2011 world tour MEDIA guide
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intro
The vision put simply In 2011, the IBA World Tour is set to take bodyboarding to new levels at world-class wave locations around the globe. Our vision? To share the amazing sport of bodyboarding with as much of the world as possible, in the waves that the sport thrives in. Longer waiting periods at heaving slabs like Fronton, Pipeline, The Box and Chile’s El Gringo. Shallow reef breaks and perfect peeling beachies with barrels and air bowls alike, to showcase the sport at its highest level. As with most forms of board riding, bodyboarding is a display of personality and many elite riders have long considered it more akin to an art form than a competitive pursuit. Bodyboarding has always had a free-surf focus; chasing down and surfing the best waves, traveling to and exploring new destinations and documenting the experience. Thankfully, the progression of the IBA World Tour in 2011 will provide a platform to make all of this possible, and most importantly, allow the world’s best riders to showcase their style of riding on a competitive stage.
World-class locations, the world’s very best riders competing for cash and credibility, and all broadcast to the world via cutting edge web-cast technology and an eight-part TV series (one episode based on each Grand Slam Series event). What could be better?
On top of this, regional and qualifying tours will feed into the Grand Slam Series, nurturing and growing the sport on all levels for years to come. Come ride with us in 2011.
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history
Bodyboarding // a brief history Way back in 1971, Hawaiian inventor Tom Morey founded “the boogie board”, a soft foam board measuring 54 inches in length that was intended to be ridden lying down. His vision? Simply to share the ocean with the world. Hawaiians had been riding “paipo” boards on their bellies as far back as the late 1700s, and inflatable “surfmats” had also been popularised prior to Tom’s invention. Regardless, neither had the same kind of impact as “the boogie”. A quick learning curve and ease of access to the world of riding waves saw what we now know as “bodyboarding” boom time and time again over the past 40 years, and no more so than in 2011.
Bodyboarding was first publiscised back in the late 80s, most often at places like Sandy Beach and Waimea Shorebreak in Hawaii. The functionality of riding prone allowed a closeness to the wave unachievable on any other craft, and also allowed riders to negotiate these shallow, steep and hollow wave locations like no wave riders before them. As is the way with human nature, it wasn’t long before riders began progressing from these shallow shorebreaks into bigger and better waves of consequence. Waves like the infamous Banzai Pipeline and Backdoor in Hawaii, Newport Wedge in the US, and Cronulla’s Shark Island in Australia. As well as riding deep in the barrel and on the face of the wave – as surfers had done before them– bodyboarders started using the pitching lip of the wave as a launching pad, to send them flying into any number of acrobatic moves; a progression that would go on to push not just bodyboarding, but the way all wave riders looked at how a wave could be approached and ridden.
With new generations, came new moves, new locations, and an insatiable thirst to push this genre of wave riding into realms never thought possible, which is where we find bodyboarding in 2011.
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What is it? Bodyboarding in 2011 In recent years, many of the world’s most highly publiscised slabs and big wave spots have been explored (often discovered) and conquered by bodyboarders; spots that have truly captured the world’s attention. From Tahiti, Ireland and the Canary Islands, to Hawaii, Tasmania and the South Coast of NSW, not to mention the raw South West coastline of Western Australia. These are the kind of conditions that bodyboarders live for and thrive on; the kind of waves that no other craft can ride paddling in. With the focus shifting to these hollow ledges and slabs, bodyboarders are riding bigger barrels, hitting bigger sections and generally taking wave riding to new levels the world over. These images are just a small pictorial taste of where bodyboarding is at in 2011.
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top 24
Men’s World Tour Grand Slam Series Riders (the top 24)
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1. Amaury Lavernhe 2010 ranking: 1 www.amaurybodyboarding.com Hometown: St Gilles, Reunion Island In short: Part two of the French wonder duo, the current World Champ is a competitive machine with a lust for the life he leads. Friendly, focused and always in peak physical condition, Amaury’s determined approach to the Tour will no doubt continue in 2011.
2. Pierre-Louis Costes 2010 ranking: 2 www.pierrelouiscostes.com Hometown: Capbreton, France In short: The French wonder kid, Pierre is like the Rafael Nadal of bodyboarding. He’s constantly competitive and fearless in the water, and spends much of his time chasing waves throughout Australia as well as dominating the tour.
3. Guilherme Tamega 2010 ranking: 3 www.globoesporte.globo. com/platb/guilhermetamega Hometown: Copacabana, Brazil In short: A true legend of the bodyboarding world, GT is like no other rider, past or present. The man exudes pure grit, determination and raw power, not to mention a crazy competitive spirit that may never be matched, ever. A six-time World Champ with plenty still in the tank.
4. Dave Winchester 2010 ranking: 4 www.davewinchester.com Hometown: Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia In short: Bodyboarding’s man’s man. A happily married, doting father to two young girls, Wingy does absolutely everything with an uncanny ease and always a smile on his dial. Combining speed, power and technical ability, he’s tough to beat in any conditions.
5. Eder Luciano 2010 ranking: 5 www.ibaworldtour.com/ riders/eder-luciano Hometown: Itapema, Brazil In short: With good results in Confital, Arica and Pipe in 2010, Eder is no slouch when it comes to pumping waves, and has been a consistent competitor on the Men’s World Tour for a number of years now.
6. Diego Cabrera 2010 ranking: 6 www.diegocabrerabodyboarder.blogspot.com Hometown: Gran Canaria, Spain In short: One of the younger riders on the tour, Diego has never let his age or experience get in the way of great results in the best waves. A finalist at both Pipe and El Fronton in 2010, this Canarian youngster is just getting started and headed for a bright future.
13. Ryan Hardy 2010 ranking: 13 www.ibaworldtour.com/ riders/ryan-hardy Hometown: Margaret River, WA, Australia In short: Regarded by many as the best bodyboarder in the world to not have won a World Title, Hardy will be on a mission in 2011. Having built a career based on technical perfection and power in pumping waves, the Grand Slam venues are likely to suit him to a tee.
14. Uri Valadao 2010 ranking: 14 www.urivaladao.com Hometown: Salvador, Brazil In short: Since he was very young, Uri was touted by Brazilian legend Guilherme Tamega as a future World Champ, and became only the third Brazilian to fulfill this prophecy back in 2008. Particularly in smaller conditions, Uri has more pop in his riding than anyone on tour.
15. Dave Hubbard 2010 ranking: 15 www.ibaworldtour.com/ riders/dave-hubbard Hometown: Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii In short: D-Hubb’s versatility on a bodyboard is uncanny. He can mix it with the best riders prone or drop knee, and is one of the sport’s great characters. Proud Hawaiian and – as he puts it – loves “just following the currents and boogie-ing down”.
16. Lucas Nogueira 2010 ranking: 16 www.lucasnasondas.blogspot.com Hometown: Espirito Santo, Brazil In short: Similar to his Brazilian counterpart Magno, Lucas has made a name for himself on the Euro and Brazilian legs of the tour in the past few years, notching up good results at Sintra and Buzios.
17.Damian King 2010 ranking: 17 www.damianking.com Hometown: Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia In short: One of the sport’s great all rounders, Kingston is a two-time World Champ that thrives on surfing quick and tight in the pocket of the wave. Can mix it up with the best of ’em in small waves, but will be an even bigger threat when conditions get big and heavy.
18. Mike Stewart 2010 ranking: 18 www.mikestewart.com Hometown: Hawaii In short: The Godfather of the sport, Mike is – quite frankly – a freak. Previous career highlights include numerous World Titles, pioneering the sport of bodyboarding as a whole, and any number of “firsts” including towing Teahupo’o and riding Jaws (on a bodyboard).
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7. Jeff Hubbard 2010 ranking: 7 www.hubbbodyboarding.com Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA In short: Another two-time World Champ, Jeff does things on a bodyboard that simply boggle the mind. Explosive and entertaining, he has pushed the aerial side of bodyboarding to another level and continues to re-define what is possible on a wave.
8. Ben Player 2010 ranking: 8 www.benplayer.com Hometown: Avalon, NSW, Australia In short: Along with his two World Titles, BP is the Publisher and co-founder of Movement Magazine and part owner of clothing company Grand Flavour. Perpetually ambitious, he surfs with speed, power and tech precision, and is always hungry for another win.
9. Mark McCarthy 2010 ranking: 9 www.followyourboetie.com Hometown: Richards Bay, South Africa In short: Mark is the silent assassin of the World Tour. His quiet demeanor often sees him flying below the radar, until there he is in yet another final, notching up wins in big waves and small. Largely underrated and always a threat.
10. Jared Houston 2010 ranking: 10 www.jaredhouston.tumblr.com Hometown: Table View, South Africa In short: A relatively fresh face in the world of bodyboarding, Jared burst onto the World Tour in 2010, his youthful exuberance and competitive fire garnering him some big results and an overall finish of 10th place. He’ll be one to watch in the coming years, no doubt.
11. Jake Stone 2010 ranking: 11 www.billabong.com.au/ team-rider/bodyboard/407/ jake-stone Hometown: Perth, WA, Australia In short: The face of Australia’s new generation, and a mischievous young man with natural talent coming out of his ears. Embodies the technically perfect form that is so often bred on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
12. Yeray Martinez 2010 ranking: 12 www.ibaworldtour.com/ riders/yeray-martinez Hometown: Gran Canaria, Spain In short: One of the original Canary Islands riders to start making a name for himself on the world stage, Yeray was a clear standout in the Wild Wild Wave invitational back in December. Trains hard and surfs with a powerful style typical of the Canarian riders.
19. Manuel Centeno 2010 ranking: 19 www.ibaworldtour.com/riders/manuel-centeno Hometown: Porto, Portugal In short: As well as chasing waves, Manuel is an architect and has been a dominant European force in World Tour and regional events for a number of years now. A third place finish in front of his home crowd at Sintra last year was definitely a highlight.
20. Michael Novy 2010 ranking: 20 www.michaelnovy.net Hometown: Central Coast, NSW, Australia In short: After a rough run in 2010 that included a broken back, it’s a testament to Mr Novy’s competitive fire that he still qualified for the 2011 tour, only narrowly missing out on an Australian Tour title as well. No matter the conditions, he’s always a stand out.
21. Guillhermo Cobo 2010 ranking: 21 www.ibaworldtour.com/riders/guillermo-cobo/ Hometown: Telde, Gran Canaria In short: Another of the Canary Islands riders to have sprung into the limelight from relative obscurity in 2010. Reared on the wedges near Las Palmas airport and the infamous El Fronton, Guillhermo will be matching his youth and energy against the more experienced riders on tour.
22. Magno Oliviera 2010 ranking: 22 www.ibaworldtour.com/riders/magno-oliveira Hometown: Guarapari, Brazil In short: Another of Brazil’s finest exports, Magno is especially dominant on the Euro and Latin American legs of the tour, with a prowess in smaller waves that is almost unmatched. Highly competitive and a super nice guy to boot.
23. Gastao Entrudo 2010 ranking: 23 www.ibaworldtour.com/riders/gastao-entrudo Hometown: Meco, Portugal In short: Young Portugese shredder, following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen before him like Hugo Pinheiro. Had a great result in pumping waves at the Arica Challenge in 2010 and is equally as threatening in smaller conditions.
24. Dallas Singer 2010 ranking: 24 www.dallassinger.com Hometown: Newcastle, NSW, Australia In short: Hi-fi aerial surfing is where Dall sets himself apart from his rivals, preferring to spend most of his time in the water above the wave. One of the few riders out there consistently sticking invertto-air reverses, he’ll be one to watch if there’s any sign of an airbowl.
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Calendar 2011 DATES
EVENT NAME GSS POINTS
WAVE/LOCATION IBA REGION
PRIZE PURSE (USD)
February
Pipeline Pro
15-25
2000
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, IBA America
$30,000
April
The Box, WA
14-20
2000
The Box, Margaret River, Australia, IBA Australasia
$30,000
May 20-29
Arica Chilean Challenge 2000
El Gringo, Arica, Chile IBA South America
$30,000
August
Zicatela Pro
4-13
2000
Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico, IBA South America
$30,000
August
Sintra Portugal Pro
22-28
2000
Praia Grande, Sintra, Portugal IBA Europe
$40,000
Sept/Oct
Reunion Pro
30-9
2000
Les Archers, St-Pierre, Reunion Island IBA Africa
$30,000
December
Confital Pro
3-10
2000
El Confital, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria IBA Africa
$30,000
December
Fronton Showdown
11-18
2000
El Fronton, Gran Canaria IBA Africa
$30,000
With banging new venues featuring some of the world’s best bodyboarding waves, photos, footage and up-to-date news from the GSS will be flowing in abundance via all your favourite media channels. Any questions you might be harbouring about how the new tour works and the best way to follow the action should be answered below:
World Tour FAQs How is the world champ decided? The 2011 World Champ will be the rider with the best points total taken from 50% of total GSS events run, plus one. That is – as per the current eight-event calendar – a rider’s best five results would add up to create their end of 2011 total. All eight events carry a maximum of 2000 points for first place. Again, the IBA website will be your one-stop-shop for following all your favourite riders and their current position on the tour ladder.
Media www The IBA will host the official contest website for each GSS event to maintain a professional and consistent source of information. News feeds and daily highlights will be distributed over the course of each event and you’ll also be able to keep your finger on the pulse by following the World Tour on Twitter www.twitter.com/ibaworldtour webcasts All webcasts will screen via the IBA website (http://ibaworldtour.com) and possibly via Red Bull TV, with live scores and commentary (provided in English by Manny Vargas, as well as in the native language of the event location).
Wildcard competitors There will be a maximum of four wildcard spots allocated for each GSS event. Two of these wildcards will be seeded directly into the main event along with the top 24. Two of the “other” wild cards will be seeded into the ultimate round of the trials (with the six top placing trialists also going through to the main event).
tv series In collaboration with Snakes and Ladders Production Company, the IBA will be producing an eight-part, made-for-TV documentary series, with episodes based around each GSS contest destination as well as the event itself. The series is expected to screen on free-to-air and pay TV globally throughout 2011.
The other tours // The GQS, WWT and DKWT See pages 34 through to 41 of this guide for all the details on the Men’s Global Qualifying Series, the DK World Tour and the Women’s World Tour, including a 2011 calendar, 2010 ratings and top riders involved. All ratings and event news will be available at ibaworldtour.com, as well as links through to other affiliated regional tours.
magazines Be sure to scope your favourite bodyboarding mags (and their websites) for all the best imagery and action from the various GSS events, not to mention photographic gold from all the world’s best free-surfing sessions. If you don’t already subscribe to ’em, the best print mags out there are as follows:
Australia Portugal UK France South Africa
Riptide Magazine www.riptidemag.com.au Le Boogie Magazine www.leboogie.com Movement Magazine www.movementmag.com Vert Bodyboard Magazine www. vert-mag.com Three Sixty Bodyboard Magazine www.threesixtymag.co.uk Bodyboard Magazine www.bodyboard-mag.com Sixty40 Magazine www.sixty40.co.za PHOTO: RUBEN GRIMON
Media enquires? Any media enquiries should be directed to IBA Media Director Steve Robertson (steve@ surfingaustralia.com).
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Following The Tour
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The Pipeline Pro February 15 to 25 Previous winners?
Include Mike Stewart, Guilherme Tamega, Jeff Hubbard, Ryan Hardy and Amaury Lavernhe (2010) among others. Prize purse? $30,000 US Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
The wave Pipe is a wave that needs no introduction. Arguably the most well-known surf spot on the planet, Pipe is a left and right peak found on Oahu’s famed North Shore in Hawaii. Right-hand waves (known as Backdoor Pipe) break on swells up to about eight feet, whereas Pipe’s lefts will break on first, second and third reef anywhere from two feet, to 15 feet. The true Pipe waves of folklore however, break predominantly on first reef. Why is it so famous? It’s the combination of the reef and the swells that batter it in the
winter season that create some of the tallest, roundest and most dangerous waves ever to be witnessed and ridden. Increasingly, surfers and bodyboarders alike have flocked to the North Shore in these winter months to test themselves against the wave’s might, or to chase that one illusive Pipe moment that could be the wave of a lifetime. Bodyboarding at Pipe is unlike any other wave riding approach, with riders scooping themselves deep into first reef slabs (going right and left) and often using Pipe’s powerful lips to launch high into the air over the shallow reef.
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life on location How to get there? Fly to Honolulu airport, then it’s a one-hour drive out to the North Shore. Waves this time of year? Although each season varies in terms of consistency and quality, Pipe breaks best throughout the months of October through to March. February is considered “late season”, but can still produce great waves all along the North Shore.
Parking? Is available at Ehukai Beach Park, right in front of the wave. Winds? Trade winds are predominant on the North Shore during February, blowing from the NE to ENE direction, which is clean and offshore. Weather? Although it’s winter in Hawaii, the weather is mostly mild, often sunny and occasionally damp with monsoonal showers. Water temperature? Shorts/trunks or a springsuit will do you just fine.
local knowledge Currency? US dollars. Language? English. Accommodation? On the North Shore near the action can be tough to find and expensive during the winter months. Try Keiki Bungalows or any number of private rentals to be found online. Alternatively there are plenty of hotels in downtown Waikiki if you don’t mind a couple of hours of driving each day.
Local rippers/legends? Bodyboarding was first pioneered at Pipe by riders like Daniel Kaimi and Mike Stewart, with Mike going on to redefine what was possible out there on a bodyboard and – arguably – on any wave craft. Jeff and Dave Hubbard, Spencer Skipper and Mike Stewart are the most prominent local bodyboarders these days. Other attractions? Too many to mention, Oahu and the North Shore especially is steeped in surfing history. Stay for a while and explore.
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Previous winners? New event for 2011 (although Beau Day won the first event to run here back in 2002) Prize purse? $30,000 US Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
The Box April 14 to 20 The wave There was a point in time when The Box was once thought unrideable. Surfers would check Margaret River’s main break, occasionally casting a gaze north of the river mouth to catch a momentary glimpse of a thick, round barrel spitting into the channel. Too quick, too shallow, too dangerous; or so they thought.
Back in the day it wasn’t unheard of to score sessions out there to yourself. These days however, there are plenty of surfers and bodyboarders frequenting this small slab of reef, and it’s rare to see it empty if there’s anything close to a rideable wave breaking.
It’s another of those waves that was custombuilt for riding a bodyboard. A right-hand reef where swells come out of deep water on to a short and shallow shelf, making the wave heave as wide as it is high. Paddling in on the deepest part of the peak, you drop in from behind the wave and set your line to enjoy the view of a big round barrel, or prepare yourself to launch high into the air off the notorious end bowl as it wraps in on you. There’s a whole lot of ocean behind it though and the power is not to be underestimated.
life on location How to get there? Fly into Perth domestic or international airport. Margaret River is approximately three hours drive south. Waves this time of year? Prime season for The Box and Margs in general. Low-pressure systems and cold fronts move through, followed soon after by high-pressure systems with obligatory offshores, grooming swells from the Southern Ocean. No matter what
type of waves you’re after, Margaret River’s got something for everyone. Parking? Plenty of options with ample parking in front of Margaret River’s main break (Surfer’s Point), or down at the river mouth. Winds? Winds this time of year are predominantly clean and offshore in the morning (E winds), but will usually have swung onshore (SW) by midday or earlier. This regular afternoon sea breeze is known as “The Freo Doctor”.
Weather? Although April in Margaret River is mild, the Aussie sun shouldn’t be underestimated, so be sure to slip slop and slap (t-shirt, sunscreen and a hat). Can also start to get a little chilly in the evenings, so pack some warm clothes. Water temp? Neoprene is a necessity. A 3/2 full-length steamer should see you sorted.
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local knowledge Currency? Australian dollars Language? English Accommodation? Plenty of options. Prevelly Park Beach Resort provides every style of accommodation from on site vans and cabins, to campsites and is walking distance from the event. Local rippers/legends? WA riders like Gene and Ryan Hardy, Geordie McColl and Joe Jordanoff pioneered The Box in the early days. These days Ryan is pretty well untouchable out there and always incredible to watch.
PHOTO: MALEY
Other attractions? Margaret River is one of WA’s most popular tourist destinations, so there’s plenty to see and do, from wineries and boutique breweries, to nearby Karri forests and other natural wonders.
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The wave El Gringo has been a staple on the bodyboard world tour for a number of years now and is always a favourite with competitors. The wave itself is not unlike Hawaii’s Pipeline, with predominant lefts (particularly on bigger swells) barreling along the reef, all the way in to a shallow inside section. There are definitely rights to be had as well, and some of the bigger ramps known to man in both directions. El Gringo is located in the Alacran Island (Isla del Alacrán) in front of El Morro.
Arica Chilean Challenge May 20 to 29
Previous winners? Include Jeff Hubbard, Ryan Hardy, Ben Player, Mike Stewart and Dave Winchester in 2010 Prize purse? $30,000 US Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
life on location How to get there? Make no mistake, getting to Arica can be quite the mission, but it’s worthwhile. There are two recommended ways to go about it. Fly to LAX, then LA to Lima (in Peru), then Lima to Tacna airport (on the border of Peru and Chile), followed by a 45-minute drive to Arica. Your other option is flying from LAX to Santiago in Chile’s south, and then getting a direct flight to Arica airport. Waves this time of year? Pumping. Arica is a favourite amongst the tour riders for good reason. Every year it provides cracking waves, with clean barrels and ramps galore. Parking? Is available in close proximity to Alacran Island. Winds? El Gringo is usually best in the morning when there is little to no wind. Weather? Renowned as one of the driest inhabited places on earth in terms of rainfall, but still rocks high humidity and consistent cloud cover and grey days. Expect mild weather with minimal rainfall. Water temp? Cold. Make sure you pack your steamer.
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local knowledge Currency? The Chilean peso Language? Chilean Spanish (a dialect of Spanish) is spoken most prominently throughout Chile. Accommodation? There are plenty of hotel and hostel accommodation options in Arica. See http://www.chilebodyboard.com/ for more info. Local rippers/legends? Chilean Cristian Fernandez made it to the semi finals in the 2010 event, getting narrowly pipped by an in form Amaury Lavernhe. Other attractions? Machu Picchu – often referred to as The Lost City of the Incas – is Peru’s most visited tourist attraction; an awe inspiring set of Inca ruins based 2430 metres above sea level. It’s not too far from Arica (especially considering how far you’ve traveled to be there already) and a once in a lifetime experience.
PHOTO: GOYA
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Zicatela Pro August 4 to 13
Previous winners? New event for 2011 Prize purse? $30,000 US Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
The wave?
life on location
A new event for 2010 and highly anticipated by the top 24 riders as they see “The Mexican Pipeline” as yet another perfect location to display hi-fi bodyboarding in 2011. Zicatela is the main beach of Puerto Escondido, a long stretch of slabbing, sand-bottom peaks that offer fast pits and punchy ramps; enough to keep any bodyboarder satisfied for weeks on end. It’s is arguably one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world and breaks on just about any size of swell, producing left and right peaks up to about six foot, and holding massive lefts further down the beach (up to 20 feet) when it gets serious.
How to get there? Puerto Escondido is on the south coast of Mexico. Best bet is to fly to Mexico City, then catch a domestic flight to Puerto. Waves this time of year? July through September is go time for waves and is also good as the winds can be clean in the afternoons, as well as in the morn. Parking? You’ll most likely be strolling out of your accommodation straight onto the beach, making parking the least of your concerns.
Winds? The early bird catches the worm here, and you can almost time the wind going onshore at between 10 and 11am every day. Weather? Pack that sunscreen; you’re going to need it. It gets hot as hell once that sun is up, so hot you won’t know what to do with yourself. Water temp? Boardies, boardies, boardies. It gets damn hot, so if you’re on the pasty side you might want some lycra or an old t-shirt as well.
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local knowledge Currency? US dollars Language? Spanish is spoken by the vast majority of Mexicans, among any number of Amerindian languages. Accommodation? The Aqua Luna Hotel is popular with traveling bodyboarders and is a short walk to town and Zicatela beach. Local rippers/legends? You’ll run into many a local bodyboarder in the water, all of whom are tough to snag waves off when it’s crowded. Other attractions? The Puerto party circuit is renowned and as the day heats up, there’s nothing better than cooling down with some cheap Coronas while watching the waves. Everything’s within walking distance, just don’t make missing the early a part of your routine. Punta Colorada is also just around the corner and a renowned shorebreak haunt for bodyboarders.
PHOTO: SHIELD
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stop 5 life on location How to get there? Fly to Lisbon airport. Rental cars are relatively inexpensive it’s approximately 45 minutes drive to Sintra and Praia Grande.
Sintra Portugal Pro August 22 to 28
The wave?
Parking? Is available close by and overlooking Praia Grande, but things can get hectic while the contest is on so be prepared for a park-to-short-walk combo. Waves this time of year? Swell can often be a little lacking this time of year. Expect beach break peaks of between one and four feet.
Previous winners? Amaury Lavernhe in 2010
Winds? E winds are offshore and generally prevailing first thing in the morning, followed by an onshore sea breeze.
Prize purse? $40,000 US
Weather? It’s summer, baby, so be prepared to get your tan on with the bronzed locals.
Winner receives? $8000 US and 2000 GSS points
Water temp? Deceptively cold. No matter how warm it is outside in the sun, chances are you’re going to need that full-length steamer.
local knowledge
Currency? Euros Praia Grande is a long and subtly bay-shaped stretch of beach located almost directly west of Lisbon, and has been hosting the Sintra Portugal Pro for many years now. Although it can and has produced some great beach Accommodation? There are plenty of options in Sintra and also break conditions for past events, it is likely to be one of the smaller wave locations on the 2011 tour. What Sintra closer to Praia Grande itself. Local bed and breakfasts are probsometimes lacks in wave quality though, it well and truly makes up for in infrastructure and event vibes. This weekably your best option. long bodyboard “festival” is huge, and always an important and sought after crown during this European leg of the tour, which leads into the final events of the year. Local rippers/legends? Porto local Manuel Centeno managed a third place finish at Sintra last year, and Hugo Pinheiro is also one of Portugal’s most well known riders, having competed on the World Tour for many years. Other attractions? The town of Sintra is beautiful and a major tourist attraction in itself; a World Heritage listed site well worth exploring. Ericeira is another beautiful town that also offers some of Portugal’s better waves, around a one-hour drive north of Sintra.
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The wave?
Les Archers is a left-hand reef break on the south side of Reunion Island. The last event to run there was back in 1998, which Guilherme Tamega won in epic 10-foot waves. The south part of the coast is consistent, catching all swells and Les Archers is the only place on the south side that’s offshore with a south wind.
Reunion Pro
September 30 - October 9 Previous winners? New event for 2011
Currency? Euros
Prize purse? $30,000 US
Language? French
Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
life on location How to get there? Although there are a few ways to go about it, your best bet is to fly to Mauritius, then take another internal flight to St Denis, the island capital. You can either grab a cab or a hire car from the airport out to SaintPierre, a trip that will take you around an hour. Waves this time of year? Although not the peak time of year for waves, Reunion gets consistent swells all year ’round.
local knowledge
Winds? Les Archers is one of the only spots on the south side that is offshore in a south wind. Weather? Tropical climate, warm and mostly dry this time of year. Water temp? Warm and toasty, you’ll only need boardies or a spring suit.
Accommodation? Plenty of options from hotels, to backpackers and campsites, all in town and close to the wave. Local rippers/legends? Current World Champ Amaury Lavernhe calls Reunion home, as did the late David Leglye, a local legend and one of the first pro bodyboarders from Reunion, whom well and truly inspired the current generation of rippers. Other attractions? Be sure to check out Reunion Island’s most famous wave, St Leu, on the mid-west coast of the island. Reunion is also one of the most visually stunning places you’ll ever visit, from volcanoes in the middle of the island, to beautiful French women.
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life on location How to get there? Fly to Las Palmas airport. From there it’s about a 30-minute drive to Las Palmas city centre.
Confital Pro December 3 to 10 The wave? El Confital is a right hand reef located on the northeast tip of Gran Canaria (albeit on the western side of this tip of the island). When at its best it produces long, refracting walls that barrel and bowl along the shallow shelf for up to 50 metres. The reef is sharp and unforgiving on the inside, but it rarely stops riders from hitting any section that presents itself. Most waves are notoriously localised on Gran Canaria (and island wide in the Canary chain) and El Confital is no different. Their kindness and hospitality on land is known far and wide, but just be aware that once in the water and the waves, they’re a fiery and competitive bunch.
Previous winners? Mark McCarthy in 2010 Prize purse? $30,000 US Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
Waves this time of year? Epic. Raw Atlantic swells batter the island so it’s a consistent time of year to be in town. It can be notoriously wind affected, so you’ve really got to stay on the pulse to give yourself the best chance of waves. Parking? Plenty available right in front of the wave, although you may want to get in early on finals day as it tends to get packed out. Winds? Being such a small island smack bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, conditions can change (for better or worse) within minutes. Best bet is to do multiple surf checks throughout the day and plan around the tides. Weather? Can be a little “four seasons in one day”. One minute you’re smashing on sunscreen and cruising in shorts, the next you could be rugging up in a jumper and jeans, hiding from the rain. Water temp? Can vary widely, depending on the season. On a sunny day you can definitely rock boardies, but bringing a wetsuit for the trip is definitely recommended. It’s still “winter”, after all.
Currency? Euros Language? Spanish Accommodation? Gran Canaria is a huge holiday destination for UK and Euro tourists escaping to the sun and warmth, so there are hordes of hotel accommodation options all over the island. Your best bet is to try for something close to, or in Las Palmas though, to minimise your daily driving. Local rippers/legends? Gran Canaria has a long list of local riders who have pushed bodyboarding on a local and international level. Guys like Alexis Diaz, Ardiel Jiminez, Yeray Martinez, Richard Diaz and Genesis Reyes have been pushing the sport for years, with younger guys like Nelson Mora, Diego Cabrera and a swag of others leading a new generation of rippers, whom are some of the best riders in the world. Other attractions? A drive up into the centre of the island is a must, with quaint townships and otherworldly, lunar landscapes abounding. Or if you’re down to party, check out Maspalomas on a weekend night.
PHOTO: ANDY LAWRENCE
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local knowledge
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Fronton Showdown Previous winners? Jeff Hubbard won the Inaugural Wild Wild Wave Invitational in December 2010 Prize purse? $30,000 US Winner receives? $6000 US and 2000 GSS points
life on location How to get there? Fly to Las Palmas airport on Gran Canaria. From there it’s about a 30-minute drive to Las Palmas city centre, and another half an hour up to Galdar. Waves this time of year? Good chances. Raw Atlantic swells batter the island so it’s a consistent time of year to be in town. It can be notoriously wind affected, so you’ve really got to stay on the pulse to give yourself the best chance of waves.
December 11 to 18 The wave?
El Fronton. First publiscised on an international level back in 2004 and has since become many of the world’s best riders’ favourite wave on earth. Simply put, this wave is a bodyboarders’ dream. Raw Atlantic swells march in on to the shallow, perfectly triangular, lave reef shelf. Straight west swells
Parking? Some parking is available right in front of the wave, although you may have to park nearby and walk come event day. Winds? Being such a small island smack bang in the middle of the Atlantic, conditions can change (for better or worse) within minutes. Best bet is to do multiple surf checks throughout the day and plan around the tides.
produce the most perfect waves at Fronton, as the right reels and wraps along the shelf, creating some of the thickest barrels and hugest air bowls you’ve ever laid eyes on. The wave is very much a peak though and the lefts can provide just as much entertainment (and/or potential for danger). Is the island’s swell magnet and will break on almost all swell sizes, from one foot to 15 feet.
Weather? Can be a little “four seasons in one day”. One minute you’re smashing on sunscreen and cruising in shorts, the next you could be rugging up in a jumper and jeans, hiding from the elements. Water temp? Can vary widely, depending on the season. On a sunny day you can definitely rock boardies, but bringing a wetsuit for the trip is definitely recommended. It’s still “winter”, after all.
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local knowledge Currency? Euros Language? Spanish Accommodation? Gran Canaria is a huge holiday destination for UK and Euro tourists escaping to the sun and warmth, so there are hordes of hotel accommodation options all over the island. Your best bet for this event is to try for something close to, or in Galdar (in the island’s north), to minimise your daily driving. Local rippers/legends? Gran Canaria has a long list of local riders who have pushed bodyboarding on a local and international level. Guys like Alexis Diaz, Ardiel Jiminez, Yeray Martinez, Richard Diaz and Genesis Reyes have been pushing the sport for years, with younger guys like Nelson Mora, Diego Cabrera and a swag of others leading a new generation of rippers, whom are some of the best riders in the world. At Fronton especially, there are pretty much too many good guys to name. Other attractions? Puerto de Las Nieves is a quaint little port town 20 minutes drive north of Galdar and has a rad “small Spanish fishing village” vibe about it, not to mention some amazing places to eat.
PHOTO: RUBEN GRIMON
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(and affiliated tours) DATES
EVENT NAME
EVENT TYPE
GQS POINTS
WAVE/LOCATION
IBA REGION
PRIZE PURSE (USD)
February 12-13
Pipeline Pro Trials
GSS Trials
2000
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
IBA America
April 11-13
The Box Trials
GSS Trials
2000
The Box, Margaret River, Australia
IBA Australasia
May 11-15
Peruvian Inka Challenge
Qualifying Series 6 Star
2000
Chilca, Peru
IBA South America
May 20-22
Arica Chilean Challenge Trials
GSS Trials
2000
El Gringo, Arica, Chile
IBA South America
May 31-June 4
Búzios Bodyboarding Festival
Qualifying Series 2 Star
1200
Geribá, Búzios, Brazil
IBA South America
August 4-6
Zicatela Pro Trials
GSS Trials
2000
Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
IBA South America
August 18-21
Sopelana BBK
Qualifying Series 1 Star
1000
Sopelana, Spain
IBA Europe
August 22-24
Sintra Portugal Pro
GSS Trials
2000
Praia Grande, Sintra, Portugal
IBA Europe
September 1-4
Ferrol Pro
Qualifying Series 6 Star
2000
Doñinos, Spain
IBA Europe
$25,000
September 7-11
Campos Pro
Qualifying Series 2 Star
1000
Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
IBA South America
$30,000
September 22-25
Knights Beach Pro
Qualifying Series 6 Star
2000
Knights Beach, South Australia
IBA Australasia
$25,000
Sept 30 - Oct 9
Reunion Pro
GSS Trials
2000
Les Archers, St-Pierre, Reunion Island
IBA Africa
December 3-5
Confital Pro
GSS Trials
2000
El Confital, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
IBA Africa
December 11-13
Fronton Showdown
GSS Trials
2000
Gran Canaria
IBA Africa
$30,000 (once in main event)
$30,000 (once in main event)
$25,000 $30,000 (once in main event)
$30,000 $30,000 (once in main event)
$25,000 $40,000 (once in main event)
$30,000 (once in main event)
$30,000 (once in main event)
$30,000 (once in main event)
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Overall Vision The vision for the IBA in 2011 is that each level of competitive riding will feed into the next tier above it, as follows: • Local club competitors will eventually feed in to state events. • State events competitors will eventually feed in to regional affiliated tour events. • Regional affiliated tour competitors will eventually feed in to Global Qualifying Series (GQS) events (as well as their regionally affiliated tour events). • To eventually qualify for the Men’s World Tour and Grand Slam Series (GSS), becoming one of the top 24 riders.
Trials Events Trials will all be three days in duration and run in the days leading up to the GSS events. Any rider is eligible to enter the trials events, with the top six places moving through to the main draw of the GSS event. All GSS Trials events will double as GQS events with the maximum of 2000 GQS points up for grabs.
Qualifying for the 2012 GSS Tour At the end of the competition year, the top eight riders from the GQS will replace the bottom eight riders on the GSS. Riders looking to secure one of the coveted eight places up for grabs on the 2012 GSS World Tour will be selected using the following formula:
Affiliated Tours There are a number of regional tours set up globally, as follows:
GSS Qualifier Best GSS Trials event result (2000 points) Best GQS stand-alone result (2000 points) Overall national ranking (1000 points)
IBA Australasia IBA Latin America USBA (USA) SABA (South Africa) JPB (Japan) IBA Brazil ETB (Europe)
Or GSS Re-Qualifier Best two GQS stand-alone results (4000 points) Overall national ranking (1000 points) In the event that more than one rider has the same or equal points, all ties will be broken by going to the next best result on the GQS ratings. Due to this system it will be highly advantageous to surf in more events on the GQS series, as ties are very likely given the small number of events being counted.
These tours will be crucial for riders looking to qualify for the GSS, as your national ranking is a compulsory part of your GSS qualifying total. PHOTO: RUBEN GRIMON
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DK FAQs How is the DK World Champ decided? As per the GSS tour, the 2011 DK World Champ will be the rider with the best points total taken from 50% of total events run, plus one. That is – as per the current five-event calendar – a rider’s best three results would add up to create their end of 2011 total. Again, the IBA website will be your one-stop-shop for following all your favourite riders and their current position on the tour ladder.
Drop Knee World Tour The DK title race in 2010 came right down to the wire at the final event in Confital, with Peruvian Cesar Bauer claiming his first ever World Title. The top ten is stacked with talent from all over the world and should make for another great year of DK shredding.
Judging Criteria // DKWT For the drop knee stance, balance, completion, control, displacement of water as well as the angle of attack are all indications of the rider’s adherence to the judging criteria. Dysfunctional riding (ie: DK rolls not completed in the DK stance, multiple spins, etc) are not high scoring moves and fall outside of the criteria. Attention to detail when hitting lips is also critical with regard to commitment. Tail release in critical situations and a focus on “wafting” will also score highly.
DKWT Calendar DATES
EVENT NAME
EVENT TYPE
DKWT POINTS
WAVE/LOCATION
IBA REGION
PRIZE PURSE (USD)
February 15-25
Pipeline Pro
GSS
2000
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
IBA America
$10,000
May 25-29
Peruvian Inka Challenge
GSS
2000
Chilca, Peru
IBA South America
$10,000
August 4-13
Zicatela Pro
DKWT
1000
Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
IBA South America
TBC
August 22-28
Sintra Portugal Pro
DKWT
1000
Praia Grande, Sintra, Portugal
IBA Europe
$7,000
October 26-30
Bodyboard Pro Festival
DKWT
1000
Isla de Margarita, Venezuela
IBA South America
$7,000
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Top 10 Riders from 2010
PHOTO: ANDY LAWRENCE
Cesar Bauer Country: Peru 2010 ranking: 1
Fabrice Moulin Country: France 2010 ranking: 6
Dave Winchester Country: Australia 2010 ranking: 2
Ryan Hardy Country: Australia 2010 ranking: 7
Dave Hubbard Country: Hawaii 2010 ranking: 3
Micah McMullin Country: Hawaii 2010 ranking: 8
Ardiel Jimenez Country: Canary Islands 201 ranking: 4
Amaury Lavernhe Country: Reunion Island 2010 ranking: 9
Kim Feast Country: Australia 2010 ranking: 5
Alberto Colucci Country: Venezuela 2010 ranking: 10
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The 2011 Women’s World Tour will be another hotly contested run of events, with some new venues and a minimum of $15,000 US prize money at each WWT international event. Pipe, Brazil, Sintra and Confital will be the events to watch, with all the same media coverage via webcasts and the IBA website.
WWT Calendar
How is the WWT World Champ decided? As per the GSS tour, the 2011 Women’s World Champ will be the rider with the best points total taken from 50% of total events run, plus one. That is – as per the current calendar – a rider’s best three or four results would add up to create their end of 2011 total. Again, the IBA website will be your one-stop-shop for following all your favourite riders and their current position on the tour ladder.
Dates
EVENT NAME
EVENT TYPE
WWT POINTS
WAVE/LOCATION
IBA REGION
PRIZE PURSE (USD)
February 15-25
Pipeline Pro
GSS
2000
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
IBA USA
$15,000
March TBC
Noronha Ambiental Pro
Regional
250
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
IBA South America
$5,000
May 12-15
TBC
WWT
TBC
Cuyagua, Venezuela
IBA South America
TBC
May 31-June 4
Búzios Bodyboarding Festival
GSS
2000
Geribá, Búzios, Brazil
IBA South America
$20,000
August 4-13
Zicatela Pro
Regional
250
Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
IBA South America
$5,000
August 22-28
Sintra Portugal Pro
GSS
2000
Praia Grande, Sintra, Portugal
IBA Europe
$20,000
August 29-31
Miss Sumol
Regional
250
Ilavo, Portugal
IBA Europe
$5,000
September 7-11
Campos Pro
WWT
TBC
Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
IBA South America
TBC
October 26-30
Bodyboard Pro Festival
WWT
1000
Isla de Margarita, Venezuela
IBA South America
$15,000
December 3-10
Confital Pro
GSS
2000
El Confital, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
IBA Europe
$15,000
3 3 / / I B A / 2 0 1 1 / WORLD / T O U R / GU I D E PHOTO: ANDY LAWRENCE
Riders South American and European riders were dominant on the 2010 tour. Here’s a little preview of last year’s top five, all of whom will be ramping up for a bigger and better year in 2011.
Isabella Sousa 2010 WWT ranking: 1 Country: Brazil
Eunate Aguirre 2010 WWT ranking: 2 Country: Spain
Natasha Sargadia 2010 WWT ranking: 3 Country: Puerto Rico
Catarina Sousa 2010 WWT ranking: 4 Country: Portugal
Maylla Venturin 2010 WWT ranking: 5 Country: Brazil
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contacts
IBA STAFF 2011 Managing Director IBA Pty Ltd Gregg Taylor :: gregg@ibaworldtour.com
Hawaii Jeff Hubbard and Mike Stewart
Brazil Magno Olivera and Guilherme Tamega
Canary Islands Ardiel Jiminez and Yeray Martinez
2011 Tour Manager and IBA General Manager Terry McKenna :: terry@ibaworldtour.com
Australia Ryan Hardy and Ben Player
Portugal Manuel Centeno and Hugo Pinherio
South Africa Mark McCarthy and Sasah Specker
IBA REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
IBA Australasia Terry McKenna
IBA Brazil Flavio Brito
IBA Japan Ken Nagatsu
IBA America Jason Bitzer
IBA Europe Rui Felix
IBA Africa Derek Footit
GSS Head Judge and IBA Technical Director Craig Hadden :: craig@ibaworldtour.com Media Officer Steve Robertson :: steve@surfingaustralia.com Web Content Manager Seamus Makim Commentator Manny Vargas Staff Photographers Seamus Makim and Steve Robertson created in partnership with:
PHOTO: SHIELD
USA Jason Bitzer Women Catarina Sousa and Eunate Aguirre
AFFILIATED PHOTOGRAPHERS We would like to thank the following photographers for use of their images: Tungsten www.tungsten.net.au Ruben Grimon www.grimon.com Chris Garden www.chrisgarden.com Andy Lawrence www. andylawrencephotography.com Alex Turoy www.alexanderturoy.com.au Andrew Shield www.andrewshield.com.au Rod Owen www.owenphoto.com.au Joel Maley, Danny Black, Goyo, Miguel Nunes, Luke Axisa and Callum Macaulay
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IBA Contact
IBA RIDERS BOARD This specific group of riders has been chosen to represent their country on the IBA panel. These individuals will actively seek the opinions of riders within their region so that they can vote accordingly on behalf of their people.
www.ibaworldtour.com www.ibaworldtour.com
WORLD // T TO OU UR R // GU GU II D DE E 36 6 // // II BB AA // 22 00 11 11 // WORLD 3
2011 world tour guide MEDIA guide