From Jacob Romero’s blog yesterday ( found at http://jacobromerohags.blogspot.com/2013/05/turbo-and-805bbrcom-shout-out.html )

“So as most of you all know with all of my instagram posts and etc., I am no longer with TURBO Bodyboards. After being with them for almost 5 awesome years, I’ve resigned from TURBO because they’ve breached their side of our agreement and because of that I am moving forward. Basically, after qualifying for the World Tour this year and being top 24 I was supposed to be rewarded with a better contract for 2013 and I haven’t been paid not even a penny. I also heard they are done with business somehow. I still can’t put it all together on how all of this happened, but it is what it is and it’s time to move on. I had an amazing time with them and I have nothing bad to say.
I’ve been pretty shattered after hearing the news about TURBO before the pipe comp for a couple months and I’m gradually accepting it. It’s been tough times financially trying to organize my trips to follow the IBA World Tour, but I’ve been making it happen with the support of my family, girlfriend, friends, fans, sponsors, and everyone. Also, mentally it was hard to accept the fact that I have no board sponsor and following the tour(which is my first year qualifying) would be tough, but I’m an optimistic person and I know something good will always come I just need to be patient and stay positive.
For me, it’s not all about the money. It’s for the love. I was Bodyboarding recently about 3 weeks ago at my home break Churches and the waves were only 2-3ft, but perfect conditions. There was this moment where I just sat on my board and looked at my surroundings and where I grew up surfing and thought to myself. Why am I so shattered about all of this board sponsor talk and etc etc? The reason why I started Bodyboarding was because I LOVED it, it’s fun, and riding waves with your friends is the best feeling in the world! This is where it all started. My life is amazing. I have the most amazingest support in this world from everyone. After that session, I didn’t care if I was broke, I made the decision that I am going to Chile even if I had to take out a loan. Which I did. The flights were super expensive so I decided to just compete in Chile. I won’t be going to Brazil.
With all of that said, the boys at 805bbr message board started this thread http://www.805bbr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=22550 with highlights from the Chile Arica Challenge and knew my situation. They wanted to help me out in anyway they could so they asked for my paypal account info and after that I’ve had so much support from them. Words can’t express how thankful I am. If you like Bodyboarding talk and allkines of topics go to their message board and chat it up. Also, if you wanna help the cause and donate whatever you can here is my paypal account info:

Email: mauisponger@hotmail.com
Name: Jacob Romero

A BIG MAHALO and thank you to everyone for the support and positive vibes. Without you guys I wouldn’t be where I am at today. I am staying positive and I am in talks with a couple of US Bodyboard companies at the moment. Hopefully, things will work out, but for now I’m enjoying my time here in Chile. The contest is looking to start on Wednesday with a HUGE swell forecasted. Stay tuned here at IBA World Tour and watch it live at Live Webcast. Once again thank you everyone for the support! Aloha and Mahalo! Life is good ”