The actions and measures of the International Bodyboarding Corporation, the non-profit organization that has been running the bodyboard world tour since 2020, have not always been well received by its athletes. Often, IBC is misunderstood and criticized.
Vert Magazine would like to thank Danny Hernández, World Tour Media Director, for the opportunity in clarifying certain hot topics and revealing the vision of the institution.
* All photos copyright of International Bodyboarding Corporation
The 2024 calendar was unveiled in December, featuring both casualties and new additions. However, four of the 10 announced stops remain flagged as TBC (To Be Confirmed), which remains a cause for concern for many. Are you in a position to confirm that these events will eventually take place?
IBC: The TBC events are flagged as such because they require confirmation from the promoters, who have 90 days before the event starts to confirm. We are hopeful that all events can be confirmed as soon as possible.
“We are hopeful that all events can be confirmed as soon as possible”
The Arica Cultura Bodyboard has been one of the tour’s most fantastic events. Its absence from the 2024 schedule is disappointing for the bodyboarding fans. Is this related to the unpaid prize money from last year’s edition? What steps is the IBC taking to address this issue?
IBC: Unfortunately, adverse political events have led to unfulfilled commitments under contract, leaving Club Flopos with a budget deficit. This deficit resulted in non-payment of prizes, licenses, and salaries, severely impacting the IBC organization’s coffers.
Regarding the unpaid prize problem, it’s crucial to understand the IBC’s operating model. We are a non-profit entity, and revenue from licenses covers structural tour expenses. Events rely on promoter self-financing, ensuring quality and professionalism. The IBC is working to resolve this issue through new assemblies and seeking a format to prevent such occurrences.
“We are a non-profit entity, and revenue from licenses covers structural tour expenses. Events rely on promoter self-financing, ensuring quality and professionalism”
Many fans express concern that most tour stops occur in South America, neglecting places like Hawaii, the USA, Australia, and Tahiti, just to name a few. Is the IBC aware of this? Why are there no contests in these locations?
IBC: The IBC is open to promoting events worldwide but lacks interest from promoters in these regions. We operate professionally but rely on external funding. We remain open to communication and hosting events globally.
“We remain open to communication and hosting events globally”
Athletes voice concerns about the lengthy and costly world tour, suggesting regional qualifiers leading to a global final. Has this ever been considered?
IBC: We acknowledge athlete concerns and are exploring sustainable models. Ideally, securing a global sponsor could alleviate financial burdens and enhance event quality and prize funds.
“Ideally, securing a global sponsor could alleviate financial burdens and enhance event quality and prize funds”
What are the main obstacles facing the IBC World Tour?
IBC: No obstacle is insurmountable with dedication. Ideally, securing a global sponsor could alleviate financial burdens and enhance event quality and prize funds.
And in what areas does the IBC see room for improvement?
IBC: We strive for improvement in all aspects, gathering constructive feedback from athletes, promoters, and technicians to guide our efforts.
No obstacle is insurmountable with dedication. Ideally, securing a global sponsor could alleviate financial burdens and enhance event quality and prize funds
Last question. What is the IBC’s vision for the sport and its riders?
IBC: We aim for the sport’s sustainable growth, benefiting all stakeholders. Through hard work, we’re crafting a model that nurtures the sport’s development and supports its passionate community.
“We aim for the sport’s sustainable growth, benefiting all stakeholders”
