Manta in the Making
It all began around February 1985 in the small backyard shed of a Sydney house. Terry Fleming had shaped his very first bodyboard. Terry utilized his years of experience in shaping Malibu's to design a craft for the surf but for a different approach in riding. Material content was different from the old Balsa wood component of the Malibu. His difficulty in sourcing the right materials from local suppliers forced him to look towards the furniture and automotive industry for foams that were easy to work with. The first Manta was big, heavy and stiff, yet it still worked in the surf.

The Name
Terry's ideas for naming this brand had to be associated with the Ocean. It had to be a well known Ocean living creature, as well as beautiful and harmless. The 'Manta ray' being one of the largest, most mysterious and most graceful living sea creatures was the perfect association with the brand so Manta was created, with only two people making 5 to 20 body boards per week. Each was sold to sports stores and Emerald surf shop whose proprietor Terry knew personally. Over a period of two years it was believed by the existing bigger brands that Manta would fade away or be taken over by one larger manufacturer. The market demand for an Australian made bodyboard started to grow stronger and stronger. Australia (until Manta) was dependent upon imported brands or contract made and labeled in Australia type body boards. Manta was the first bodyboard totally produced in Australia.

Materials
For many months Terry searched for better materials to improve his body boards. The discovery of Beaded Polypropylene was a major breakthrough. This material was light, strong, and waterproof and had a 100% memory. Little did he know that it would become the most highly sort after material that was the top in performance. The introduction of the EVA deck skins was another great leap forward making the board look more attractive than the opposition brands. Overall the boards out performed and were the most durable product on the market.