Former world bodysurfing Champion,

renowned long boarder and all-round waterman Tom Marr, has joined the WAW Handplanes squad.

Where is home for you Tom?

Brisbane, QLD, Australia

What is your handplane of choice and why?

The BadFish model as this hand plane is made using recycled ocean plastics, collected from the Great Barrier Reef. This is something that I'm really passionate about and this hand plane provides a small solution to tackling the enormous problem of plastic pollution within the world's oceans.

Why do you bodysurf?

Like many Australian kids, I grew up in and around surf lifesaving clubs and this is where I was first exposed to proper bodysurfing. From this my love for bodysurfing has grown immensely and it's something that holds a very special place in heart. I think bodysurfing enables the rider to connect with the power of the ocean in a way not experienced by other forms of surfing. I've been bodysurfing for as long as I can remember, firstly on my dad's back, then as a necessity for surf club lifestyle and now I just do it because it's a whole heap of fun.

What kind of waves do you like to bodysurf?

I'll bodysurf anything. Growing up an hour from rideable waves in Brisbane makes you fairly flexible with the kinds of waves you surf. In saying that though, I have developed a particular love for shallow rock slabs. 

Top 3 Bodysurfing waves?

.1. Flat Rock, Aus

2. Treachery, Aus

3. Main Beach, Stradbroke Island

For someone who is looking at getting some gear and getting into bodysurfing, do you have any tips?

Don't worry about how it looks; whether you're a head up gasper, an arm flailer or a full blown ripper just enjoy being in the water. In the words of the great Mark Cunningham "You never regret a swim".

To see more of Tom in action check him out on Instagram @thomas.a.marr