In the New Talents section, we’re excited to introduce you to a breakout rider who’s making waves. He just won his first event at the IBC World Tour, taking the title at the Visit Maldives Pro in the Junior Men Division. He’s known for his super smooth style and can shred both lefts and rights like a pro. He adapted to all the conditions and really impressed everyone with his classic surfing throughout his heats, getting even more aggressive in the final. Without further ado, here’s an exclusive interview with the young talent:
JAI TAYLOR
- Place of birth: Australia
- Place of residence: Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast
- Age: 16
- Best results: Under 16 Australian Champion 2022
- Under 18 Australian Champion 2023
- Winner in Visit Maldives Pro World Tour Junior Men Division 2024
- Years practicing bodyboarding: Since I was 8
- Favorite maneuver: Invert
- Current studies and situation: year 11 at Sunshine Beach State High School
- Other hobbies: The gym, my landcruiser, AFL and fishing
- Instagram: _jai_taylor
- How did it feel to win the Visit Maldives Pro 2024 in your first participation?
It was the best feeling ever. I had food poisoning in my first few rounds so that was really difficult to overcome. I did my best surfing in the last rounds which worked out well. To win the whole thing was mind blowing.
- What do you think about the Visit Maldives Pro and the Maldives in general?
The event was really well run and it felt super professional. I love the culture and the locals are so happy and fun to be around. Hanging out with the world’s best bodyboarders was a great experience.
- What does bodyboarding bring to your life?
Fun times, excitement, lots of travel within Australia and now overseas. It keeps me focused and fit.
- How do you see the level of bodyboarding in Australia right now?
I think it’s really high there are so many good riders. Style is a massive focus in Australia when it comes to bodyboarding.
- Who are your rider role models and why?
Ryan hardy because he is the best! I am super lucky that Ryan is a close family friend and I’ve spent loads of time with him. We even lived in Bali for a bit at the same time and last year I was fortunate enough to do my work experience with him at Bali Bodyboarding. He has given me so many tips and advice over the years.
Mitch Rawlins because his style is flawless and cuttys to reverse and inverts are the best in the game.
- Would you like to see an IBC World Tour event in Australia? Which wave would you choose?
Yes it would save me loads of money, It would be sick at Mandurah Wedge or somewhere on the south coast would be cool.
- What are your dreams inside and outside of bodyboarding?
A World Title. Travel full time.
- What are your favorite waves in the world and your favorites in Australia?
Being only 16 I haven’t been to that many places overseas yet but my favourite wave in Bali is Echo beach. My favourite wave I’ve surfed in Australia would be Aussie Pipe. My ultimate wave in Australia that I haven’t surfed yet but would love to is Mandurah Wedge.
- Are you planning to attend the or FrontonKing this year? What are your expectations:
I will be making my way to Fronton this year. I can’t wait to surf it. I’m expecting Fronton to push my limits and hopefully I can get some of the most incredible waves of my life.
- Name some young promising riders from Australia and tell us a bit about them:
In my local club Sunshine Coast Bodyboard club I’m really lucky to have some awesome talent that helps push me. Cooper Stewart, Tully Robert’s and my brother Zayde. They are all from the Sunshine Coast. Cooper is my main rival his surfing is strong and consistent which makes competition against him always interesting. Tully is one of my best mates his surfing is very technical and he has really great style. Zayde is my younger brother he is 14 and it would be sick to see Zayde up on a podium with me one day!
- Share an anecdote related to bodyboarding, travel, or anything else you’d like to share:
I stand up surf as well and I am in a surfing excellence program at my high school. In year 8 on the last day of school before summer holidays I had a surfing accident. It was 1ft puss I went up to do a snap and my board flipped upside down and then I landed on the fin. The fin stabbed me and resulted in a broken rib, grazed spleen and 3 layers of internal stitches. I was out of the water for the whole summer holidays (8 weeks) which especially sucked because my family was camping at Stradbroke island and I couldn’t surf.
- Share a few words for those young people who want to start or improve in bodyboarding:
Stay focused. Surf as much as possible in all conditions. Make sure you work on the technical stuff.
- Here’s your space to say hello, thank anyone, or share whatever you want:
Thank you IBC for this interview. Thank you to my sponsors Inverted, NMD and sun zapper. Thank you to everyone who donated money to help get me to the Maldives. My Nan for taking me to the Maldives, mum and dad and everyone who has supported me. Thanks to everyone who watched the Maldives comp and supported me from Australia. Bring on FrontonKing!
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