Team Chile made history this week at the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship. Not only was this the first ever ISA World Championship hosted in the country, but Chile won the World Team Champion Trophy as well. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Team Chile will go down in the history books as the Gold Medal Team of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship that took place during the first ever ISA World Championship held in the country. The local team defended their home turf and walked away with the World Team Champion Trophy.

During the Closing Ceremony, the Mayor of Iquique Jorge Soria announced that Iquique will once again host the ISA World Bodyboard Championship in 2015, as well as the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in 2016. After the announcement was made, the Mayor was joined on stage by the President of the Chilean Surfing Federation Juan Agustin Echeverria and ISA Director General Liam Ferguson to officially sign the agreement for the two ISA World Championships.

(from left to right) ISA Director General Liam Ferguson, Mayor of Iquique Jorge Soria and President of the Chilean Surfing Federation Juan Agustin Echeverria signed the contract to bring back the ISA World Bodyboard Championship in 2015 as well as to host the 2016 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in Iquique.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre commented:
“This has been without a doubt a historic week for Chilean Surfing and Bodyboarding, a week that we will never forget. We have achieved a big step forward to transform Iquique and Chile as the surfing center of the world. It’s our intention that this week will work as a base for a long road ahead together with the ISA, the public and private sectors of Chile and the Chilean Surfing Federation to bring more ISA World Championships here in the future.”

“Today, with the Awards and Closing Ceremony, it’s the end of a week of competition, camaraderie and new friendships. Tomorrow when the athletes start going back home, they will not be just the National Delegations that came to the Bodyboard Championship in Iquique, rather they will leave as ambassadors of Iquique, of Chile and of the warmth of the Chilean people that welcomed us with open arms. Thank you and congratulations to all of you.”

On the Final Day of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship, the ISA Aloha Cup, a tag-team relay race competition, took place.

ISA Aloha Cup in beautiful Iquique, Chile during the final day of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In the hard fought Semifinals, France and Brazil advanced to the Final, defeating Costa Rica and Argentina in the first heat. In the second Semifinal, Venezuela and Portugal advanced to the Final, defeating Chile and Ecuador.

The ISA Aloha Cup Final was a seesaw battle with the lead changing many times, but ultimately, France, showing great strategy and high-level bodyboarding, secured the first place in the end, earning 68.79 points. The French team made up of Amaury Lavernhe, Anne Cecile Lacoste, Max Castillo, Jeremy Arnoux and Alex Castillo, narrowly defeated Portugal (68.77), Brazil (63.83) and Venezuela (60.03).

Team France, ISA Aloha Cup Gold Medal. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The Closing Ceremony was held right after featuring the awards presentation to put an end to this amazing week of competition in one of the most iconic Bodyboarding breaks in Chile and all over the world.

The local dignitaries present to witness the historic Closing Ceremony were the Intendant of the Region of Tarapaca Mitchel Cartes Tamayo, the Mayor of Iquique Jorge Soria, the President of the City Council Mauricio Soria and President of the Chilean Surfing Federation Juan Agustin Echeverria.

The ceremony was filled with excitement and emotion as each individual division’s medalists were crowned and the respective Gold Medalist’s national anthems were presented. When Team Chile was announced as the Gold Medal Team, the crowd erupted in loud cheers.

Official Results:

Final Team Standings:
1 – Chile – 8,738
2 – France – 8,565
3 – South Africa – 8,336
4 – Portugal– 7,227
5 – Peru – 7,052
6 – Brazil– 6,504
7 – Venezuela – 6,361
8 – Costa Rica – 5,506
9 – Argentina – 5,050
10 – Ecuador– 4,950
11 – Puerto Rico – 3,670
12 – México – 1,980
13 – Panamá – 1,170

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/

Chile made history by winning it’s first ever ISA Gold Medal thanks to the 17 year old, Yoshua Toledo, who won Gold in Junior Boys U-18. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Following six intense days of great waves and exciting Bodyboarding performances, the individual Champions of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship were crowned in Iquique, Chile.

Chile made history by winning it’s first ever ISA Gold Medal thanks to the 17 year old, Yoshua Toledo, who won Gold in Junior Boys U-18.

The remainder of the individual Gold Medal winners were: South Africa’s Tristan Roberts in Open Men’s, Portugal’s Teresa Almeida in Open Women’s, Peru’s Carolina Botteri in Junior Girls U-18 and France’s Amaury Lavernhe in Dropknee.

The World Team Champion will be announced after the ISA Aloha Cup Finals on Saturday during the Closing Ceremony. All the medalists will be awarded with the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper Medals.

“Congratulations to all of the individual winners of the 2014 ISA World Championship,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I am especially proud of the host country, Chile, who won its first ever ISA Gold Medal. This historic accomplishment of our Chilean friends, shows the ability of new surfing nations to raise to the top of the world, as part of the ISA’s mission of developing surfing globally. Chile is a country with some of the best waves in the world and this achievement is a direct result of the efforts made by the Chilean Surfing Federation in its path to develop surfing in their country.”

Portugal’s Teresa Almeida won the Open Women’s Gold Medal, defeating the defending Champion Brazil’s Neymara Carvalho who won the Silver Medal, France’s Bronze Medalist Anne Cecile Lacoste and Venezuela’s Yuleiner Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales.

It was a hard fought day for many of the competitors, who surfed as many as three times to advance to the Final through the Repechage rounds.

The excellent waves of Iquique continued. Though the size dropped from the past two days to 3-5ft, the shape of the wave was clean, allowing for deep barrel rides, critical turns and airs.

The first Gold Medalist crowned was France’s Amaury Lavernhe, who won the Gold Medal in Dropknee. Lavernhe earned a 13.07 narrowly defeating Peru’s Silver Medalist Cesar Bauer who also earned a 13.07. Due to the Frenchman’s higher individual wave score, he earned the Gold. In third followed South Africa’s Bronze Medalist Iain Campbell (9.60) and Venezuela’s Copper Medalist Angelo Freda (9.06.)

Amaury Lavernhe commented, “It was team work. I was out there by myself but with all the guys at the beach screaming and singing, so I’m happy. I’ve been doing a lot of Dropknee in the last two months, so I’m very stoked with the result. This is a big day for Bodyboarding and for the ISA! Thanks to all the people that support me and support France!”

France’s Gold Medalist Amaury Lavernhe and Peru’s Silver Medalist Cesar Bauer showing great ISA values of sportsmanship after the final finished. Photo:ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

Next up was the Junior Girls U-18, where Peru’s Carolina Botteri (13.20) won the Gold Medal, defeating Chile’s Silver Medalist Anai Veliz (12.37), Portugal’s Bronze Medalist Madalena Guerra (9.94) and Brazil’s Yumi Vasconcellos.

Carolina Botteri commented, “I’m very happy and excited! Thanks to all my team, my coach and my team manager for their support. This is a dream come true. I have trained a lot and here’s the result.”

Peru’s Carolina Botteri. Photo:ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Following was the Junior Boys U-18, where Chile’s Yoshua dominated the heat earning an impressive 15.63 and winning the Gold Medal. The Chilean defeated South Africa’s Silver Medalist Tristan Roberts (13.77), Brazil’s Bronze Medalist Socrates Santana (11.60) and Portugal’s Copper Medalist Miguel Adao (11.33).

Yoshua Santana commented, “It was a hard heat, and then at the last minute I found those waves were I had that barrel, ARS (Aerial Roll Spinner) followed by a rollo. Thanks to all of the Chileans here for their support!”

Chile’s Yoshua Toledo. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

On the Women’s side, Portugal’s Teresa Almeida (12.83) won the Open Women’s Gold Medal, defeating the defending Champion Brazil’s Neymara Carvalho (8.66), who won the Silver Medal, France’s Bronze Medalist Anne Cecile Lacoste (8.10) and Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzalez (6.97).

Teresa Almeida commented, “I still don’t believe that I won, but I’m really happy. My strategy was to get a good wave fast to control the heat and choose the best waves. Thanks to everyone at home for their support!”

In the last Final of the day, South Africa’s Tristan Roberts won the Open Men’s Gold Medal, defeating France’s Silver Medalist Amaury Lavernhe, Chile’s Bronze Medalist Gabriel Brantes and France’s Copper Medalist Jeremy Arnoux.

Tristan Roberts commented, “Words cannot describe how I feel right now. I was down after losing my Junior title in the last minutes, so I went to this heat and gave it all, and it paid off. I’m very happy! Thanks to all the South Africans back home for all your messages, and all the South African team for their support.”

South Africa’s Tristan Roberts. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship resumes Saturday with the final day of competition at 1:00pm (local time) in Iquique, Chile, with the ISA Aloha Cup, a tag-team relay competition. Each team is made up of five athletes and every bodyboarder is scored on two waves.

Competition Schedule:

1:00pm ISA Aloha Cup Semifinal 1
2:15pm ISA Aloha Cup Semifinal 2
3:45pm ISA Aloha Cup Final
5:30pm Closing Ceremony

The live webcast of the entire 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship is available on www.isawbc.com

France’s Amaury Laverhne was in fourth place, and in the last minute came from behind and earned an 8.67 on a deep tube ride to take the first position and earn a spot in the Open Men’s Grand Final. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

France’s Anne Cecile Lacoste has been dominant on the Women’s side and has earned a spot in the Final. Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

After an intense Day 5 of competition with great surf at the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Iquique, Chile, the first set of Finalists have been confirmed.

On Friday, all the individual division Finals in Open Men, Open Women, Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Dropknee will take place, and the individual Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper Medalists will be crowned.

Friday will be a crucial day in deciding the coveted World Team Champion. With all its athletes still in competition, Team Chile is leading the rankings in the overall team points. France is sitting within reach in second place, followed by South Africa in third and Portugal in fourth.

Saturday will mark the conclusion of this historic ISA World Boydboard Championship that will feature the exciting ISA Aloha Cup, tag-team relay competition. Each team is made up of five athletes and every bodyboarder is scored on two waves.

After the ISA Aloha Cup, the Closing Ceremony of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship will take place to award the Individual Medals and the World Team Champion Trophy. Directly after the Closing Ceremony, the ISA and the Municipality of Iquique will be hosting a Beach Clean Up at Punta Uno to keep our ocean and beaches clean.

Iquique showing off. Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

“It has been an exciting ISA World Bodyboard Championship and a historic week for the country of Chile,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Friday will be a vital day for the competition as all the individual champions will be decided and ultimately determine the World Team Champion. Make sure to tune in to the live webcast to watch all the action unfold. I wish the best of luck to all of the competitors.”

It was an action packed day and the swell continued to push waves in the 4 to 7ft range. Main Event and Repechage rounds took place across all the divisions, but most notably is the first two of the four finalists have been confirmed in each division. The final rounds of Repechage will take place on Friday morning to complete the Grand Finals.

In Open Men’s, France’s Amaury Laverhne (15.60) and Tristan Roberts (14.90) from South Africa are now in the Final, defeating France’s Jeremy Arnoux (13.43) and Chile’s Gabriel Brantes (13.13).

South Africa’s Tristan Roberts has been on-fire all week competing in both the Men’s and Junior Divisions. The South African has earned a spot in the Men’s Final and is fighting for a spot in the Junior division through the Repechage. Photo:ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In Open Women’s, Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzalez (11.23) and France’s Anne Cecile Lacoste (9.50) advanced to the Final, defeating Brazil’s Neymara Carvalho (8.83) and Portugal’s Teresa Almeida (7.50).

Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzalez. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In Junior Boys U-18, Brazil’s Socrates Santana (12.73) and Portugal’s Miguel Adao advanced to the Final, defeating France’s Alexandre Castillo (10.66) and Chile’s Yoshua Toledo (8.27).

Portugal’s Miguel Adao. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In Junior Girls U-18, Peru’s Carolina Botteri (11.54) and Chile’s Anais Veliz (10.00) advanced to the Final, defeating Portugal’s Madalena Guerra (9.03) and Venezuela’s Yanelly Alvarez (7.67).

Peru’s Carolina Botteri. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In Dropknee, Peru’s Cesar Bauer (14.84) and Venezuela’s Angelo Freda (10.03), advanced to the Final, defeating Chile’s Michel Copetta (8.43) and France’s Amaury Lavernhe (8.04).

Peru’s Cesar Bauer. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The athletes who placed third and fourth in these heats have one more opportunity to reach the Final through the Repechage Rounds.

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship resumes Friday at 7:40am (local time) in Iquique, Chile, with The Morning Show hosted by Philip Muller and Begoña Martinez featuring Team Chile.

Competition will feature:

The live webcast of the entire 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship is available on www.isawbc.com

With today’s incredible surf conditions, the defending Gold Medalist, Brazil’s Eder Luciano, earned the first Perfect 10 of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Iquique, Chile. ISA/Rommel Gonzales

South Africa’s Storm Prestwich took advantage of the great waves on offer, found a deep barrel, and is one step closer to the Grand Final. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The 2012 and 2013 ISA Gold Medalist, Brazil’s Eder Luciano, earned the first perfect 10 of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in excellent waves in Iquique, Chile. Despite falling to the Repechage rounds, the ISA World Bodyboard Champion is fighting with all his might to reach the Grand Final.

Day 4 of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship has reached its most critical stages. Every heat counts to gain the most possible points and earn the coveted World Team Champion trophy plus a spot on the podium for the individual medals.

After four days of competition, the host country, Chile, is holding on to the first position as the only team with all its competitors in the event. Peru is following close behind in second, Portugal in third, and France and South Africa are tied for fourth.

The surf conditions in Iquique were the best the competition has witnessed so far. The world-class wave at Punta 1 ranged from 4-7ft with some larger sets, allowing for deep barrel rides and critical aerial maneuvers. The swell is expected to peak on Thursday that will send waves up to 8ft tall, resulting in another exciting day of competition.

“We have had great surf every day in Iquique during the ISA World Bodyboard Championship, but today was absolutely amazing. We even witnessed the event’s first perfect ride,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “With the conditions only getting bigger and better, the road to finals is looking very exciting.”

Day 4 featured a mix of Main Event and Repechage heats in the Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Junior U-18, and Dropknee divisions.

In Dropknee, the Chilean Michel Copetta was once again the standout in the division. After earning two individual waves of 9.33 and 6.87, for a heat total of 16.20, the local advanced to the next Main Event Round alongside Venezuela’s Angelo Freda (9.37), and sent Puerto Rico’s Javier Cruzado (7.43) to Repechage.

Chile’s Michel Copetta. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The Boys Under 18 Division Main Event Round 2 saw a tie in the highest total heat scores. Portugal’s Miguel Adao and Brazil’s Socrates Santana both earned a 14.83 in their respective heats and advanced, and are now just one heat away from the Final.

In the Open Women’s, the Chilean Paloma Freyggang, who made an uncharacteristic mistake in her first heat of the event, earning a double interference, advanced in first with a total heat score of 11.00, alongside Ecuador’s Andrea Monteverde, who earned a 9.17. Argentina’s Adriana Araujo was eliminated from the competition after placing third with a total score of 4.40.

Chile’s Paloma Freyggang. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The day closed with Round 2 of Open Women’s Main Event, where Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzales posted the highest score of the event, a 17.50 and continues to push women’s bodyboarding to the limits. The Venezuelan defeated defending Gold Medalist Neymara Carvalho (10.10) from Brazil and South Africa’s Pamela Bowren (9.00).

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship resumes Thursday at 7:40am (local time) in Iquique, Chile, with The Morning Show hosted by Philip Muller featuring Team South Africa.

Competition will feature:

8:00am Open Men’s – Main Event 4
8:40am Open Women’s– Main Event 4
9:00am Dropknee – Main Event 4
9:20am Junior U-18 Boys – Main Event 3
9:40am Open Men’s – Repechage 5
10:20am Junior U-18 Boys – Repechage 2
11:00am Dropknee – Repechage 2
11:40am Open Women’s– Repechage 2
12:20pm Open Men’s – Main Event 5
12:40pm Junior U-18 Girls – Main Event 2
1:00pm Open Men’s – Repechage 6

The live webcast of the entire 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship is available on www.isawbc.com

The Dropknee riders had a chance to demonstrate their skills for the first time in the competition, and Chile’s
Michel Copetta felt right at home at Punta 1 and advanced to the next Main Event Round. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In a very close Repechage heat, France’s Maxime Castillo placed third, despite nice barrel rides, and was eliminated from the competition. Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship intensified on Day 3 in Iquique, Chile. Every team and its athletes are fighting for a spot in the next round to add as many points as possible to earn the coveted World Team Champion Trophy and Individual Gold Medals.

In a beautiful and sunny Tuesday, the first Repechage Round took place, and the first athletes dropped out of the competition in the do-or-die heats.

Iquique, once again, delivered great waves in the 3 to 5ft range and offered some great tube rides and radical sections for airs and critical turns.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre commented:

“Its been an incredible competition and Iquique has delivered the waves its famous for. The swell is expected to continue to build through the next two days, so it will be wonderful to witness the world’s best bodyboarders perform in the larger surf in Chile. The team camaraderie on the beach has been amazing, making sure all the athletes have full support of their teammates with loud cheers and National Flags waiving high.”

Day 3 kicked off with the first Repechage Round in the competition. In the Open Men’s Repechage, the standout was Brazil’s Sergio Luis, who earned an impressive total heat score of 15.17 to defeat Ecuador’s Adrian Alcivar (9.84), while Costa Rica’s Marlon Sandoval (9.52), Puerto Rico’s Javier Cruzado (7.80) from Puerto Rico are now out of the event.

Brazil’s Sergio Luis. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales.

Following the Repechage, was the first opportunity the Dropknee riders had a chance to demonstrate their skills. France’s Amaury Laverhne, who is also competing in Open Men’s, posted a dominating heat score of 16.33, defeating Chile’s Michel Copetta (10.80), South Africa’s Iain Campbell (9.66) and Costa Rica’s William Fallas (6.70).

France’s Amaury Lavernhe. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The day closed with Round 2 of Open Women’s Main Event, where Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzales posted the highest score of the event, a 17.50 and continues to push women’s bodyboarding to the limits. The Venezuelan defeated defending Gold Medalist Neymara Carvalho (10.10) from Brazil and South Africa’s Pamela Bowren (9.00).

Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzalez. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship resumes Wednesday at 7:40am (local time) in Iquique, Chile, with The Morning Show hosted by Begoña Martinez and Philip Muller featuring the local Chilean National Team.

Competition will feature:

8:00am Open Men’s – Main Event 3
9:00am Open Men’s– Repechage 3
10:00am Dropknee – Main Event 2
10:40am Junior U-18 Boys – Main Event 2
11:20am Open Women’s – Repechage 1
11:40am Junior U-18 Boys – Repechage 1
12:00pm Dropknee – Repechage 1
12:20pm Open Men’s– Repechage 4

The live webcast of the entire 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship is available on www.isawbc.com

The World’s Best Bodyboarders

France’s Jeremy Arnoux advanced to the next round after placing second in an action-packed heat.

Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

Venezuela’s Yuleiner Gonzalez was one of the standouts in Open Women’s, earning a spot in Round 2

of the Main Event, and one step closer to the Final. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Day 2 of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship featured impressive scores and amazing performances by the world’s best bodyboarders.

Iquique continued to provide incredible waves for the competitors to put on a great show. On the second day of competition, the waves improved and increased in size to 4 to 6ft with occasional bigger sets. The bigger waves at Punta 1 allowed for deep barrel rides, radical air sections, and critical turns.

“Iquique is proving to be a bodyboarder’s dream,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I’m very impressed by the high level of talent that the athletes are showcasing. The wave at Punta 1 is perfect and allows for a wide variety of maneuvers, keeping the action exciting for all the viewers watching the live webcast across the globe.”

The competition kicked of with Round 2 of Open Men’s Main event, followed by Round 1 of the Open Women’s, Junior U-18 Boys and Junior U-18 Girls, who got their first taste of competition at the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship.

In the Open Men’s, a new high score of the event was posted by the local Chilean team member, Matias Diaz who earned an impressive total heat score of 16.67. In an exciting heat, Diaz narrowly defeated France’s Jeremy Arnoux (15.37), and sent to repechage, the high scoring athlete of Day 1, South Africa’s Iain Campbell (14.86), and Costa Rica’s Marlon Sandoval (9.17). The 3rd and 4th place finishers now have to fight their way to the Final through the Repechage Rounds.

Chile’s Matias Diaz. Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

In Open Women’s, the standout was France’s Anne Cecile Lacoste, who earned a total of 13.23, the highest of the round, defeating South Africa’s Pamela Bowren (8.87), Costa Rica’s Shamobi Offer (6.87), and the local Chilean Paloma Freyggang (2.00), who was deemed two interferences and was forced to exit the heat. Freyggang and Offer will have one more opportunity for the Gold Medal through the Repechage bracket.

France’s Anne Cecile Lacoste. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Right after the Open Women’s was the Junior U-18 Boys bodyboarders turn to showcase all their skill in the waves of Punta 1. France’s Alexandre Castillo led the division, earning a total heat score of 14.93, defeating by a narrow margin Chile’s Yoshua Toledo (14.67), South Africa’s Tristan Roberts (12.60) and Costa Rica’s Alejandro Campos (10.77).

To wrap up the day, the Junior U-18 Girls hit the water. The standout for the division was the local 15 year-old star Anais Veliz, who scored and impressive 14.33 with a critical ARS. Veliz defeated Venezuela’s Yanelly Alvarez (3.53), South Africa’s Georgene McKeone (3.40) and France’s Kim Veteau (1.93).

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship resumes Tuesday at 8:30am (local time) in Iquique, Chile, with The Morning Show hosted by Begoña Martinez and Manny Vargas with the defending Gold Medal Team, Brazil.

Competition will feature:

8:30am Open Men’s – Repechage 2
10:40am Dropknee– Main Event 1
11:40pm Open Women’s – Main Event 2
12:30pm Junior U-18 Boys – Main Event 2
1:10pm Open Men’s – Main Event 3

The live webcast of the entire 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship is available on www.isawbc.com

France’s Amaury Laverhne was one of the standouts of the Day 1 of ISA World Bodyboard Championship, earning an impressive 16.33 total heat score to advance to the next round. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

South Africa’s Iain Campbell earned the highest total heat score of 16.50, and single wave score, 9.33, of the day. Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

The first day of competition of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship got began with solid waves at the world-class break at Punta 1, Iquique, on Sunday, December 7. Amazing performances were showcased by the world’s best bodyboarders representing 13 countries from around the globe.

The thousands of warm and welcoming people of Iquique witnessed a great show put on by the athletes in great conditions. Punta 1 featured waves in the 3-5ft range with some bigger sets on offer. The bodyboarders displayed powerful and critical maneuvers that kept the local crowd cheering on their feet.

“The world’s best bodyboarders have gathered in beautiful Iquique, Chile, and on the first day of competition, were able to demonstrate their incredible skills to all the local spectators, plus the thousands of people around the world that tuned in on the live webcast,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The waves are only going to get bigger and better so everyone is in for an incredible week of competition. I wish the best of luck to all of the competitors.”

The opening day of competition featured Round 1 of Open Men’s Main Event.

The standout of the day was South Africa’s Iain Campbell, who showed an impressive display of radical bodyboarding in the waves of Punta 1, earning the highest scores of the event so far.

Campbell had a slow start, with low scoring rides, but in the last minutes of the heat, the South African found the right position and earned a 7.17, and seconds before the final horn, backed it up with an impressive 9.33, for a total heat score of 16.50. Campbell defeated Venezuela’s Alberto Colucci (11.50) and Puerto Rico’s Javier Cruzado (4.40).

Other high scoring standouts of Day 1 of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship were France’s Amaury Laverhne , who earned the second highest total heat score of the day, 16.33, the local favorite Gabriel Brantes, who earned a 14.83 and South Africa’s Storm Prestwich, with a 14.34.

The local hero, Gabriel Brantes, kept all the locals on their feet and cheering after catching one of the best waves of the day. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The ISA World Bodyboard Championship is a double elimination competition, with the first and second place bodyboarders always advance to the next Qualifying Round. Athletes in third and fourth place move into the Repechage Round, giving them a second chance to advance. However, another third or fourth place finish, and they will be out of the competition

For a full list of today’s results, click here: http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/results/ The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship resumes Monday at 9:00am (local time) in Iquique, Chile. Conditions are expected to improve with the size of the waves increasing to 4-6ft with occasional larger sets.

Competition will feature:

9:00am Open Men’s – Main Event 2
11:00am Open Women’s – Main Event 1
12:00pm Junior U-18 Boys – Main Event 1
1:00pm Junior U-18 Girls – Main Event 1

The live webcast of the entire 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship is available on www.isawbc.com

The President of the Chilean Surfing Federation, Juan Agustin Echeverria (far left), amongst the flags of the 13 National Teams, declared the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship officially open. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The Mayor of Iquique, Jorge Soria along with ISA Officials and the 13 National Delegations paraded down Iquique’s iconic “Baquedano” street and into the “Plaza Arturo Prat” square in the center of the city, in front of hundreds of local spectators. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship was declared officially open Saturday, December 6, 2014, in Iquique’s beautiful and historic central square, “Plaza Arturo Prat.”

In attendance were the 13 National Delegations featuring the world’s best bodyboarders and team officials, who traveled to Chile from every corner of the globe. Hundreds of enthusiastic Chileans, local government authorities, and ISA officials witnessed the start of this historic competition; marking the first time ever an ISA World Championship is hosted in the country.

After arriving to the Opening Ceremony stage, the 13 National Delegations participated in the ISA’s unique Sands Of The World Ceremony. Two representatives of each National Delegation walked on stage, one waving the national flag while the other poured sand from their local beach into a glass container, symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

Team Chile pouring their local sand during the Sands Of The World Ceremony. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, who was unable to be present, as he is in Monaco, for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session working on behalf of Surfing’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, recorded the following message:

“On behalf of the 91 Member Nations of the International Surfing Association, I welcome all the participating Bodyboarding National Teams from all over the world. I wish you the best and that you have an excellent and unforgettable week, in this beautiful city of Iquique.

“All of you have come from all over the world to compete in these great bodyboarding waves. Only a few of you will go back home with the Gold Medals, but all of you are champions for being at this historic World Championship in Chile participating as members of your National Team, and represent the sport of Bodyboarding.”

“I would like to thank all of the local authorities, the people of Chile and the public and private sectors for making this first ISA World Championship in Chile possible.”

Jorge Soria, Mayor of Iquique commented:
“I want to thank all the leaders of Bodyboarding in Iquique and all the political leaders who gave their support. We welcome the athletes to our city that offers its waves the world. May the best win!”

The Mayor of Iquique, Jorge Soria. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Mitchel Cartes, Intendant of the Tarapacá Region commented:
For us, it’s an honor to be part of an activity like this where we can show the richness of the Tarapacá Region and the Community of Iquique. I want to offer all of the local organizers and athletes a fraternal greeting.”

The Intendant of the Tarapacá Region, Mitchel Cartes. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

To conclude the ceremony, the President of the Chilean Surfing Federation, Juan Agustin Echeverria officially declared open the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship as the flag bearers from the 12 National Delegations waved their country’s flag.

Competition starts on Sunday with the first call at 9:00am (local time) for a potential 9:30am start to run the first round of the competition.

Competition Schedule:
12 Heats – Main Event Open Men Round 1

The live webcast of the entire championship is available on http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/live/

The following local Chilean dignitaries were present at the Press Conference of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship: (from left to right) Sport Director of the Municipality of Iquique Ricardo Valles, President of the Municipal Council of Iquique Mauricio Soria, President of the Chilean Surfing Federation Juan Agustin Echeverria, Mayor of Iquique Jorge Soria, Regional Secretary of Sport Johann Vieira Pineda, and Chile National Team members Paloma Freyggang and Gabriel Brantes. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The National Chilean Bodyboard Team was presented the official team uniform by the local Chilean dignitaries. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship begins Saturday with the Opening Ceremony featuring the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony. All 13 National Delegations will gather and parade down Iquique’s iconic “Baquedano” street and into the “Plaza Arturo Prat” square in the center of the city, in front of thousands of local spectators.

During the Opening Ceremony, each National Delegation comes to the stage waving their national flag while pouring sand from their local beach into a glass container symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

On Friday, the official press conference of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship took place in the historic national monument “Salon Luis Rojas Pino” in the “Ex Aduanas” building. This classical-colonial structure served as the customs center in the late 1800’s in Iquique. Over a dozen of Iquique and Chile’s leading TV, Newspaper, and Radio media outlets were present.

The historic national monument “Salon Luis Rojas Pino” in the “Ex Aduanas” building, where the ISA World Bodyboard Championship Press Conference took place. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

In attendance were the Mayor of Iquique Jorge Soria, the Regional Secretary of Sport Johann Vieira Pineda, the President of the Chilean Surfing Federation Juan Agustin Echeverria, the President of the Municipal Council of Iquique Mauricio Soria, the Sport Director of the Municipality of Iquique Ricardo Valles, plus Chile National Team members Paloma Freyggang and Gabriel Brantes.

The ISA President Fernando Aguerre, who was not able to attend the competition in Chile due his attendance at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Monaco, Italy to continue advocating for Surfing’s inclusion in the Olympics said:

“I want to thank the Chilean Government, to the public and private sectors, especially Mr. Mitchel Cartes, Intendant of the Tarapacá Region; Mr. Jorge Soria, Mayor of the City of Iquique; and Mr. Agustín Echeverría, President of the Chilean Surf Federation. Without their collaboration and efforts, this World Championship wouldn’t be possible.”

“It’s an honor to be in Chile for the first time in ISA history, a country that is dear to my heart, and of course we hope that this is the first of a long series of ISA World Championships to visit the beautiful waves that are here year round across the whole country.”

The Parade of Nations and the Opening Ceremony will begin at 12:00pm. Follow all of the action through the event website www.ISAWBC.com

Excellent surf conditions have greeted the surfers during pre-event free surf sessions in Iquique, Chile. Photo: ISA/Gonzalo Muñoz

14 National Teams and over 90 athletes are confirmed to participate in the historic ISA World Bodyboard Championship, the first ever ISA World Championship in Chile. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

A total of 14 countries and over 90 athletes and coaches are confirmed to participate in the historic 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship, held at the world-class Bodyboarding Wave, Punta 1, in the northern Chilean city of Iquique. The competition will take place from December 6th to the 14th.

Each National Team consists of up to seven total athletes: three Open Men, one Open Women, one Junior Boys Under-18, one Junior Girls Under-18, one Dropknee, plus Team Officials.

The confirmed countries are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, and Venezuela.

Team Brazil will be looking to defend the Team Gold Medal, but don’t count out the host nation, Chile, who will give it their all to win the first ISA World Championship in the country.

“We are just a couple of days away from the Opening Ceremony and the start of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Chile. All National Teams have been announced and the athletes have begun to arrive in the beautiful and historic northern-Chilean city of Iquique,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

Aguerre continued, “The world’s best bodyboarders will be practicing at the world-class waves in preparation for the competition that begins with the Opening Ceremony on Saturday and the competition on Sunday. As I like to remind all athletes, while a few competitors will go home with medals, all of them are already winners, as they are surfing as members of their National Surfing Teams.”

Below is a full list of the confirmed teams. Please note team registration closes on Friday and is subject to change. The final list will be found on- http://isaworlds.com/bodyboarding/2014/teams/

Argentina
Open Men:
Patricio Galay
Nicolas Chiara
Gustavo Bartolini
Open Women:
TBD
Junior Boys Under-18:
Leandro Ivan Cardozo
Junior Girls Under-18:
TBD
Dropknee:
Patricio Galay
Team Officials:
TBD

Brazil
Open Men:
Eder Luciano
Sergio Luis
Lucio Santana
Open Women:
Neymara Carvalho
Junior Boys Under-18:
Socrates Santana
Junior Girls Under-18:
Yumi Vasconcellow
Dropknee:
Eder Luciano
Team Officials:
Wendel Lopes

Chile
TBD

Costa Rica
Open Men:
Richard Marín
Marlon Sandoval
Reymar Ramírez
Open Women:
Shamobi Offer
Junior Boys Under-18:
Alejandro Campos
Junior Girls Under-18:
Micaela Cubero
Dropknee:
William Fallas

Ecuador
Open Men:
Adrián Alcívar
Jhonny Alcívar
Jorge Maldonado
Open Women:
Andrea Monteverde
Junior Boys Under-18:
Bryan Molina
Junior Girls Under-18:
TBD
Dropknee:
Pascual Rosales
Team Officials:
Darwin Montes De Oca

France
Open Men:
Amaury Laverhne
Jeremy Arnous
Maxime Castillo
Open Women:
Anne Cécile Lacoste
Junior Boys Under-18:
Alexandre Castillo
Junior Girls Under-18:
Kim Veteau
Dropknee:
Amaury Laverhne
Team Officials:
Nicolas Padois
Thierry Durantel

Mexico
Open Men:
Ulises Rodriguez Guerrero
Hugo Collins

Panama
Open Men:
Giovanni Greco

Peru
Open Men:
Renzo Jesus Fassioli Flores
Jorge Eduardo Hurtado Diaz
Miguel Angel Rodriguez Saldaña
Open Women and Junior Girls Under-18:
Carolina Alessandra Botteri Moebius
Junior Boys Under-18:
Luis Alberto Abanto Quinto
Dropknee:
César Bauer Angues
Team Officials:
Jorge Saavedra

Portugal
Open Men:
Daniel Fonseca
João Filipe Barciela
Open Women:
Teresa Almeida
Junior Boys Under-18:
Miguel Adao
Dropknee:
Diogo Pimenta
Team Officials:
Joao Jardim Aranha
Gonçalo Saldanha
Eduardo Birra

Puerto Rico
Open Men:
Abner De Arce
Javier Cruzado
Open Women:
Luz M Grande
Junior Boys Under-18:
Abner De Arce
Dropknee:
Javier Cruzado

South Africa
Open Men:
Iain S Campbell
Tristan L Roberts
Storm R Prestwich
Open Women:
Pamela L Bowren
Junior Boys Under-18:
Tristan L Roberts
Junior Girls Under-18:
Georgene C McKeone
Dropknee:
Iain S Campbell
Team Officials:
Patricia D Harris
Clinton M Millard

Spain
Open Men:
Airam Cabrera

Venezuela
Open Men:
Alberto Colucci
Jacinto Toro
Angelo Freda
Open Women:
Yuleiner González
Junior Boys Under-18:
TBD
Junior Girls Under-18:
Yannelly Álvarez
Dropknee:
Angelo Freda
Team Officials:
Heli Valero

2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship (ISA WBC) from The Noria Film on Vimeo.

12 countries from around the world will soon arrive to Chile, its welcoming people and incredible Boadyboarding waves.

Brazil’s Eder Luciano, the 2X defending Open Men’s Gold Medalist will be back to defend his title at the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship, taking place December 6 to 14 in Iquique, Chile. Photo: ISA/K. Ortega

Here are the 10 things you need to know about the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship:

1. The Event

The 2014 ISA WBC is a competition for the world’s best Bodyboarders. The ISA WBC will gather the best athletes in Punta 1, in Iquique, Chile, from December 6 to the 14.

2. The History

Bodyboarding has traditionally been a division of the ISA World Surfing Games, which has crowned Open Men’s World Bodyboard Champions since 1988 and Open Women’s World Bodyboard Champion since 1996. Due to the growing popularity of the Bodyboard division and the increase in participating athletes, the ISA decided to organize its own World Championship in 2011.

The ISA WBC was established in 2011 in the Canary Islands, Spain. In 2012 and 2013, the competition was hosted in Playa Parguito, Venezuela. For the first time ever, Chile will host an ISA World Championship with the 2014 ISA WBC.

The ISA WBC, since it’s inception, has been crowning World Champions in the following individual divisions: Open Men, Open Women, Junior Under-18 Boys, and Open Dropknee. Additionally, in 2011, the ISA Aloha Cup, a tag-team format competition, was included as part of the event. The Junior Under-18 Girls was also added for the 2012 edition to give an opportunity to the young women that practice this sport.

Team Chile placed third at the 2013 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Venezuela, and will be looking to take the Gold in their home turf. Photo: ISA/K. Ortega

3. Past ISA WBC Champions

These are the past ISA WBC Champions:

Team Champion:
2011 France
2012 Brazil
2013 Brazil

Open Men:
2011 Pier Louis-Costes (France)
2012 Eder Luciano (Brazil)
2013 Eder Luciano (Brazil)

Open Women:
2011 Isabela Sousa (Brazil)
2012 Sari Ohhara (Japan)
2013 Neymara Carvalho (Brazil)

Junior U-18 Boys:

2011 Eduardo Rodríguez (Spain)
2012 Maxime Castillo (France)
2013 Jefferson Bustos (Costa Rica)

Junior U-18 Girls:
2012 Shiori Okazawa (Japan)
2013 Glorielys Oropeza (Venezuela)

Open Dropknee:

2011 Ardiel Jiménez (Spain)
2012 Iain Campbell (South Africa)
2013 Luis Rodriguez (Venezuela)

4. The Competition

The World Championship is a team competition with individual Open Men, Open Women, Junior U-18 Boys, Junior U-18 Girls, Open Dropknee, and the ISA Aloha Cup.

Each National Team consists of seven athletes competing in the following categories: Open Men (3), Open Women (1), Junior Under-18 Boys (1) and Junior Under-18 Girls (1), Open Dropknee (1).

The ISA WBC gathers the best Bodyboarders to compete for their National Teams in an “Olympic-style” event, where the team with the most amount of points, according to each individual division placing, will be crowned Team Champion.

2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship (ISA WBC) from The Noria Film on Vimeo.

5. The Prize

The surfers compete for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper Medals, the World Team Championship, and the honor of representing their respective countries.

6. The Location

This year, the event will be held at Punta 1, which is located in the north end of Cavancha Beach in the city of Iquique. This city is considered the Bodyboard capital of the country due to its perfect Bodyboarding waves.

The temperature in Iquique is warm during the time of this competition, around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). The wind is not known for being very strong during these dates. The water temperature is about 18 to 19 degrees Celsius (64-66 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on swell. Colder water comes from South swells and warmer from North swells. A 3/2 mm wetsuit is recommended.

7. The Wave

The wave at Punta 1 is a rock bottom, right point break. A strong and potent tube connects all the way to the beach’s shoreline. It is very shallow, no more than 1.5 meters deep, depending on the tide. Best swell direction is north or northwest, but works perfectly always with a south swell.

Waves can range from 1 meter to over 10 meters; the quantity and quality of waves in Iquique are some of the best in the world.

8. The Schedule

The fourth edition of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship will officially open on December 6 with the traditional ISA Opening Ceremony, which will include the Parade of the Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.

The Parade of the Nations is a colorful and energy-filled event, complete with teams chanting, waving flags and the cheering of the locals who come out to watch the spectacle.

The Sands of the World Ceremony symbolizes the true fraternal spirit that bonds together all members of the global surfing tribe. The union of the countries of the world in this emotional ceremony is symbolized through the mixing of the sands from the beaches of every participating country, showcasing the ISA’s desire for a better and peaceful world through surfing.

Important Dates:

Friday, December 5 – Official Press Conference

Saturday, December 6 – Opening Ceremony- Parade of the Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.

Sunday, December 7 – Competition Begins

Saturday, December 14 – Final day of competition, Awards Presentation and Closing Ceremony

(Schedule is subject to change)

9. The host and support

The ISA WBC is organized by Chilean Surfing Federation (FECHSURF). The ISA WBC has been possible thanks to the support from the City of Iquique and its Mayor Jorge Soria.

10. The Mission

The ISA’s mission is to develop the sport of Surfing, which includes Bodyboarding in Chile and around the world. This is accomplished through annual World Championships, membership development, educational programs, scholarship distribution and working towards Olympic Surfing.

Visit the official event website www.isawbc.com where you will soon find photos, videos and the live webcast beginning on Saturday, December 6 with the Opening Ceremony. Competition begins on Sunday, December 7

2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship (ISA WBC) from The Noria Film on Vimeo.

With 10 only until the start of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship, Iquique, “The Land of Champions,” is ready to host the world’s best bodyboarders. This competition will be a historical moment for Chile as it will mark the country’s first time hosting an ISA World Championship.

From December 6th to the 14th, Chile will become the bodyboard capital of the world.

The athletes will compete for the World Team Champion Trophy and Individual Medals at Punta 1. The heavy reef break is usually dominated by bodyboarders, so spectators can expect to see the top athletes from around the globe showcase their high performance maneuvers on this world-class wave.

The 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship will be held in Iquique, Chile from December 6 to 14 at Punta 1, a world-class reef break where the top competitors from around the globe will showcase their tube riding and high performance maneuvers. Photo: FECHSURF

“I am very excited for the start of the ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Chile,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Iquique will be an incredible destination for this competition. Between its welcoming and warm people, and amazing waves that are perfectly suited for Bodyboarding, the athletes that will soon be arriving to represent their countries are going to love it!”.



The Official Poster of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Iquique, Chile.

Each team at this year’s championship will consists of a maximum of seven athletes competing in the following categories: Open Men (3), Open Women (1), Junior Under-18 Boys (1), Junior Under-18 Girls (1), and Open Dropknee (1).

The Official Poster of the 2014 ISA World Bodyboard Championship in Iquique, Chile.

During the 2013 edition of the ISA WBC, Brazil was World Team Champion, followed by Venezuela, winners of the Silver Medal, Chile, winners of the Bronze Medal, and Costa Rica, winners of the Copper Medal.

Bodyboarding was first included in the ISA World Surfing Games in 1988, with Chris Cunningham from the USA taking home the Gold Medal. In 2011, the first stand-alone ISA WBC was held in Galdar, Canary Islands, Spain. The 2012 and 2013 editions of the ISA WBC took place at Playa Parguito in Margarita Island, Venezuela.



The wave at Punta 1 allows for a variety of maneuvers, from heavy barrels to big air sections. Photo: FECHSURF

The ISA World Bodyboard Championship will start with the traditional Opening Ceremony, including the Parade of the Nations and the Sands of the World Ceremony on Saturday December 6th. The competition will begin on the 7th, with the finals and Closing Ceremony on the 14th, when the Team and Individual World Champions will be crowned.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Chilean Surfing Federation (FECHSURF) are excited to announce the 4th Annual ISA World Bodyboard Championship (ISA WBC) to take place in Chile, from December 6th to December 14th.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre (on screen) was joined by Nicaragua’s Minister of Tourism Mayra Salinas (fourth from right), Local Event Organizer Lucy Valenti (third from left), Mayor of Granada Julia Mena (fourth from left), Mayor of Diriamba (third from right), Nicaragua Team Manager Ronaldo Urroz (far right), Nicaragua Team Members Norwin Estrella and Ana Urroz (far left) and ISA Gold Medalist Casper Steinfath (second from right) at the official press conference. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

This year’s athletes will compete for the World Team Champion Trophy and Individual Medals in the northern city of Iquique at Punta 1. The heavy reef break is usually dominated by bodyboarders, so spectators can expect to see the top athletes from around the globe showcase their high performance maneuvers on this world-class wave.

“We are thrilled that Chile will host this year’s World Bodyboard Championship in Iquique, which is the first ISA World Championship ever in Chile,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Punta 1 will be the perfect venue for the best bodyboarders in the world. We are thankful for the dedication and hard work of the President of the Chilean Surfing Federation, Juan Agustin Echeverria and his Board of Directors. We must also acknowledge the generosity of the people and government authorities of Iquique, especially Mayor Jorge Soria, for welcoming the ISA and hosting this year’s championship and for developing the sport of surfing in one of the most gorgeous locations in all of Chile. We are certain it will be a fantastic competition and we look forward to a long term relationship between Chile and the ISA.”

The first ever Nicaraguan SUP and Paddleboard Team was present at the Official Press Conference of the 2014 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Located in the northern region of Chile along the Pacific Ocean, Iquique is a port city known for its warm hospitality and world-class waves. “It’s an honor to host the ISA World Championship in our city,” said Ricardo Valles, Sport Director of the Municipality of Iquique. “We know that surfing and bodyboarding reach large audiences around the world and we are excited to showcase our town’s hospitality, warmth and waves through the ISA World Bodyboard Championship, which will be seen by hundreds of thousands on the computer and television screens globally. Iquique is the ‘Land of Champions,’ where sport has a special and important place, and our Mayor, Jorge Soria, is one of the biggest promoters of this fact.”

“All the bodyboarders from around the globe can expect a world-class right, with four to six foot tube rides,” said Juan Agustin Echeverria, President of the Chilean Surfing Federation, ensuring that spectators are guaranteed to see a show. “Punta 1 is a technical and high performance wave for a world championship. I am excited to watch the competition unfold, and thankful to the ISA for supporting Chilean surfing and tourism on our amazing coast.”

The first ever Nicaraguan SUP and Paddleboard Team was present at the Official Press Conference of the 2014 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Each team at this year’s championship will consists of a maximum of seven athletes competing in the following categories: Open Men (3), Open Women (1), Junior Under-18 Boys (1), Junior Under-18 Girls (1), and Open Dropknee (1).

Brazil is the defending 2013 World Team Champion, with Venezuela having taken the Silver Medal, Chile the Bronze Medal, and Costa Rica the Copper Medal.

Bodyboarding was first included in the ISA World Surfing Games in 1988, with Chris Cunningham from the USA taking home the Gold Medal. In 2011, the first stand-alone ISA WBC was held in Galdar, Canary Islands, Spain. The 2012 and 2013 editions of the ISA WBC took place at Playa Parguito in Margarita Island, Venezuela.

The ISA World Bodyboard Championship will start with the traditional Opening Ceremony, including the Parade of the Nations and the Sands of the World Ceremony on December 6th. The competition will begin on the 7th, with the finals and Closing Ceremony on the 14th, when the Team and Individual World Champions will be crowned.