The inaugural stop of the 2023 IBC World Tour was run last month in Brazil for the ArcelorMIttal Wahine Pro, a full on event dedicated to women’s bodyboarding (read more here). No male competition there.
Now the world tour advances to Chile for the South American leg which starts in one week. The Antofagasta Bodyboarding Festival, from 18-28 May, will be the first contest for the Pro Men’s Division leaving the bodyboarding community spread all over the world in a red alert stage.
A couple days ago the IBC (International Bodyboarding Corporation) unveiled Mike Stewart, considered the G.O.A.T. and the godfather of bodyboarding, has been awarded with a wildcard and will make an appearance at La Cupula spot (Antofagasta).
The 9x world champion is now 59 years old, but he turns 60 one day before the comp starts. That shows the fans of bodyboarding that the man still has the fire in him.
Let us remind you that Mike Stewart has entered the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame last December and is the most successful male athlete in the North America region (United States, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe) winning 12 events in Hawaii. Mike won 12 world tour events including 11 Pipeline titles and has 1 win at the Ledges Pro in Maui. However, the last time Mike participated in a championship (The 2022 Arica Cultura Bodyboard, one year ago) he lost in the first heat.
Here’s the scheduled for the next month:
Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival
Chile – May 18th-28th
Divisions: MEN + WOMEN + PRO JUNIOR MEN/WOMEN + DK
Prize: $75,000
Arica Cultura Bodyboard
Chile – May 30th-June 7th
Divisions: MEN
Prize: $30,000
Itacoatiara Pro
Brazil – June 9th-18th
Divisions: MEN
Prize: $30,000
