JERICCO ROSERO CROWNED DROPKNEE WORLD CHAMP AT ANTOFAGASTA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL 2026. A DAY FOR THE BOOKS.
For the Pro Men’s results click HERE.
The Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival just wrapped up a historic run at La Nilda. With flawless conditions, zero wind, and super clean sets, the IBC crowned its newest Dropknee kings at one of the most grueling stops on the World Tour.
The Dropknee division saw a legendary moment that completely rewrites the bodyboarding history books.
After intense semifinals where Hawaii’s Sammy Morretino beat local favorite Leo Alar, and Ecuador’s Jericco Rosero took down Amaury Lavernhe, the stage was set for a classic: the veteran experience of 5x World Champ Morretino versus the raw hunger of the Galapagos rider.
Rosero shut it down with the “wave of the day”—dropping into a heavy, vertical barrel, coming out with insane speed, and smashing a brutal snap. The judges gave him a unanimous 10, making Jericco Rosero the first-ever Bodyboard World Champion in Ecuador’s history.
“I thank God for this opportunity. For the first time, Ecuador has a world champion,” an emotional Rosero said after the win. “I felt an incredible energy when I got that 10. I’m dedicating this to my mom and my grandma on Mother’s Day; thank you for the values you taught me. We’re taking the cup home to Galapagos!”
Final results:
1st. Jericco Rosero (Ecuador) – 2026 DK World Champion
2nd. Sammy Morretino (Hawaii)
3rd. Leonardo Alar (Chile)
3rd. Amaury Lavernhe (Spain)
