It’s the first time a juniors’ bodyboarding world tour event is being held in Australia.
In a first for Queensland and Australia, the International Bodyboarding Committee (IBC) is bringing a junior world tour event to Australia, with Tugun Beach (Gold Coast) playing host to the IBC Junior Men Rising Series during the City of Gold Coast Future Pro’s competition, presented by Inverted Bodyboarding and Dan Leyshon.
Running from 5–6 July, this event will see some of the world’s best up-and-coming bodyboarders compete for a spot in the IBC Junior Men Grand Final, to be held this October at the Gran Canaria Fronton King in Spain.
Gold Coast based event organiser and president of the Gold Coast Bodyboard Club, Silas Ganciar (top left), said the event is a major milestone for the sport and for young Aussie riders.
“Whilst many people enjoy bodyboarding as a leisurely activity, it’s also a serious professional sport with a global stage,” said Ganciar.
“Tugun Beach is part of the World Surfing Reserve and is the perfect place for showcasing the skills of future champions and giving spectators a front-row seat to the action.”
The public is encouraged to come down and soak up the atmosphere, as junior competitors paddle out and make serious waves against international talent.
About 32 young riders from across Australia will compete alongside international competitors, including competitors 
from Portugal and Japan. To qualify as a junior, competitors must be under 19 years of age.
The competition divisions will include super grommets (under 12 years old), grommets (aged under 14 years old), cadets (aged under 16 years old), juniors (aged under 19 years old) and girls (aged under 18 years old).
Silas Ganciar said this is a chance to support the next generation of Aussie board riders before they go pro and hit international shores.
“We want to see a swell of support from the community as these kids carve out their futures on the world tour, right here on the Gold Coast,” he commented, adding that “Securing an Australian leg of this international tour is a big win. It’s a testament to our tight-knit bodyboarding community and the legends who’ve helped develop these rising stars.”
