On July 7, 1971, Carlsbad resident Tom Morey created the first body board, or “sponge.” Experimenting with different materials and shapes, Morey shaped a 1/2 blank of polyethylene foam with a hot iron. Due to his love for ‘boogie woogie’ jazz, he named the board ‘Morey Boogie’. They sold for $37.
By 1977, Morey Boogie sold 80,000 units and employed a total of 100 workers in Carlsbad and Mexico. Through the 80s, Morey Boogie was synonymous with all bodyboards. I will never forget my Mach 7.7.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10 at St. Michael’s by-the-Sea, 2775 Carlsbad Ave., Carlsbad, meet the inventor, Tom Morey. Enjoy “Meet & Greets” with icons of the sport, panel discussions, historical displays and giveaways. Price: $20.
