Solid Surf, High Vibes, and World Class Performances at the 51st Annual Ventura Bodysurfing Classic
- Nazzareno Picchianti
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The 51st Annual Ventura Bodysurfing Classic delivered a spectacular day of high performance bodysurfing as a solid combo swell and clean morning conditions set the stage for world-class competition at the South Jetty in Ventura, California. Waves in the 3–6 foot range provided both beauty and challenge throughout this important stop on the North America Region Qualifying Series —the final opportunity for many competitors to secure crucial points toward qualifying for the 2026 IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals in France.
A Strong Start in Clean Morning Surf
The event kicked off with the Women’s Open, greeted by clean peaks across the contest zone. The promising conditions held through the start of the Men’s Open Round 1, where competitors capitalized on steep, high-performance waves that allowed for deep pockets, long sections, and multiple scoring opportunities.
Throughout the day, the top-ranked athletes showcased exceptional style, wave knowledge, and competitive focus—earning their way through the rounds and into the highly anticipated finals.
Men’s Open Final: Final Seconds Wave Secure the Win
The Men’s Open Final featured an elite lineup: Shayne McIntyre, Chris Ford, Brett Templeman, and Fisher Geary. As an onshore wind picked up and a challenging bowling right began to dominate the lineup, the finalists were pushed to showcase their best wave selection and adaptability.
Chris Ford claimed victory with a buzzer-beater score, capitalizing on a long, running right that sealed his win. Ford had been in rhythm all day, consistently finding lengthy lefts and deep tube rides on his path to the final.
Just half a point behind, Shayne McIntyre finished in second place. McIntyre’s signature style and elite ocean knowledge were on full display, earning cheers with his well-ridden rights and explosive lefts.
Fisher Geary, a standout all day, secured third place. His powerful maneuvers, impeccable positioning, and dynamic approach made him a crowd favorite from start to finish.
Rounding out the final, Brett Templeman placed fourth. Templeman impressed throughout the day with his fearless approach, placing himself in the most critical parts of the wave and performing with precision in challenging pockets.
Women’s Open Final: A Nail Biter to the Last Wave
The Women’s Open Final delivered one of the closest finishes in recent memory.
Scotti Shaffer earned the top podium spot with her smooth style, flawless positioning, and perfectly timed maneuvers deep in the pocket. Her performance narrowly edged out her closest competitor by an incredibly slim margin.
Just 0.03 points behind, Calla Allison claimed second place. Allison’s extensive experience and competitive focus were evident throughout the event as she repeatedly found the peak and executed powerful rides on heavy, critical waves. She remains a top contender looking ahead to France.
In third place, Michelle Urkov powered through the challenging surf with speed and commitment. Her ability to maintain momentum through difficult sections thrilled the crowd and confirmed her status as an athlete to watch in the upcoming World Finals.
Sarah McGrath, finishing fourth, displayed outstanding wave knowledge and patience, maximizing the corners and earning her well-deserved place in the final. Her experience proved invaluable throughout the event.
A Growing Tradition of Excellence
The 2025 Ventura Bodysurfing Classic was proudly hosted by the South Jetty Swells Bodysurfing Association, marking their third consecutive year serving as a BWT Qualifying Series host for the IBSA. The event once again demonstrated Ventura’s significance as a premier venue for competitive bodysurfing and as a proving ground for athletes aspiring to reach the global stage.
About the International Bodysurfing Association
The International Bodysurfing Association is the world governing body for bodysurfing, dedicated to promoting the sport, supporting its athletes, and organizing regional and global competitions including the Annual World Bodysurfing Finals. Through the Qualifying Series system, the IBSA provides a pathway for bodysurfers around the world to compete at the highest level.
IBSA Ranking
MEN
1. Chris Ford (USA) 1000
2. Shayne McIntyre (USA) 860
3. Fisher Geary (USA) 730
4. Brett Templeman (USA) 670
5. Bryan Knowles (USA) 610
5. Bart Templeman (USA) 610
7. Darren Moody (USA) 555
7. Edward Sweeney (USA) 555
9. Jake Shaffer (USA) 500
9. Greg Wilkinson (USA) 500
9. James Fenney III (USA) 500
9. Adrien Deloffre (USA) 500
13. Vern Rogers (USA) 450
13. Spencer McGrath (USA) 450
13. George Burtless Jr (USA) 450
13. Pat Byron (USA) 450
17. Daniel Longwill (USA) 400
17. Tyler Wilde (USA) 400
17. David Ford (USA) 400
17. Tony Sholl (USA) 400
17. Mustafa Hassan (USA) 400
17. John Black (USA) 400
17. Tyler Stover (USA) 400
17. Spencer Ford (USA) 400
25. Thorsten Hegberg (USA) 360
25. Greg Hurst (USA) 360
25. Rob Donahue (USA) 360
25. Jason Napolitano (USA) 360
25. Andrew Waller (USA) 360
25. Alex Martenka (USA) 360
25. Thomas Gomes (USA) 360
25. Hayden Michael (USA) 360
33. Lucas Malloy (USA) 320
33. Ryan Masters (USA) 320
33. Ryan Lang (USA) 320
33. Joel Tarquin (USA) 320
33. Jason Beach (USA) 320
33. Scott Soens (USA) 320
33. Tyler Lee Bartholomew (USA) 320
33. Todd Hartman (USA) 320
41. Beau Godtel (USA) 280
41. Charlie Crocker (USA) 280
41. Durdam Rocherolle (USA) 280
41. Brandon Kolarov (USA) 280
41. Aaron Dillon (USA) 280
41. Hunter Veloz (USA) 280
41. Julien Cohen (USA) 280
41. Nico Rocherolle (USA) 280
WOMEN
1. Scotti Shafer (USA) 1000
2. Calla Allison (USA) 860
3. Michelle Urkov (USA) 730
4. Sarah McGrath (USA) 670
5. Peyton Boyd (USA) 610
5. Carrie Johnson (USA) 610
7. Meredith Rose (USA) 555
7. Esme Lombard (USA) 555
9. Coral McIntyre (USA) 500
9. Christina Gasparich (USA) 500
11. Hannah Walsh (USA) 475
11. Georgia Murray (USA) 475
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