How the Boogie Board Became One of Summer's Most Popular Toys

The Boogie Board, a popular summer toy that opened the world of wave riding to people of all ages and abilities, traces its origins back to 1971. The invention was the brainchild of Tom Morey, a former jazz musician who moved to Laguna Beach, California, in 1944 and later relocated to Hawaii. Morey was always looking for new ways to ride the waves beyond the traditional stand-up surfboard.

In 1971, while searching for an alternative means of surfing, Morey found a piece of polyethylene foam in his garage. Using his knowledge of aerodynamics, he cut the foam with an electric carving knife to create a floating board. He sealed the board using a Honolulu newspaper, marking the official date of his invention: July 7, 1971. Morey felt an immediate connection to the wave through his creation, noting that it was durable, lightweight, and could be made cheaply.

Patti Serrano, a close collaborator of Morey's, shared that Tom's vision was to have every family have three Boogies in their garage. Unlike a typical surfboard, which requires standing, the Boogie Board is smaller, lighter, and designed for riders to kneel or lie on their stomachs. This made it easier for people to get out on the water, including pregnant women, such as Tom's wife Marchia, who tested the invention while her son Sol was still in utero.

Sol Morey, now involved in the business, attributes his father's intentions to make surfing more accessible to families. The Morey Boogie was initially called the "SNAKE," but due to its unappealing name, it was changed to the "Morey Boogie," a nod to Morey's musical background. The board's name also reflected the rising disco era of the 1970s.

Initially produced as a build-it-yourself kit, the $25 mail-order kit included instructions for skinning the board and attaching necessary components. Tom and Marchia Morey personally assembled the boards in their kitchen in Carlsbad, California. To promote the product, Patti Serrano drove up and down the West Coast, knocking on people's doors.

By the late 1970s, the Morey Boogie business had grown significantly, prompting Morey to move production to a factory in Carlsbad. Despite his lack of financial management skills, Morey aimed to provide an exhilarating experience for people rather than seeking wealth. He patented a few design components and trademarked the name "Morey Boogie."

The global bodyboard market is projected to reach $623.6 million by 2035, up from $296.3 million in 2024. Sales have been steadily increasing since the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people seek outdoor recreational activities. The market is now divided between casual riders and elite competitors, with high-end lines like the 55th anniversary Mach 7, which comprises only 555 units. Tom Morey's "garagemanship" spirit and commitment to making surfing accessible have left a lasting impact on the world of wave riding.