Learning To Fly: Jeff Hubbard

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  
 
 
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