exercise, Family Life, and Kids 29:07 – Plans and Product Development for 2025 32:45 – Challenges of Manufacturing and Tariffs 34:24 – Managing Product SKUs and Inventory 37:48 – Production and Quality Control 38:14 – Trends, Colours, and Customer Preferences 40:23 – Demographics and the Adult Bodyboarding Boom 43:41 – Why Older Bodyboarders Return 47:11 – Favourite and Heaviest Waves 48:28 – Traditions and Branding in Bodyboarding 51:06 – Jeff Hubbard's Future Plans and Reflections 💬 Quote of the Episode
“When you love something, but it’s withheld, your passion for it grows.” – Jeff Dean Hubbard 🧠 Related Campaign Example Corona Lime Ritual TV Commercial — Jeff mentions how the iconic ritual of adding a lime to a Corona wasn’t originally a cultural norm but was created as a “full branding thing,” underscoring the power of simple, memorable brand rituals.
Corona Lime Ritual TV Commercial: https://youtu.be/YeVW40mftyw?si=OYolX8odKYlkrswj
👣 Relevant Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100044349105096 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreydeanhubbard/ Hubboards Website: https://hubboards.com/ Hubboards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopHUBBOARDS/ Hubboards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubboards/ Hubboards Twitter: https://x.com/hubboards Hubboards YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzlQPZmqKiWQSHw9FHhX_aw/feed 🌐 Connect with Tim Africa
🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica 🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa
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