The point break of Anchor Point, in Agadir, hosted the final day of the 2024 Taghazout Bay World Bodyboard Championship, the first IBC World Tour event held in Morocco.
As usual, the competition had some controversial moments, exalted by the haters on the social media, with low and high scores and unexpected eliminations. To be honest and fair, the fact is we always have to put each situation in context.
In the ladies, after beating Maíra Viana (Brazil) and Pamela Bowren (South Africa) with remarkable performances, respectively, Japan’s pride Sari Ohhara and Brazilian Luna Hardman went head to head in the final.
The matchup between the two bodyboarders was intense and outstanding, a breathtaking performance in challenging conditions. But the current world champion impressed the judges with a stellar combination of waves, getting the win with a total of 15,50 points against 13,50 points.
Gabriel Braga, from Brazil, and Armide Soliveres, former pro junior world champ from the Canary Islands, faced each other in the pro men’s final. Before, the young talent from Gran Canaria beat French Amaury Lavernhe (quarters) and Brazilian Uri Valadão (semis). The Brazilian, on other hand, had to beat French young gun Ethan Capdeville (quarters) and French veteran Jeremy Arnoux (semis).
The final between these two was tough, with constant heat position changes. Armides showed exceptional skills to overcome his opponent, but in the end Gabriel emerged victorious by pointing 18,25 vs. 17,00 points. The Brazilian clinched the victory with a remarkable two big backflip wave – that earned him the highest score of the event (10,00 points) and the first world tour victory of the career at age 28.
The Junior division final concluded the last day of competition, with Louka Zaninotto from France showcasing exceptional talent and securing victory against Alexander Montes from the Canary Islands (17,50 vs. 6,35 points).
Regarding the Portuguese gang, Joana Schenker was the best in the women’s division, finishing equal 5th at the end; and on the mens Joel Rodrigues lost to Hawaiian Dave Hubbard in Round 7, finishing the event with an equal 9th place.
Next stop: The Wahine Bodyboard Pro in Brazil, between April 18-27, an all women event presenting a total prize of US$ 35,000.
