Best Sections of All-Time: Bobby Martinez in Mixed Tape
Bobby Martinez has to be one of surfing’s most interesting people. He boxes, he has one of the best back tattoos of all time and he always did things his way. Bobby went from super successful amateur career before grinding his way through the QS and finally on to the World Tour in 2006 where he won two events (Mundaka and Teahupoo) finishing fifth in the world.
Bobby’s speed, flow and unique style and that world famous backhand honed at Rincon earned him plenty of attention. His backhand surfing is faster and more precise than anyone and it was on full display in the Bobby Martinez biopic called Mixed Tape released in 2007. Mixed Tape chronicled Bobby’s 2006 rookie season on the ASP World Tour along with some of his travels he made with the tour surfers and the Reef team.
Mick, Gerr, Benny B, Paul Fisher (yeah the DJ), Tonino Benson, and others roll with Bobby through Australia, Bali, Tahiti, Mexico, Hawaii and many more locations.
We highlight the home section in this part, but you should probably just watch the whole film. Get to know a little more about Bobby if you don’t already know.
Bobby may be best known for his lightning quick backhand surfing, but he may also be just as known for his interview at the 2011 Quik Pro New York where he went viral before that was a thing by signing off from competition forevermore like this:
““I don’t want to be part of this dumb fucking wannabe tennis tour.””
He was redefining an era of professional surfing and though his competitive season was cut short, Bobby remained exactly who he always was and went against the grain. What he did there is perhaps more relevant than ever as we see ourselves in a world where speaking your mind on a differing opinion can feel like social suicide. It’s refreshing to hear someone speak their mind for something they are passionate about, no matter the consequences.
In this case I’m a little bummed that Bobby quit because I’d love to see him wax guys at these events still, but I’m stoked with what he stands for today.
With the latest version of “the cut” about to go down on the WSL CT soon, I wonder if anyone will dare to follow in Bobby’s footsteps.
