BEHIND THE SCENES: Rio Bodyboarding International 2013

BEHIND THE SCENES: Rio Bodyboarding International 2013

Posto 5
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
September 3rd-8th, 2013

Men's Global Qualifier Series- $40,000 USD & 2000 points
Women's Grand Slam Series- $20,000 USD & 2000 points

2013 IBA World Tour event

EVENT SET-UP:
  Construction of the event set-up for Rio Bodyboarding International 2013 began a week in advance of the actual competition.  Work crews were on the beach nearly around the clock, beginning in the early morning and going into the late night hours.  On several occasions, I joined Event Organizer Flavio Brito on the beach in the late evening to help oversee construction of the competition site.  For the week leading up to RBI 2013, along with the week of competition itself, I don't think Flavio got much sleep.  When it comes to organizing and running a professional competition, there is never an end to the work that needs to be done...always directions to be given, questions to be answered, problems to be solved, and there are ALWAYS unforeseen circumstances that need to be handled!  The end result, though, was worth the countless hours and sleepless nights.  The event structure for RBI 2013 was one of the most professional layouts in the sport of bodyboarding!

26 August 2013: Event Organizer Flavio Brito discussing site layout on the first day of construction.

31 August 2013: Almost ready to go...three days before the start of the event!

Ready to welcome an international field of competitors to Rio Bodyboarding International 2013...YEEEWWW!!!
Photo: Flavio Brito

BODYBOARDING 101: Everything You Need to Know About Rio Bodyboarding International 2013

IBA Press Releases:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/08/rio-bodyboard-international-2013/

http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/2013-iba-rio-bodyboard-international/



RIDER CHECK-IN:

2 September 2013: Check-in day...the flag for each of the 19 countries represented at RBI 2013 were flying proudly in front of the event structure.

The most professional broadcast team I've ever had the pleasure of working with...Beach Reporter Isabella Feijo and bodyboarding legend Jay Reale as my co-host!  Working with Bella and Jay was an honor and a privilege!

Moroccan bodyboarders Reda Benhima, Anas Haddar, and Adnane Benslimane came straight to rider check-in from Galeao Airport after flying in from the Sintra Portugal Pro!

IBA Press Releases:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/2013-rio-bodyboarding-international-competitors-gather-rio/

http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/2013-rio-international-draft-draws/



DAY ONE OF COMPETITION:

3 Septmenber 2013: Alexandra Rinder (Canary Islands) and Emma Cobb (Australia).

Babby Quinones (Puerto Rico) with Posto 5 locals "Mudinho" (one of the first ever deaf bodyboarders to compete in a major international event) and Hermano Castro.

This was the office for Jay Real and me during RBI 2013.  We jokingly referred to the webcast booth as "The Batcave" and a "Glorified Broom Closet" because of the small space and no windows...but it was perfect for the job at hand!

Jay Reale and Steve "Action" Jackson ready to go live for day one of competition!

Jay Reale and 6x World Champion Guilherme Tamega at GT's birthday party.

Parabens, Campeao...Happy Birthday, Champion!

IBA Press Release:
ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/rio-bodyboarding-international-trials-complete/



DAY TWO OF COMPETITION:

4 September 2013: Legendary Brazilian beach marshal Vina Lisboa and commentator Steve "Action" Jackson.
Photo: Flavio Brito

Brazilians Lucas Noguiera and Nicholas Bastos.

IBA Press Release:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/iba-rio-bodyboarding-international-day-2-complete/



DAY THREE OF COMPETITION:

5 September 2013: Webcast transmission control room.

IBA Press Release:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/rio-bodyboarding-international-day-three-complete/



DAY FOUR OF COMPETITION:

6 September 2013: IBA Head Judge Chico Garritano (Brazil) and IBA Technical Director Alex Leon (Australia) contemplating the event schedule for day four of competition. 

IBA Press Release:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/rio-day-4-complete/



DAY FIVE OF COMPETITION:

7 September 2013: Some of the RBI 2013 event staff got together for a quick photo before getting to work for the day. Photo: Danilo Caboclo

Brasileiras...a bunch of the women's competitors from Brazil got together for this pic in the competitor's area...Nicole Calheiros, Paula Simao, Claudia Ferrari, Maylla Venturin, Juliana Freitas, and Patricia Setubal.

RBI Beach Reporter Isabella Feijo interviewing 2x Women's World Champion Isabela Sousa.

I snuck out of the webcast booth really quick to snap this pic of Brazilian Helliton Loureiro celebrating his win in the Men's GQS portion of RBI 2013! On the stage with him are (from right to left) 2nd Place Isreal Eduardo (Brazil) and in =3rd Brahim Iddouch (Morocco) and Diego Roberto (Brazil).  Congratulations to all of you...amazing performances!

IBA Press Release:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/helliton-loureiro-wins-rio-gqs/



DAY SIX OF COMPETITION:

8 September 2013: 5x Women's World Champion Neymara Carvalho making use of the massage therapists on staff at RBI 2013 before one of her heats on the final day of competition!

Brazilian Jessica Becker celebrates her win after a dominant performance at RBI 2013! Photo:RBI

Jay Reale and Steve "Action" Jackson signing off..."That's all for this year.  We're outta here...YEEEWWW!!!"

IBA Press Release:
http://ibaworldtour.com/2013/09/jessica-becker-wins-rio-wwt/



THE DAY AFTER:
  For most of the competitors and event staff of Rio Bodyboarding International, the day after the conclusion of competition is a day to unwind and relax.  Many of the local Brazilians will show the international competitors around the area, taking them to such famous tourist destinations as Pao do Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) to ride the world famous cable cars or up to Corcovado Mountain to see Christ the Redeemer.  I may not be a "Carioca" (local), but for the first two years of RBI I have played tour guide..and I love it!  Last year I had the privilege of taking then-IBA Tour Manager Terry "Teza" McKenna (Australia) up to Corcovado.  This year, I brought Emma Cobb (Australia) to Corcovado to meet up with several others...local Hermano Castro, Moroccans Reda Benhima and Anas Haddar, and Canary Islander Alexandra Rinder.  I'm looking forward to seeing who I end up cruising up to Christ the Redeemer with next year!

9 September 2013: Visiting Christ the Redeemer with Anas Haddar (Morocco), Hermano Castro (Brasil), Alexandra Rinder (Canary Islands), Reda Benhima (Morocco), and Emma Cobb (Australia).

Cruising up to Corcovado Mountain to see Christ the Redeemer after the comp is becoming an annual tradition!
Photo: Emma Cobb

Obrigado, Rio. Ate 2014...Thank you, Rio.  See you in 2014.

For more information and plenty of photos be sure to visit:
http://www.riobodyboarding.com.br/

RBI on Facebook

I would like to thank everybody who helped make the success of this event possible:
  Event Organizer Flavio Brito, the government of Rio de Janeiro, the Secretary of Sports and Leisure, IBA, CBRASB, FEBBRJ, Chico Garritano and all of the judges, the RBI Security team, Danilo Caboclo and everybody in the Press Room, Natalia Jalecky, Beach Reporter Isabella Feijo, Jonathan Cardoso, my great commentary co-host Jay Reale, Beach Marshals Vina Lisboa and Sandro Barros, the SurfCore production team, all of the bodyboarding fans watching on the beach and tuned in to the live webcast from around the world, and...most importantly...all of the competitors who always put forth an amazing athletic performance out in the water!  Thank you to all of you for being such incredible ambassadors for the sport of bodyboarding!!!

Eu gostaria de agradecer a todos que ajudaram a viabilizer o sucesso deste evento:
  organizador de evento Flavio Brito, o Governo do Rio de Janeiro, o Secretario de Esportes e Lazer, IBA, CBRASB, FEBBRJ, Chico Garritano e todos os juizes, a equipe de seguranca de RBI, Danilo Caboclo e todos na sala de imprensa, Natalia Jalecky, reporter na praia Isabella Feijo, minha co-apresentadora grande comentario Jay Reale, equipe de producao do SurfCore,todoas o bodyboard fas assistindo na praia e santonizado paro o webcast ao vivo de todo o mundo, e...mais importante...todos os competidores que sempre estendeu um incrivel desempenho atletico fora na agua!  Obrigado a todos voces por serem tao incriveis embaixadores para o esporte de bodyboard!!!

  Until the next time, I'm Steve "Action" Jackson.  I'll see you at Rio Bodyboarding International 2014!  YEEEWWW!!!

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

IN THIS EDITION: Bodyboard Pro Festival in Venezuela Begins. Manny Vargas Returns for 2013 Encanto Pro Puerto Rico, Jared Houston & Natasha Sagardia Engaged and Expecting Baby!


BODYBOARD PRO FESTIVAL IN VENEZUELA BEGINS

  ISLA MARGARITA, VENEZUELA-  Bodyboarders from around the world have gathered for the 9th running of Bodyboard Pro Festival, a Men's GQS and Women's GSS event as well as a DK world tour competition.  This year will also feature a Women's DK division.  BPF 2013 runs October 7th-12th at Playa Parquito on Isla Margarita.  Be sure to follow the event on Instagram and Twitter @ bodyboardpf.

For all of the latest news and updates, stay tuned to:
www.ibaworldtour.com
BPF on Facebook


MANNY VARGAS RETURNS FOR 2013 ENCANTO PRO PUERTO RICO

  ISABELA, PUERTO RICO-  Former IBA World Tour commentary host Manny Vargas has been 100% confirmed to return to the webcast booth for the 2013 Encanto Pro Puerto Rico.  Stay tuned for more information, and be sure to tune in for live webcast coverage of this year's event!  The 2013 Encanto Pro Puerto Rico will be run at Jobos, October 23rd-27th.  Be sure to follow along on Instagram @ ewspr and Twitter @ encantopro.

For all of the latest news and updates, stay tuned to:
www.ibaworldtour.com
Encanto World Series on Facebook


JARED HOUSTON & NATASHA SAGARDIA ENGAGED, EXPECTING BABY!

  Professional bodyboarders Jared Houston (South Africa) and Natasha Sagardia (Puerto Rico) have announced that they are now engaged and expecting their first baby together!  Congratulations, Jerry and Natasha!  I would like to wish you and your family many years of good health and great happiness!

  That's the news for this edition of Current Events.  Until the next time, I'm Steve "Action" Jackson.  I'll see you out in the water...YEEEWWW!!!

Everything You Need to Know About Rio Bodyboarding International 2013

Everything You Need to Know About Rio Bodyboarding International 2013

RIO BODYBOARDING INTERNATIONAL 2013
Date: September 3rd-8th, 2013
Location: Posto 5, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rating: IBA World Tour 2013
Status: Men's GQS (Global Qualifier Series)/ Women's GSS (Grand Slam Series)
Prize Money: $60,000 USD Prize Purse ($40,000 Men's, $20,000 Women's)
Points: 2000 points for both divisions

IBA Technical Director: Alex Leon
alex@ibaworldtour.com

Event Organizer: Flavio Brito
flavio@cbrasb.com.br

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Rio Bodyboard International 2013
Copacabana – Brazil
September 3^rd to 8^th –  $ 60.000 USD Men and Women

  For the second consecutive year, the famous Copacabana Beach, in Rio de Janeiro, will receive the best bodyboarders of the world. The Rio Bodyboard International will take place in one of the most beautiful places in Brazil and the best riders will compete for a total of U$60.000,00 between 03^rd and 08^th of September.

  Rio Bodyboarding International will offer 2000 points in WWT and GQS rankings. In 2012, Isabela Sousa won in Rio making a big step towards her second world title. Among men, the Moroccan Brahim Iddouch won leaving Yoan Florentin in second after an equal final.

“It’s not being that easy to host the event for this second year. Governmental and economic issues have complicated a bit the pre-production of the event but we still believe that is very important to Rio and Brazil to have one of the biggest events of the tour once again in the city. Last year we had 181 competitors, from 19 countries. Would be nice to have the same or even more competitors this year.” Says Flavio Brito, president of the Rio Bodyboarding Federation and organizer of the competition.

  All international riders must confirm their presence by emailing Natalia – natalia@adding.com.br with their full name and country. There will be a Check-In on September 2^nd(Monday) from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the venue site at Copacabana beach.

ONLINE WEBCAST:
The event will be broadcasted in two languages (English and Portuguese) at:

 www.riobodyboarding.com.br 

...and there will be online updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/RioBodyboarding

 

Rio Bodyboarding 2013 is sponsored by Governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – Secretaria de Estado de Esporte e Lazer and is organized by Federação de Bodyboarding do Rio de Janeiro.

For more information
Media Information – Danilo Caboclo - +55 11 97667-9636 / danilo@gruposix.com.br

IBA South América – Francisco Garritano + 55 21 8674-5100 / garritanofrancisco@yahoo.com

Entry Information – Natalia / natalia@adding.com.br

Event information – Flávio Brito + 55 21 8855-1774 / flavio@cbrasb.com.br

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

(ENTRIES)

  All international riders must confirm their participation at the Rio event by submitting the payment information sheet (word document) to the following email: 

natalia@adding.com.br

Submissions will be accepted until August 31st.

Entry Fees:

Men's- $220 USD

Women's- $200 USD

The entry fee payment for international riders will take place at the check-in on Monday, September 2nd at the Copacabana venue.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  ALL INTERNATIONAL RIDERS MUST MAKE PAYMENT IN US DOLLARS. BRAZILIAN REAIS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

(AIRPORTS)

Galeao International Airport (for most international flights)

Phone: +55 (21) 3398 5050

Driving from Galeao to Copacabana: approximately 30 minutes

Santos Dumont International Airport (for most domestic flights)

Phone: +55 (21) 3814 7070

Driving fron Santos Dumont to Copacabana: approximately 20 minutes

(WAVE CHARACTERISTICS)

  The Copacabana beach break of Posto 5, also known as P5, is one of the most famous waves of Rio de Janeiro and the homebreak of 6x World Champion Guilherme Tamega.  The wave is very fast and heavy, and starts working at 2-3ft.  The water temperature is usually around 20C/68F, so a springsuit is usually good for the morning and boardshorts for the day will normally be fine.  If the swell is from the east, though, the water temps can get a little cold.

Type of Wave: Beach break

Wave Direction: Rights (main wave) and lefts

Tidal Conditions: Breaks during low and high tides

Swell Direction: Picks up swell from the south, southeast, and east

Wind Directions: Southeast, south, and northeast winds are preferable

Swell Size: Starts working at less than 1m/ 3ft and holds up to 3m/ 9ft+

(GENERAL INFORMATION)

-Please look after personal belongings especially passports, traveler's checks, and cash.  Lock them away when not needed.  have copies made of all your important travel documents.  Please come to the site office if you need help making copies upon your arrival.

-Please be careful when leaving or arriving at your accommodation during the evening, and avoid going out by yourself.

-Weather in Rio de Janeiro this time of year is usually warm during the day and during the evening.

-Please book your hotel AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!  The city's accommodations tend to fill up very quickly this time of year.

-At the moment, the current exchange rate is approximately $1 US Dollar= R$2.40 Brazilian Reais.

Rio's Official Website: www.rioguiaoficial.com.br/en/home

(ACCOMMODATIONS)

Copacabana Praia Hotel (Official Hotel)

www.copacabanapraiahotel.com.br

Hotel Canada- www.hotelcanada.com.br

Hotel Rio Othon- www.hoteis-othon.com.br

Mar Palace Hotel- www.hotelmarpalace.com.br

Hotel Atlantis Copacabana- www.atlantishotel.com.br

El Misti Hostel- www.elmistihostelrio.com.br

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

IN THIS EDITION:  Sebastian Inlet Pro Set to Begin, Annaelle Challenge Waiting Period and Trials,  IBA World Tour Heads to Sintra, Uri Valadao wins Rio Carioca Tour Event at Ipanema.


SEBASTIAN INLET BODYBOARD PRO SET TO BEGIN

  SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA-  The 2013 Sebastian Inlet Bodyboard Pro is set to begin on Wednesday with a competition window running August 21st-25th.  This is the second event on the 2013 USBA (United States Bodyboarding Association) national tour, and is being hosted by the FBA (Florida Bodyboardiing Association).

For more information, please be sure to visit the following link:
www.fbatour.com


ANNAELLE CHALLENGE WAITING PERIOD AND TRIALS

  BRITTANY, FRANCE-  The waiting period for the 2013 IBA Annaelle Challenge specialty event (August 15th- November 26th) is underway.  Trials have been scheduled for August 25th at La Palue, Crozon-Morgat.  The top two riders from trials will fill out the field of 20 competitors for this special international invitational event.

For more information, please be sure to visit the following links:

Annaelle Challenge on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Annaelle.challenge

Official Website: www.annaellechallenge.com

IBA World Tour: www.ibaworldtour.com


IBA WORLD TOUR HEADS TO SINTRA

  SINTRA, PORTUGAL-  After a two month break in action, the 2013 IBA World Tour resumes next week with the Sintra Portugal Pro (Aug. 26th- Sept. 1st).  This year's event at Sintra will be a Men's GQS (Global Qualifier Series), Women's GSS (Grand Slam Series), and a DKWT (Drop Knee World Tour) event.

For more information on this, please be sure to visit the following links:

Official Site: http://www.sintrabodyboard.com/

IBA World Tour: www.ibaworldtour.com


URI VALADAO WINS RIO CARIOCA EVENT AT IPANEMA

Men's Pro Final: 1st- Uri Valadao, 2nd- Francirley Ferreira, 3rd- Helliton Loureiro, 4th- Dionatan Barroso.

  IPANEMA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL-  2008 World Champion Uri Valadao has won event #1 on the 2013 Circuito Carioca de Bodyboard.

Here are the full results:

Men's Pro:
1st- Uri Valadao
2nd- Francirley Ferreira
3rd- Helliton Loureiro
4th- Dionatan Barroso

Women's Pro:
1st- Kirtys Montenegro
2nd- Rafaela Alves
3rd- Maira Viana
4th- Gabriela Gouveia

Open Men's:
1st- Lucio Santana
2nd- Adejaldo Silva
3rd- Ariel Santana
4th- Lucas Franco

Open Women's:
1st- Aline Ribeiro
2nd- Yumi Vasconcellos
3rd- Fernanda Basile
4th- Vitoria Caroline

Sub 16:
1st- Breno Passanha
2nd- Matheus Bastos
3rd- Socrates Santana
4th- Gabriel Vinicius

For more information, please be sure to visit the following links:

Circuito Carioca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CariocaBB

Federacao de Bodyboard de Rio de Janeiro: www.febbrj.com.br


  That's all for now.  Until the next time, I'm Steve "Action" Jackson.  I'll see you out in the water...YEEEWWW!!!

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

CURRENT EVENTS: Bodyboarding News

IN THIS EDITION:  Encanto Pro Confirmed as GQS, Rio Bodyboarding International GQS Confirmed, 2013 Rio Carioca Tour Schedule Announced, USBA Sandy Beach Pro, USBA Sebastian Inlet Pro Confirmed, Tanner McDaniel Renews Contract with Science, New "Viking" model from Congo Boards, QCD Stock Boards Now Available.


2013 IBA ENCANTO PRO PUERTO RICO CONFIRMED AS GQS

2012 IBA Encanto Pro Puerto Rico Champion Jeff Hubbard.  Photo: IBA

  ISABELA, PUERTO RICO-  The IBA has confirmed the 2013 Encanto Pro as a Men's GQS (Global Qualifier Series) event, as apposed to the GSS (Grand Slam Series) status the Puerto Rico event has held for the past two years.  The competition window has also been changed, now running Oct. 23rd-27th at Middles.  As in previous years, the 2013 Encanto Pro will also run as a WWT (Women's World Tour) and DKWT (Drop Knee World Tour) event.

For more information on this story, please be sure to visit:

IBA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibaworldtour

Official IBA Website: www.ibaworldtour.com


RIO BODYBOARDING INTERNATIONAL 2013 GQS CONFIRMED

  RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL-  The Rio Bodyboarding International 2013 GQS/WWT has been confirmed for September 3rd-8th at Posto 5 in Copacabana.  Building on the success of last year, this year's event will feature a $75,000 USD prize purse as well as a dual-language live webcast available in English and Portuguese.

For more information on this story, please be sure to visit:

Rio Bodyboarding International on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RioBodyboarding

Official Website: www.riobodyboarding.com.br


2013 RIO CARIOCA TOUR SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

  RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL-  The Circuito Carioca de Bodyboarding (Rio Carioca Bodyboarding tour) has confirmed it's schedule for 2013.  The four event tour will feature events at Ipanema, Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca, and Sao Conrado with a R$15,000 prize purse for each event.  Despite being a "local" tour, the Circuito Carioca draws riders from all over the country of Brasil along with the occasional international rider.   The season opener at Ipanema (August 10-11) has already confirmed 120 competitors including the likes of 2008 IBA World Champion Uri Valadao, 2012 ISA Games Champion Eder Luciano, and Venezuelan Alejandra Altuve.

For more information, please be sure to visit:

Circuito Carioca de Bodyboarding on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CariocaBB


USBA SANDY BEACH PRO RESULTS

  OAHU, HAWAII-  The 2013 USBA Sandy Beach Pro was held on the weekend of July 6th-7th.  Some of the highlights of the event included Jeff Hubbard's perfect heat (two 10's) in his Men's Pro Semi-final, Sammy Morretino's perfect 10 on a backside DK barrel to snap, JB Hillen's consistently high scores throughout competition, last-minute heroics from Dave Hubbard, and Liana Carson's air rolls over "Sashimi Rock."  Here are the final results:

MEN'S PRO:
1- Dave Hubbard
2- JB Hillen
3- Matt Holzman
4- Jeff Hubbard

WOMEN'S PRO:
1- Liana Carson
2- Melanie Bartels
3- Claudia Ferrari
4- Akemi Zurowski

DK PRO:
1- Sammy Morretino
2- Dave Hubbard
3- Joshua Trotter
4- Willy Petrovic

Here are some video highlights:

Highlights from Videographer Marcus Rodrigues on Vimeo:
http://vimeo.com/m/70372997

For more information, please be sure to visit:

USBA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usbatour

Official Website: www.usbatour.com


USBA SEBASTIAN INLET PRO CONFIRMED

  SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA-  The Sebastian Inlet Bodyboard Pro, a USBA tour event hosted by the FBA (Florida Bodyboarding Association), has been confirmed for August 21st-25th at Sebastian Inlet State Park.

For more information, please be sure to visit:

FBA Tour on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBodyboardAssociation?fref=ts

Official website:  www.fbatour.com


TANNER MCDANIEL RENEWS CONTRACT WITH SCIENCE BODYBOARDS

  KALAHEO, HAWAII-  Hawaiian "Supergrom" Tanner McDaniel recently renewed his contract with Science Bodyboards.

Check out Tanner's latest video clip 'Tanner McDaniel 5.0,' on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/70167761

For more information, please be sure to visit:

Science Bodyboards Hawaii on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sciencebodyboardshawaii


NEW "VIKING" MODEL FROM CONGO BOARDS

New Jersey's Pat "The Viking" Hemenway showing off his new signature model from Congo Boards.

  BELMAR, NEW JERSEY-  New Jersey bodyboarder Pat Hemenway has announced the release of his new "Viking" signature model from Congo Boards.  The complete line of Congo Boards is available online and from select bodyboard retailers.

For more information, be sure to visit:

Congo Boards on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/congo.boards.7

Official Website: www.congoboards.com

Pat "The Viking" Hemenway putting his board to the test. photo: Willie Barrio.

QCD STOCK BOARDS NOW AVAILABLE

  NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA-  Bodyboard shaper Todd Quigley has expanded his QCD (Quigley Custom Designs) bodyboards to include a new line of stock boards available now.

For more information, please be sure to visit:

QCD Bodyboards on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qcdboards

Official Website: www.qcdboards.com


  Well, that's all for now.  Until the next time, I'm Steve "Action" Jackson.  I'll see you out in the water...YEEEWWW!!!

EDITORIAL: What's REALLY Going on with IBA Pty Ltd and the World Tour?

EDITORIAL: What's REALLY Going on with IBA Pty Ltd and the World Tour?

Written by Steve "Action" Jackson

23 JULY 2013

  In late 2010, the non-profit organization International Bodyboarding Association (IBA) leased the running of bodyboarding's world tour and became the International Bodyboarding Association Limited (IBA Pty Ltd).  With the support of Red Bull TV, IBA Pty Ltd launched the newly formatted Grand Slam Series (GSS) worl tour in 2011, showcasing the top 24 ranked bodyboarders competing in some of the heaviest waves in the world.  What followed is considered by many to have been one of the most epic seasons of competition in bodyboarding history so far!  All of the marketing, production work, as well as the level of competition was driving the sport of bodyboarding towards new levels of performance and exposure.

  While the competitors on the world tour have been continuously pushing their performances to astounding new levels, the same cannot necessarily be said of IBA Pty Ltd.  The 2012 and 2013 seasons have been marred by difficulties and instability, riddled with unanswered questions, and very little in the way of answers being offered by IBA Pty Ltd.  I took it upon myself to contact IBA Pty Ltd, as well as others whom have been or are currently associated with the world tour, to try to find out as much information as possible.  Please keep in mind, I am merely asking the questions that a large portion of the international bodyboarding community have been asking, and providing the information that I have received from IBA Pty Ltd and those associated with the world tour.  I am in no way making accusations or insinuations...just asking the big questions, letting those directly involved provide the answers, and presenting that information.  With that said, here's what I found out.


What happened with the Snakes & Ladders production team parting ways with IBA Pty Ltd following the conclusion of the 2012 Box Pro?

Alex Leon, IBA Pty Ltd Tour Manager: "Can't answer, it was before my time as World Tour Manager."

NOTE: The members of Snakes & Ladders are unable to comment at this time.


Why did IBA Pty Ltd replace Red Bull TV with YouTube for the webcasts?

Alex Leon: "Again can't comment as I was not involved when this took place."

NOTE: Sources associated with the world tour have explained to me that the move to YouTube for the live webcast transmissions of tour events was a financial decision made in the best interest of the tour.  IBA Pty Ltd is paid royalties for each view received on the IBA YouTube Channel.  The deal between YouTube and IBA Pty Ltd has the potential to be much more beneficial for the world tour, the competitors, and the overall exposure for the sport of bodyboarding.


What happened with Manny Vargas being marketed and branded as "The Face of the IBA," then replaced in 2012 and again in 2013 after Pipeline?

Alex Leon: "Manny V is a great character and did a great job but the IBA cannot afford to pay him his new rate that he requested."

Manny Vargas: "I want the IBA fans including those five Manny V fans to know that I really wish I was doing the play by play.  I miss being on the tour, hanging with great friends, and calling all the exciting action.  Back in the beginning of 2012, the IBA and I had a great deal.  Unfortunately, I did not keep up with 'Manny Vision' and 'Sound Booth with Manny V' and was paid accordingly.  All good.  I couldn't wait to get back in there for 2013 and get 'Manny Vision,' 'Sound Booth,' and other aspects rolling.  I wanted it bad.  When I got back to the negotiating table before the Fronton event in 2012, I asked to re-instate the original 2012 deal.  Needless to say, they weren't having it.  No deal.  I did the 2013 Pipeline Challenge at the 2011 pay rate.  Mike Stewart made that happen.  Thank you, Stewbags.  Now, I put another deal on the table and I'm working with the new general manager to make this happen.  I would really hate to see the decisions of a few dismantle something great.  Huge props to Terry McKenna for doing what he did for the tour.  For the sake of the balls-out-go-big-or-go-home bodyboarders of the world and the most loyal sports fans, I'm having my fingers crossed.  Lastly, I want to thank all those that have supported me through all this...especially those that are a part of the "Bring Back Manny" Facebook group page.  If you're asking what you can do...just stay true people.  BOOM!"


What was the end result of the "Salvemos Puerto" campaign?  How much was raised and how much was donated to the local Mexican government for rebuilding efforts?

Alex Leon: "Cannot comment as this was before my time again."

NOTE: The "Salvemos Puerto" campaign was an initiative by IBA Pty Ltd to raise money for Puerto Escondido, Mexico in the wake of a devastating hurricane and bring the IBA Zicatela Pro back for a second year in 2012.  During the writing of this article, I was unable to find any records pertaining to the "Salvemos Puerto" campaign.  No information regarding how many shirts or gift packs were sold, how much money was raised, nor how much money was donated to the people of Puerto Escondido for hurricane reconstruction efforts is readily available to the public.


What happened with Terry "Teza" McKenna leaving as IBA Tour Manager?

Alex Leon: "I cannot comment once again on this as I took over from Terry in November.  Terry and Gregg (Taylor, former IBA Pty Ltd General Manager) worked together for several years and obviously they didn't agree on certain direction and as far as I know Terry parted ways with Gregg Taylor.

Terry "Teza" McKenna: "This was one of the toughest decisions of my life.  I worked my whole life to get that job and build up an amazing network of friends and promoters around the world.  I believe that we had built something extraordinary with the team I assembled and I was proud to say I was the IBA World Tour Manager.  But towards the end, the wheels started to wobble off and things weren't adding up.  I just could not be a part of something I did not believe was ethical or professional.  IBA was racking up debts and treating the people within the organization like shit and some of the stuff I witnessed was blatantly corrupt.  I had to distance myself from IBA Pty Ltd.  It was like I was standing on the bow of the Titanic and saw the iceberg coming.  I had to get out of there as fast as I could before it crashed."


Why did Gregg Taylor step down as IBA Pty Ltd General Manager earlier this year, and who is running the tour now?

Alex Leon: "Gregg stepped down to pursue other interests.  The tour's new General Manager is Richard Nimmo, and I'm the Tour Manager."

NOTE: According to anonymous sources, an ongoing criminal investigation is looking into allegations that funds from IBA Pty Ltd were transferred to other projects without investor approval.


When did IBA Pty Ltd acquire shareholders, who are they, and what background do they have in bodyboarding and/or action sports?

Alex Leon: "The IBA Pty Ltd acquired shareholders in 2010 when the IBA Pty Ltd started with the lease from IBA non-profit with the GSS series.  As far as knowing anything about certain shareholders, I cannot comment and the information is not disclosed as they are private investors and do not need to be mentioned."

NOTE: "During the 2013 Itacoatiara Pro in Brasil, new General Manager Richard Nimmo stated outright that he has no background in bodyboarding or surfing, saying, "I'm a businessman.  I'm here to assess the profitability of the tour for the shareholders."


Why was The Box Pro in Western Australia replaced with the 2013 New South Wales South Coast Crusade?

Alex Leon: "We wanted to try a different location this year and the east coast has some of the best bodyboarding reefbreaks in the world plus the NSW state government were behind having the event and were a major partner in this."

NOTE: There is no arguing that the NSW South Coast Crusade was a great event.  Despite the "delayed webcast"...it was filmed and then aired later due to the extremely remote location of the competition site...the epic, progressive performances of the riders was one for the history books.  There may have been another deciding factor, though, in moving the Australia event from WA to NSW.  According to my sources with knowledge of this situation,  IBA allegedly failed to pay Surfing Western Australia sanctioning fees for the 2012 Box Pro.  An email was sent to Surfing WA regarding this matter, but they had not responded at the time of this article's release.


What is happening with the second half of the 2013 GSS world tour schedule?

Alex Leon: "We are currently holding discussions with certain event promoters and will have confirmation in the coming weeks regarding this."

NOTE: "The 2013 GSS world tour got off to a tumultuous start with the cancellation and reinstatement of the season opener at Pipeline, followed by the NSW South Coast Crusade being confirmed only weeks prior to the competition window.  According to the official IBA World Tour website, The Zicatela Challenge in Mexico (Originally scheduled for August 1st-12th) has been dropped from the tour schedule.  I have been informed by sources close to the IBA that the South Africa Challenge at Herold's Bay (originally scheduled for Sept. 26th-Oct. 5th) will not be happening.  IBA Pty Ltd just recently annouced that the 2013 Encanto Challenge in Puerto Rico (Oct. 23rd-27th) will be run as a Global Qualifier Series (GQS) event and not a GSS event.  The remaining event on the GSS tour schedule, The Fronton Challenge (Nov.  11th-22nd), is still TBC (To Be Confirmed).


Why is IBA Pty Ltd attempting to raise the event organizers' mandatory requirements mid-season?

Alex Leon: "The IBA Pty Ltd is not raising any mandatory requirements mid-season.  The minimum event requirements are set all year and will not change until 2014."

NOTE: During the 2013 Itacoatiara Pro in Brasil, IBA Pty Ltd held a meeting with event promoters from Chile, Brasil, and Puerto Rico.  I was indirectly privy to several conversations, some including new General Manager Richard Nimmo himself, which suggested IBA Pty Ltd was discussing an increase to minimum requirements for the remainder of the 2013 GSS events.  According to comments made by GM Nimmo, IBA Pty Ltd has been losing between $25,000 and $30,000 per GSS event this year.  Also, according to anonymous sources, IBA Pty Ltd owes nearly $2.8 million to its investors.  I contacted Flavio Brito, the Event Organizer/ Promoter for the Rio Bodyboarding International GQS, who was in attendance at the promoter's meeting.  When asked about the meeting, he had this to say...

Flavio Brito: "Yes, we had a meeting during the waiting period for Itacoatiara.  We were presented to Richard, the new "boss" for IBA.  They told that IBA loses money on every GSS event and that they were figuring a way out to stop this bleed.  One of the alternatives discussed was to raise the minimum requirements for the tour.  The promoters were totally against the idea.  IBA needs to sell the sport correctly and earn their profit from companies that would like to invest in it.  A reasonable raise on the sanctioning fee is tolerable, but not a significant increase of the minimum requirements.  For my event, Rio Bodyboarding International, nothing was discussed and no raise was made.  The losses that IBA have are on the GSS events, the GQS are profitable for IBA."


What is going to happen to the world tour in 2014?

Alex Leon: "We are planning a few new events for the schedule.  Bali is one of those and possibly South Africa.  There are still many hurdles to jump but we are closer and closer to securing our 2014 calendar by November."

NOTE: According to the offical IBA World Tour website, the final event on the 2013 GSS World Tour schedule, The Fronton Challenge (Nov. 11th-22nd), still has not been officially confirmed.

  For all of the questions, comments, non-comments, and information accumulated for this article, I can't help but feel as if I have barely scratched the surface.  Honestly, I feel like more questions have been created than answered.  All of this troubles me.  As a bodyboarder, it should trouble you too.  There should not be so many questions regarding the running of the world tour.  It's not fair to the professional bodyboarders who put it all on the line competing on tour.  It's not fair to the employees of IBA PtyLtd working countless late-night hours to create a spectacular product for the world to see, nor to the promoters committing so much of their time and energy organizing world-class events.  It's not fair to the die-hard fans who loyally support the sport of bodyboarding.  If the people resposible for running the IBA World Tour exercised even a small degree of transparency and were just the slightest bit more forthcoming with information, maybe we wouldn't have so many questions.  Maybe then, all of us in the world of bodyboarding might actually know what's really going on with IBA Pty Ltd and the world tour.