IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals in Hawaii

The inaugural IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals were held at the iconic Point Panic in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 4th to June 14th, 2024. This event marked a significant moment in the sport of bodysurfing, bringing together the world’s top bodysurfers to compete for the ultimate title.

An overview of the competition

The 2024 IBSA BWT Finals brought together the best 56 men and 28 women from diverse regions including Europe, Africa, North America, Australia, Asia, Latin America, and Polynesia. These competitors earned their qualification for the Finals through rigorous regional Qualifying Series events throughout the year and the BWT Trials. This convergence of talent underscored the global reach of the sport, and also the varied styles and techniques developed in the various regions.

With a ten-day contest holding period, athletes faced off in the most iconic bodysurfing wave on the planet, Point Panic in Hawaii. The event was blessed with superb wave conditions for the entire contest ten-day period, but especially on the contest days which enabled competitors to showcase their incredible skills truly.

Men's Division

After seven rounds of intense competition, four bodysurfers were left to contest the men’s final, local Hawaiians Wyatt Yee and Kealii Punley, French savant Alix Schorsch and Australian charger Dylan Kelly. The final was an intensely close affair and worthy of the first World Tour Finals. Dylan “Daddy Seal” Kelly concentrated on identifying the longest barrels, sitting on the ‘puka’ and improbably coming out cleanly. Both Wyatt and “the Brown Dolphin” Kealli put their intimate knowledge of the break to excellent use, picking off the best quality waves that they rode with archetypical Hawaiian flair and technical grace. But it was the impeccable style of Alix that won the day. His flow was the stand-out of the competition, with complex manoeuvrers performed at what appeared to be a casual pace but with no loss of speed between them, and he was deservedly crowned the inaugural winner of the Bodysurfing World Tour.

Women's Division

Perhaps the highlight on the entire multi-day festival was the Women’s final. USA’s Scotti Shafer had been on it all contest and had the highest single wave score of the event leading into the final. Hawaiian big-wave rider Katie McConnell was ready to bring her vast experience surfing the heaviest waves on the planet into play. French native Uhaina-Kailani Hegoas, despite being the youngest competitor in the entire field at only 17 years old, brought a technical game that was impossibly mature. Rounding out the competitors was local charger and probable pre-contest favourite, DeLori Gomes. The final was played out at a frenetic pace, with Scotti and DeLori trading the lead. It looked like it would be a contest between these two until Uhaina unleashed what was surely the wave of the entire event. Taking off way outside, Unhaina made three different barrel sections each interspersed with beautifully constructed manoeuvres before emerging from the final section right on the break wall. All judges scored unanimous 10’s and she deservedly took the crown.

The spirit of Point Panic

Point Panic is a legendary bodysurfing break on the south shore of Oahu and provided a fitting backdrop for the inaugural IBSA Finals. The powerful waves break at perfect pace and criticality for bodysurfing and is a favourite amongst local bodysurfers for performing tricks and showcasing technical prowess. The local community of bodysurfers at Point Panic played a significant role in welcoming international competitors as ‘Ohana’(family), and sharing their waves and knowledge with them, highlighting the strong camaraderie and respect within the sport.

The role of Philip Kitamura and the Makapu'u Bodyboarding Club

A pivotal figure in organizing this landmark event was Philip Kitamura. Philip, along with the Makapu’u BB Club, ensured the competition and entire festival ran flawlessly. The Makapu'u BB Club, with its deep roots in Hawaii’s bodysurfing culture, was instrumental in facilitating this gathering and celebration. Their collaboration with IBSA underscored the community-driven spirit that defines bodysurfing in Hawaii and around the world.

Connecting to the olympic spirit

The IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals mirrors the spirit and global unity seen in the Olympic Games. Just as the Olympics bring together the best athletes from various sports disciplines worldwide, the IBSA Finals gathered elite bodysurfers from multiple continents, fostering a spirit of international camaraderie and competition. Bodysurfing, much like Olympic sports, demands not only physical prowess but also a deep connection with nature, strategy, and mental resilience.

Conclusion

The IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals in Hawaii were a spectacular showcase of the world’s top bodysurfing talent, culminating in thrilling performances and memorable moments. This event has set a high standard for future competitions and continues to inspire the global bodysurfing community.

Stay tuned for more updates and future events as the IBSA continues to promote and celebrate the incredible sport of bodysurfing around the world.

Photos by Marvin Heskett Photos in the water by Neal Miyake