Brandon "ODB" Foster
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You just got married, you live in Oceanside again.. "ODB" what's your life consist of now?
Well yep, I decided to base myself out of Oceanside California these days. Married life is going well and I got a rad wife so thats cool. Pretty much I've been working at Asylum Board Shop helping to get there bodyboard area up to date while stand up surfing, long boarding, knee boarding and busting out the bodyboard. Love using each board for a few minutes.. trips people out, too much fun. So I'm working now taking a little break from the touring life.
You've traveled pretty much everywhere but one of the most important travels was to move to the U.S. from South Africa ten years ago? Why did your family move anyways?
Well we moved cause we got green cards (it took us 20 years to get them) and South Africa was going to hell in a hand basket. Don't get me wrong I love South Africa and still go back all the time, but the violent crimes are more nuts then you could even believe. Look up the stats, it will blow u away. So we packed up and moved.
The movie, "Invisible Children" opened the eyes to many humanitarian and Christian groups in America. Have you seen this video and what were your reactions?
Yip I've seen the video. Its nuts if you reading this and haven't seen the video, go see it. It will change the way you look at Africa. My reaction at first was shock, disgust, and sadness for the kids over there. Africa is a nuts place, more nuts then you could ever imagine living in America. The evil that is happening in pretty much every African country, wow. I sometimes don't like to talk about it cause my family and friends all still living there and you could go nuts dwelling on it.
Do you think you will ever move back to South Africa permanently?
I would love to but for right now, unless something huge happens, I don't see myself going back. Everyone I know is trying to leave. I am one of the lucky ones who got a green card and could leave. The violent crime, robbery, rape, murder, riots, looting, and government corruption would have to ease off before I head back there. Especially with a wife, she is just not safe there.
Your travels are widely documented but one that is quite secret is your trip to Yemen? What were you doing there?
Well that was a real nuts trip. A friend of mine, one of the most crazy surf explorers ever Stuart Butler and I, had been investigating the Yemen coast line. We decided that it would make for one hell of a trip, story, and opportunity to score some untouched waves. Let me tell you I could write a book on just that trip. The crazy people we met, the gun smugglers, the endless deserts, the ak47 and anti aircraft guns we had with us, the perfect wedge, ledge, and beach breaks we found. One day I will write that book.
Where else do you plan on traveling to in your bodyboarding career?
Too many places man, every few days I see a map, photo, or video and am like oh, "I have to go there." But off the bat, one place I want to go to is the Solomon Islands.
Enough talk about traveling, who is your biggest competition in the DK world... Dubb, Roach, Lackey, Mason Rose, or who?
Ha, yeah, what can I say? All these guys mentioned above and guys like Bud Miyamoto, Leroy Kaiwi, Luke Hall, Sebastian Slovin, Jeff Bragg, Kim Feast, Ian Metcalf, Sasha Specker, Crispen Hughes, etc; these guys all rip. There are not many guys out there that absolutely rip DK and so I have huge respect for all these guys. As for competition I really have never wanted to compete against anyone, I just wanted to ride dropknee as well as I could. I wanted to be able to ride DK at place people said it was impossible. Now don't get me wrong, every one of the guys I mentioned have pushed me in my riding in some way or another. I don't see these guys as my competition but more so as my inspiration, teachers, and friends.
You grew up with Andre Botha and were there when he won his first World Title. Are you guys still close or not so much?
Ja, Andre. Andre and I are still friends. We don't live close enough anymore to hang out all the time, but I really enjoy hanging with him when ever we cross paths. If you reading this Andre, email me brrruuuuu.
Not too many people know but you listen to some "tripped out music!!" What are you into nowadays?
HAHA... tripped out. I listen to good music and yes sometimes its not everyone's cup of tea, but I just love good music. Well I'm into this sick new band, MGMT. They are sick and their music is mega unique, love it. Been listening a lot to the new Radio Head, Johnny Cash, Infected Mushroom, and a lot of eighties, yeahhh!!!
Are you amped on this new deal with RXYM FASHION? Where do you see them going in the next few years?
I am mega amped!!! Super stoked on the clothing and designs. Also stoked on the people and idea behind the company. As for the future, if all goes well and the plan folds out, they will go huge. Hold onto your hats, the RXYM XRMY is here.
Your new Custom X signature board looks insane!! How long did it take to get all those specific dimensions and can you tell us why you chose them for your riding style?
I am very happy that Custom X has released the exact board that I ride to the public. It's the sickest board I have ever ridden, hands down. I just feel my DK getting better and better as I ride. It took a good 7 years to perfect it and now that I can walk into the factory and take out "THE ODB LIMITED 3" that is on the shelf without getting it custom made, I am very happy. "The ODB LIMITED 3" is an insane 90% DK board that is made for drawn out lines when you ride. Its super fast down the line, tube riding, and fast solid turns. As a sneak peak I will mention that we are releasing the new "EXODUS" board very soon. This is a combination of Shaper Brian "Smokie" Pelton and mine's shaping ideas. The board is going to be the true 50% prone 50% Dropknee board. We are taking it back to what really works in board design and keeping the board simple with only the bells and whistles that work. Keep your eye out for this sick new board, "THE EXODUS!"
Are you going to win the DK Pipe this year?
HELLLLL JAAAAA!!! Hahahahah, well I am going to try. Give me 6-8 ft pipe or backdoor anyday. Win or lose, surfing that spot is the prize.
Shout Outs.. take it away..
HHHMMMMMMMM, first I must pay homage to my friend, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who with out, I would be nothing. Then big mahalos and thanks to RXYM FASHION USA for hooking me up with all my sick new gear. Thanks to my other sponsors, Custom X and Asylum Board Shops for helping me live the dream. Thanks to my wife for supporting me and helping me be a better person. "However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country." 2 Chronicles 7:14