Team Rider: Danny Catten
Possibly the UK's longest surviving bodyboarder. Danny started bodyboarding in 1986 and is the countries most loyal sponsored rider. He is probably the most consistent rider out there too, performing as well now as he always has.
He teamed up with Alder wetsuits in 1987 and it was not long until he realised his competitive streak. Danny is a fierce competitor who lives and breathes the sport. Danny’s first contest was the English nationals in Newcastle. This was the start of a six year reign as English champion. Here is a list of some of his results:
- 6 x English champion
- 5 x British champion 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993 & 2009
- British masters champion 2009
Having been the national champion so many times has allowed Danny to represent his country several times. Danny’s best result on the world stage was at Huntington beach, California where he finished 9th in a field of competitors which included the likes of Tamega, Steve McKenzie and Adam “wingnut” Smith. These guys were top of the game at the time.
Winning the British Nationals again in 2009 at Porthtowan was probably Danny’s best ever result. To knock out so many good guys on the way to the final felt so good. But then to beat the likes of current top riders, Jack Johns and Damian Prisk was amazing. Winning in front of his home crowd was the icing on the cake. What a come back after years out of the limelight. The victory seemed a fitting way to call it a day on the contest side of things.
He still gets in the water loads to maintain a good standard of riding and can be seen most days at our local beach (Portreath) busting out his trade mark move, the table top invert as well as a full bag of other tricks.
Danny helps out in the shop, is involved in new product development and has become one of the most qualified bodyboarding coaches out there. He continues to be an inspiration to us all.