20 Years Nomad.
What an achievement! On the eve of releasing the Nomad 2020 20th Anniversary range, I never dreamt of anything long term when my brother Mark and I started our hobby business in February 2000. Bodyboarding had already been an integral part of our lives before 2000, but we were unaware the significant change the decision to launch our own label would have on us, or that I would have the opportunity to reflect on it 20 years later.
The name “Nomad” was inspired by our early days travelling up and down the Southern and East Coasts of Australia, and then expeditions overseas, chasing swells and good times with a group of mates. This, in turn, became our company philosophy and vision. It took time, but around this ideal we built a talented team that would have the opportunity to chase the dream, the Nomad F.S.D. (Free Surf Division).
The creation of the team gave us a creative outlet to collaborate with riders and many incredibly talented Photographers, Film Makers, and Editors, and has given us the opportunity to produce many amazing projects, including the ROAM Series, the Nomad Fun Park Series, Traverse, and the Salt Horizon Series, not to mention an incredible ongoing relationship with Riptide Bodyboard Magazine producing cover mounted projects The Lackey Project, Around the World in 40 Days, and This Is Africa.
Over the years, this helped drive our product direction, giving us the opportunity to work with some of the most talented bodyboard shapers on earth, as well as launch amazing bodyboard technology in our boards, including the Engineered Flex Core (EFC), D12 Core, PRS (Precision Recoil Stringer) and Skintec, all of which have become industry standards and leaders today.
From a personal perspective, some of the best times and memories we’ve experienced with Nomad have been from the long road trips, sleeping on friends floors, in tents, dodgy motels or the back of cars, but getting the opportunity to meet other passionate people while at our Film Premieres, Free Surf and Sales Trips or being part of the Australian Bodyboard Club scene, State and National competitions and International events such as the Shark Island Challenge and the Australian Bodyboard Association Big Wave Awards.
Most importantly, from the last 20 Years we have had the opportunity to have amazing long term relationships with supporters, stockists, shapers, team riders, manufacturers, designers, customers, magazines, photographers, film makers and distributors, many of whom we now count as some of our best friends.
Mark and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the last 20 years, and we look forward to the next 20.
Cheers,
Shane Britten.
