2025 Season Review: Chris Anderson Claims the Open Men World Title at Home

As the 2025 season draws to a close and the countdown to 2026 begins, International Bodysurfing Association reflects on a year defined by perseverance, global competition, and unforgettable performances. Among the season’s defining highlights was the Open Men victory of Chris Anderson, crowned World Champion on home soil at the 2025 Bodysurfing World Tour Finals in Australia.

Congratulations Chris Anderson on winning the 2025 IBSA Finals – Open Men Division!

Held at Point Cartwright on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Finals delivered challenging conditions and an elite international field. Strong currents, shifting swells, and high-pressure heats demanded adaptability and composure. Rising to the occasion, Chris Anderson’s determination and consistency carried him through one of the most demanding seasons of his career to the ultimate reward: a World Title at home.

Below, Chris shares his journey, experiences, and reflections on a season that tested him both in and out of the water. His interview responses are reproduced in full and exactly as provided.

Athlete Interview – Chris Anderson, 2025 IBSA World Champion

1. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background in bodysurfing?

My name is Chris Anderson. I’m from Wollongong in NSW, Australia (1.5hrs south of Sydney). I’ve been bodysurfing/surfing around the Illawarra since I was young but I really got into bodysurfing in around 2012 when I started Ecto Handplanes.

2. Tell us about your journey to this 2025 Bodysurfing World Tour Finals. What have been the highlights of your competition season?

I actually only just made the 2025 Auspreys team by a few points ranking 7th. My journey was a struggle. I did alright at Coolum Wedge placing 5th. Later in the year, my wife was in hospital with complications after our daughter was born and I didn’t get any email updates about the Festival of Froth and completely missed that event by accident. Then that meant there was lots of pressure coming into the final qualifier, the Sunny Coast Search, if I didn’t do well I wasn’t going to make the team (best 2 results of 3 events). I worked during the day in Wollongong NSW before the event and then flew up the night before. My flight was delayed by storms and I ended up sleeping in the hire car at 2am by Kings Beach in QLD. I woke up feeling completely cooked. In the quarters the local surfers wouldn’t move from the competition area and I got dropped in on 2 times and I was raging… I managed to get 5th again and get enough points to make the Auspreys team. Becoming a World Champion is the obvious highlight for 2025, but for me, remaining determined during lead up when the odds were down was an important experience.

3. How have you specifically prepared for this final at Point Cartwright, and what strategies do you plan to use to tackle the waves in Australia?

I tried to get the feel for Cartys at different tides by going out for a few warm up slides in the lead up to the event. I had never been there before. However the swell was tiny and it didn’t really prepare me for the finals in a meaningful way. I just try to bodysurf the best waves I can find around home.

4. How important is the diversity of competitors from many different countries to you? How does it influence the competitive spirit and camaraderie on the tour?

For the IBSA to be truly ‘international’ and truly a ‘world’ finals event the diversity of competitors is imperative. To have the best of the best get together in one location to battle it out is epic. I really enjoyed experiencing all the different styles and approaches to bodysurfing during the event. I think everyone was influenced by each other to do better and perhaps try different combos or styles. That was rad, it’s an exciting time in bodysurfing in that respect.

5. Can you share an anecdote or memorable moment from your experience during the 2024 IBSA BWT QS Events that led you to these finals?

Being apart of the Point Panic 2024 IBSA Finals was pretty all time. I had one difficult heat and one epic heat with barrels. I remember the spirit and talent of all the competitors motivated me to be part of the community more. I decided I needed to go harder and push my skills further. I learnt a lot and the run of swell we had was awesome. I got to know my Aussie team mates more too which was rad.

6. What was your most memorable moment at this year’s Finals?

Winning the World Finals at home was a dream come true. On reflection, the relentless spin-to-win program was perhaps a bit cringey but comp scoring in those conditions was challenging. Months later I’m still just so stoked to have won. Having my dad and uncle on the beach was special. A huge thanks again to all the competitors, organisers and sponsors for a great event.

7. How did you discover your love of bodysurfing and describe your home break?

I always surfed and from 2011-2013 I created an art project called 1000 Surfboard Graveyard. I literally had hundreds of surfboards to recycle so I started making handplanes which lead to Ecto Handplanes. Every year I got further and further into bodysurfing. There was no community of bodysurfers I just went alone, I loved it. By 2016 the odd crews were forming and I co-founded South Coast Bodysurfers. I’m lucky enough to have a few ‘home’ breaks and they are all pretty different. Essentially like all nice bodysurfing waves, they bowl up nicely with power on their day.

8. What advice would you give to young bodysurfers aspiring to compete on the Bodysurfing World Tour?

It is a brilliant time to get involved and learn more about bodysurfing. The community is supportive and there’s more pathways then when I first got into bodysurfing. Go out as much as you can and can and enjoy your riding. Be free, try new approaches and then have a crack at a comp.

A World Title Earned

Chris Anderson’s 2025 Open Men World Title is a story of persistence, balance, and belief. From missed events and sleepless nights to standing atop the podium at Point Cartwright, his journey reflects the true spirit of bodysurfing — passion driven by community, creativity, and commitment.

As we close the chapter on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, this victory stands as a reminder that world titles are not only won in perfect conditions, but earned through resilience when the odds are down.

Congratulations once again to Chris Anderson, 2025 IBSA Open Men World Champion.