The inland town of Dapto, to many, is seen as the oddly shaped jewel that compliments the crown that makes up the greater Woolongong catchment area, a real diamond in the rough they all say.
Famous for its world class greyhound racing, boasting the fourth largest shopping centre in the region, Dapto Mall, producing football players such as the great and powerful Brian Johnson and by fact and measure, manufacturing some of the most influential creatives in the boog/surf industry in this very day and age.
To commend and celebrate Dapto’s great success in shaping the world as we know it today, it was only fitting that James “Sultan of Style” Kates made his way into the 2026 @bodyboardkingdom Shark Island Challenge lineup.
A fella who oozes class and charisma on the foam sled, reps oddly paired flippers like no other and encapsulates the “Trad” way of booging like only the true disciples of the “Core” can, it’s going to be quite a moment when this world class cinematographer dons the SIC rashie for the first time.
Supporting @james.kates in his maiden voyage out into the SIC competitive space is the grassroots bodyboarding outfit in the way of @roots_bodyboarding
A brand paying homage to the underground tapes of old, capturing the unfiltered joy of riding waves through the eyes/camera of the Roots crew, who navigate their sessions with grit and passion celebrating the thrill and camaraderie of the sport.
As we always say, support local who support bodyboarding!
@roots_bodyboarding@rootsbodyboarding@bodyboardkingdom@balterbrews@nmdboardco@el_jannah@surfing_nsw@secretsumatra
The last 3 surf vids with @ilovestables are now up on YouTube.
My feelings around this platform are mixed but in the name of making the ‘work’ available to anyone and platforming the musicians and everyone that’s contributed, it makes sense.
Massive thanks for supporting the films in any capacity.
It’s been a privilege to attempt do this for a ‘job’ and I can only hope to evolve and add to this curious body of work.
Thanks for your attention. Jim xx
HORSE is officially online!
At a time when it seems absurd to charge for surf content, we believe if we value our work then we’ll be able to continue working on projects like these.
A special shout out to the crew at Volcom for getting this film over the line and Russell W who nailed the brief and essentially made HORSE what it is.
We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has supported our films and hope to back it up with something chank later in the year.
Cheers,
Jim & Nog
Link in bio
