Ben Sawyer and Isabela Sousa have conquered the 2026 Shark Island Challenge (SIC) in New South Wales, Australia.

Twenty-four male and five female bodyboarders enjoyed some of the best competition days ever in the history of this legendary slab-riding event.

Clean five-to-eight waves detonated for two sessions in the infamous reef break located off Cronulla's Point Park.

The 22nd edition of the Shark Island Challenge featured once again several elite riders, including Lewy Finnegan, Jacob Romero, Jase Finlay, Damien King, Dave Winchester, Tanner McDaniel, Isabella Souza, Lilly Pollard, and many others.

Mike Stewart, who had already won in 2000 and 2025, returned eager to prove that his age - 63 - is merely a number.

But we cannot stress enough the quality of the waves on offer for an event that was first held in 1997.

The organizers made the right call, and Mother Nature delivered beautiful rolls of moving water that hit the underneath slab as they should.

A solid east-to-east-southeast swell building in the Tasman Sea, combined with a strong high-pressure system over mainland Australia, set the stage for another SIC showdown.

The notorious step that makes Shark Island a bodyboarder's haven showed up in its full, dark glory, requiring full commitment and a fearless attitude from the athletes.

Getting barreled while preparing to free-fall from a vertical wall of water isn't for the unprepared.

And even when riders were doing everything by the book, wipeouts were inevitable and spectacular.

The perfect bodyboarding competition

For the spectators at home, a world-class show was guaranteed thanks to a professional live coverage of the invitational that sets the standard for what everything in professional bodyboarding should be.

On the first day of competition, it was hard for the judges to narrow down the field. Every single competitor was putting all they had in the wave face.

The finals day saw Ben Sawyer, Damian King, Shaun Pyne, and Jack Baker battling it out for the prestigious trophy.

Two of them - Sawyer and King - had already lifted the title.

The clash was intense and tight, and ultimately, the post-show party revealed this year's male champion.

Ben Sawyer was stoked to win again, joined by a veteran of women's bodyboarding and a multiple-time world champion: Isabela Sousa.

Hawaii's Jacob Romero went home with the Ringa Award, and Cohen Thomas took the Best Barrel Award.

It's SIC - chaotic, wild, and deeply challenging. Next year, the contest celebrates its 30th anniversary.

2026 Shark Island Challenge | Finals

Men

1. Ben Sawyer, 11.90
2. Damian King, 8.60
3. Shaun Pyne. 8.04
4. Jack Baker, 7.86

Women

1. Isabela Sousa, 14.33
2. Ebony Schell, 11.50
3. Lilly Pollard, 10.83
4. Jane Keel, 8.13
5. Sophie Pickering, 5.20

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Jorge Mix is the man behind Olympic Bodyboard, an Instagram account that promotes the inclusion of the sport in the Games.

He hails from Iquique, a wave-rich region in Chile.

SurferToday.com wanted to know what drives Mix to lead the Olympic bodyboarding dream.

"I work as an insurance advisor both nationally and internationally, focused on protection and wealth planning," Jorge told us.

"But beyond my professional career, bodyboarding has been a fundamental part of my life."

"I discovered it at a very young age, almost by accident, during an extremely difficult period marked by the loss of a close family member that deeply impacted my childhood."

"In that context, the ocean became my refuge. The waves gave me a place to disconnect, process emotions, and move forward."

"Over time, that refuge became a passion, a discipline, and ultimately a way of understanding life."

"Bodyboarding not only watched me grow - it also shaped me through values such as resilience, consistency, and connection with nature."

Jorge Mix feels he owes a great deal to the sport.

He also says that part of what he is doing today - including this effort to help bring bodyboarding onto a global stage - comes directly from that personal history.

We exchanged a few messages and emails to know more about the @olympicbodyboard movement.

What sparked the initiative to bring bodyboarding to the Olympic Games, and why now?

The initiative comes from a combination of the sport's maturity and a historic opportunity.

Bodyboarding has spent decades evolving technically, competitively, and culturally, yet it has remained institutionally underrepresented.

Today, we are seeing an Olympic landscape that is increasingly open to young, visual, and culturally driven sports.

Timing matters: surfing opened the door, and bodyboarding is now ready to take the next step with its own identity.

Do you see this as a long-term campaign or something that could realistically happen within the next few Olympic cycles?

It is both at the same time: a long-term strategic vision with immediate tactical objectives.

The Olympic pathway never happens overnight, especially for sports seeking formal recognition within complex international structures.

However, bodyboarding today is in a far more mature position than it was a decade ago.

In terms of viability, upcoming Olympic cycles represent a genuine window of opportunity.

The International Olympic Committee has shown growing interest in sports that connect with younger audiences, have strong digital engagement, and offer dynamic broadcast formats. 

Bodyboarding naturally fits many of those characteristics.

The key is accelerating several processes: consolidating international governance, strengthening professional circuits, increasing media visibility, and building alliances with national sporting bodies.

If these elements move forward in coordination, there could be concrete steps toward partial recognition or inclusion within wave-sport programs in the medium term.

Beyond exact timelines, the conversation itself has already changed: bodyboarding is no longer asking whether it deserves to be there - it has started seriously working on how to get there.

What does Olympic recognition mean for bodyboarding that it doesn't already have?

Olympic recognition would completely transform the scale of the sport.

It is not only about appearing at the Olympic Games; it means entering a global ecosystem of sports development, funding, infrastructure, and institutional validation.

Today, much of bodyboarding's growth depends on private initiatives, local communities, and individual passion.

With Olympic recognition, countries could begin integrating development programs, scholarships, training centers, and federation-backed support systems specifically for bodyboard athletes.

It would also have a major impact on professionalization.

Riders could gain access to stronger sponsorships, high-performance programs, and more sustainable athletic careers.

That would allow emerging talents to dedicate themselves fully to the sport without relying solely on personal resources.

Culturally, the impact would be equally significant.

Bodyboarding would move from being perceived as an alternative or secondary discipline to being recognized as a high-level athletic expression with its own competitive identity.

It would also create opportunities for younger generations in coastal regions worldwide, especially in countries where bodyboarding is more accessible and affordable than other board sports.

One challenge for Olympic inclusion is governance. Does bodyboarding currently have sufficient visibility and support from the ISA or the World Tour to meet IOC standards?

At the moment, governance is probably the greatest challenge bodyboarding faces in its Olympic ambitions.

The athletic talent exists, the global culture exists, and the audience exists; what still needs consolidation is the international institutional structure.

The International Olympic Committee requires transparent, recognized organizations operating under specific standards: active national federations, clear regulatory systems, democratic structures, official calendars, and transparent qualification and ranking mechanisms.

Bodyboarding has made progress in different areas, but fragmentation still exists between organizations, tours, and representation models.

That dispersion makes it difficult to establish a unified voice before international sporting institutions.

The challenge is not only administrative; it is also political.

For the sport to evolve, it needs consensus among athletes, organizers, federations, and historical industry stakeholders. The goal is to build a modern structure without losing the cultural essence of bodyboarding.

The positive side is that many sports that are now Olympic disciplines went through similar processes before consolidating themselves. The difference lies in the ability to align strategically and act with a global vision.

What would need to change structurally in the sport for it to be taken seriously by Olympic committees?

Bodyboarding needs organizational evolution to meet Olympic-level requirements. That does not mean reinventing the sport, but strengthening its institutional and competitive foundations.

One of the most important changes is the unification of the professional circuit.

Currently, multiple entities organize events and rankings, which fragments global visibility and makes it difficult to establish a clear competitive narrative for athletes, media, and sponsors.

It is also essential to consolidate a strong international federation with broad recognition and the capacity to coordinate national federations.

The IOC requires clear interlocutors and consistent structures.

Another key aspect is the standardization of rules and judging criteria. 

Although bodyboarding already has advanced technical judging systems, greater international consistency is needed to guarantee competitive legitimacy and transparency.

Additionally, the sport needs stronger talent development pathways. That includes junior tours, continental competitions, and athlete development systems capable of identifying and supporting talent from an early stage.

Finally, bodyboarding must increase its integration with national sporting institutions.

Many countries still do not formally recognize bodyboarding within their sports structures, limiting access to resources, infrastructure, and governmental support.

Critics might say bodyboarding overlaps too much with surfing. How do you respond to that?

It is a common perception, but a superficial one. While both sports share the ocean as their arena, they are fundamentally different disciplines in terms of technique, biomechanics, wave reading, and athletic expression.

Surfing prioritizes vertical movement on the board, whereas bodyboarding operates through a much deeper connection with the wave itself, allowing riders to perform in extremely fast and critical sections.

The type of control, speed, and attack angle involved is entirely different.

Bodyboarding also explores areas of the wave that are often inaccessible to other disciplines. Deep barrels, critical transitions, and certain aerial maneuvers are part of its competitive DNA.

Comparing them as if they were the same sport would be like saying BMX and road cycling are identical simply because both use bicycles.

They share an environment and some basic elements, but their cultures, techniques, and competitive criteria are completely different.

In fact, the coexistence of surfing and bodyboarding could strengthen the Olympic wave-sport ecosystem by offering greater visual diversity, broader storytelling, and distinct technical identities for global audiences.

What are the biggest obstacles the sport is facing right now, political, financial, or cultural?

The challenges facing bodyboarding are multiple and extend far beyond athletic performance. The talent exists; the issue is how to transform that talent into a sustainable and globally recognized structure.

The first obstacle is political.

There is currently no fully unified international representation with complete legitimacy before global sporting organizations. That fragmentation weakens negotiations, visibility, and institutional influence.

The second challenge is financial.

Compared to other action sports, bodyboarding receives less structural investment, less corporate sponsorship, and less federation support. That limits event growth, media coverage, and athlete development.

There is also a cultural challenge.

For years, bodyboarding carried an unfair perception of being a "secondary sport" within wave sports. That narrative affected its commercial and media positioning, even as the technical level of the sport evolved dramatically.

Another major obstacle is organizational continuity. Many projects still depend on individual efforts or isolated initiatives, when what the sport truly needs is global planning and institutional stability.

Still, all of these challenges are solvable. The difference will come from the ability of the bodyboarding ecosystem to act strategically and collectively in the coming years.

Is there resistance within the surfing community itself?

Yes, there is some resistance in certain sectors, although not necessarily from direct antagonism.

In many cases, it comes from historical unfamiliarity, cultural differences, or the protection of already established spaces within the wave-sports industry.

Some people view the growth of bodyboarding as competition for sponsorship, media attention, or resources.

However, that perspective is often limited. The reality is that both sports can coexist and strengthen one another.

There is also a new generation within surfing that understands the value of building a broader and more diverse ocean sports ecosystem.

More athletes, media platforms, and brands are recognizing that the ocean allows multiple disciplines and forms of athletic expression.

From an Olympic and broadcasting perspective, expanding wave-sport representation could benefit everyone. More formats, more audiences, and more competitive storytelling strengthen global interest in these disciplines.

The cultural evolution is already happening. Today, there is far more mutual respect between riders from different disciplines than there was twenty years ago. The challenge now is turning that respect into structural collaboration.

How are professional bodyboarders responding to this push? Are they united behind it?

The overall reaction has been enthusiastic because many athletes understand the enormous potential Olympic recognition could bring to the sport and future generations.

At the same time, legitimate concerns also exist. Some riders fear that excessive institutionalization could dilute the free, authentic, and countercultural spirit that historically defined bodyboarding.

That concern should not be ignored; it is part of the emotional identity of the sport.

Other professionals, particularly younger riders, see the process as a historic opportunity to access more sustainable careers, better competitive conditions, and greater international exposure.

Right now, the biggest challenge is not convincing the outside world - it is building a shared vision within the bodyboarding community itself. The sport needs alignment between athletes, organizers, brands, and historical leaders.

The key will be proving that professionalization and authenticity are not opposing concepts. A sport can evolve institutionally without losing its soul.

Would Olympic inclusion change the culture of bodyboarding, for better or worse?

Yes, inevitably. Every sport that enters a process of professionalization and global expansion experiences cultural transformation. The question is not whether change will happen, but how it will be managed.

Bodyboarding was born with an identity deeply connected to freedom, creativity, and underground ocean culture.

That essence is part of its appeal and should not disappear. At the same time, institutional growth requires stronger structures, organization, and professional standards.

Cultural evolution does not have to be negative.

In fact, it can create enormous opportunities: more support for young athletes, more international events, greater media exposure, and broader access to the sport around the world.

The challenge will be preserving authenticity while building a global platform.

That means respecting the history of the sport, its local communities, and its cultural language, even as it evolves into a more professional dimension.

Many action sports have successfully navigated that balance. 

Bodyboarding can do the same if it leads the change from within rather than simply reacting to external pressures.

Are there specific athletes who could become breakout Olympic stars?

Definitely.

A new generation of bodyboarders is emerging with extraordinary technical ability, modern physical preparation, and a natural capacity to connect with global digital audiences.

Today, athletes no longer just compete; they also build personal brands, create content, and represent lifestyles that resonate with younger generations.

That factor is highly relevant within today's Olympic ecosystem.

Beyond specific names, the current focus is on developing global figures capable of representing the sport internationally.

Bodyboarding needs athletes who not only win competitions but also serve as cultural and media ambassadors for the sport.

In addition, talent is now far more geographically diverse than ever before.

Countries across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania are producing riders of an extremely high competitive level, reinforcing the truly global character of the sport.

With the right development structures and support systems, bodyboarding could produce Olympic athletes who are highly attractive both competitively and commercially.

If bodyboarding were included, what would the competition format look like?

The Olympic format would likely preserve the current essence of competitive bodyboarding, based on elimination heats and technical maneuver evaluation, while adapting it to maximize clarity, dynamism, and broadcast appeal.

Competitions would require clearly defined time structures, strong visual storytelling, and scoring systems that are easy for mass audiences to understand.

The goal would be to balance technical depth with media accessibility.

Judging criteria would continue to evaluate fundamental elements such as difficulty, commitment in critical sections, maneuver amplitude, control, innovation, and wave utilization.

It is also likely that formats would prioritize visually impactful conditions: powerful waves, deep barrels, and locations capable of showcasing the sport at its most spectacular level.

From a broadcasting perspective, bodyboarding has a major advantage: the action is often constant and highly visual, especially in critical conditions where viewers can immediately perceive the speed and risk involved.

Do you think the sport is TV-friendly enough for Olympic audiences?

Absolutely.

In fact, bodyboarding possesses visual characteristics that can be even more impactful for television and digital platforms than other wave-riding disciplines.

The rider's proximity to the wave creates an intense sensation of speed and risk for the audience.

Deep barrels, explosive maneuvers, and critical sections produce highly cinematic imagery that is naturally shareable and easy to viralize.

The sport also has a very dynamic rhythm. In the right conditions, the action is continuous and visually understandable even for audiences without technical knowledge of the sport.

With modern production - drones, underwater cameras, slow motion, and graphic analysis - bodyboarding can become an extremely powerful media product.

Its visual language fits perfectly with short-form digital consumption, social media, and immersive broadcasts.

Another important factor is authenticity.

Bodyboarding carries a less structured and more visceral aesthetic, something that strongly connects with younger audiences seeking sports with genuine identity and real emotion.

When presented correctly, bodyboarding would not only work on television - it could become one of the most spectacular wave sports within the modern Olympic ecosystem.

How would the judging criteria be standardized globally?

Through clear global criteria, international judge education programs, and the use of technology to support decision-making.

Transparency will be essential.

Organizations such as the International Surfing Association, Pan American Surf Association, Confederación Sudamericana de Surf, and Asociación Latinoamericana de Surfistas Profesionales already operate with well-defined evaluation frameworks and judging standards that could serve as a foundation for global bodyboarding judging standardization.

What would Olympic inclusion mean for sponsorships and grassroots participation?

It would be transformational: greater brand investment, development of academies and training programs, and access to state-supported sports initiatives.

Overall, the impact would be profoundly positive, creating a stronger and more sustainable ecosystem.

The arrival of new brands, combined with stronger grassroots development, would allow structured growth benefiting both emerging athletes and the global expansion of bodyboarding.

Could this help grow the sport in regions where it's currently underrepresented?

Yes, especially in coastal countries without a strong tradition in wave sports. In many ways, bodyboarding is more accessible than surfing.

It is also essential to support the development of new regions around the world by identifying talent and building local ecosystems capable of sustaining long-term growth.

Equally important will be helping these countries organize and manage national events, raising competitive standards, and building solid foundations for international projection.

With an Olympic vision in place, many young athletes would begin shaping their careers around that goal, creating a new standard of commitment, preparation, and professionalism from an early stage.

If the Olympic route doesn't succeed, what's the alternative vision for elevating bodyboarding?

Continue coordinating and uniting all stakeholders, creating high-impact media events, and positioning bodyboarding as a world-class independent spectacle.

At the same time, the goal is to strengthen a solid and sustainable professional structure that allows athletes to develop without depending exclusively on Olympic recognition.

Another key objective is building strategic partnerships with brands, media platforms, and digital networks to amplify the global reach of bodyboarding and consolidate its long-term growth.

What's been the most surprising reaction you've received since starting this campaign?

The interest from people outside the sport's traditional core. There is genuine curiosity about why bodyboarding has not reached this level of recognition before.

It has also been surprising to see growing openness from people connected to the sports industry, who are beginning to recognize potential that previously went unnoticed.

Even in more strategic circles, there is a willingness to listen and explore how bodyboarding could integrate into a broader vision of global sport.

Have you had any contact with Olympic officials or major sporting bodies yet?

I maintain direct contact with Karín Sierralta, current vice president of the International Surfing Association, president of the Pan American Surf Association, and also president of the Asociación Latinoamericana de Surfistas Profesionales.

We have built a relationship based on mutual respect and the projection of future strategic partnerships.

These kinds of connections open important doors for positioning the conversation in spaces where real decisions are made.

What keeps you motivated despite the long odds?

The conviction that the sport deserves more - and that we are living through a historic moment where changing its trajectory is genuinely possible.

I am also motivated by the new generation of riders pushing forward with talent and ambition, waiting for opportunities that still do not exist on a large scale.

And on a personal level, I am driven by the desire to leave a legacy that creates real opportunities for the future of bodyboarding worldwide.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Rob Barber caught up with multi-world champion Dave Hubbard to break down the five bodyboarding maneuvers he loves most.

Across all five maneuvers, a clear theme emerges.

Hubbard's favorites feature the classic height and rotation characteristics but also rely on the timing, control, and rethinking of how sections can be approached.

It's a 360-degree vision of how modern bodyboarding should be addressed, embedding experimentation to raise the level of the sport.

1. The drop knee floater

Hubbard began with what he calls "probably my favorite": the drop knee lip floater.

"So, it's like an off-the-lip, but like you're grinding the lip line while you float," he explained. "And I just love the functionality of that maneuver."

For Hubbard, the move carries history.

"It was pretty iconic as I was coming up to see guys like Roach doing such controlled lip grinds in the drop knee stance."

While he enjoys doing them prone, he says performing them drop knee is "just so appealing, so visually stimulating."

Part of that appeal lies in its subtlety.

"You don't need a ton of spray to come off your rail. But even just a little bit while your board is perfectly on the lip just looks so amazing."

Still, the maneuver demands precision. "Takes a lot of control, takes speed, of course, and a perfect line. You have to get your timing perfect."

Technically, Hubbard stresses body position at the moment of contact.

"You're going to want to get your hand on the rail kind of right as you make contact with the lip."

More advanced riders may release midway down: "I like to kind of touch it at the top and then let go. Let go and float."

Holding the rail keeps you compact; releasing allows the shoulders to level out for a more stable landing.

2. The air reverse

From there, Hubbard moved into the air - specifically, air reverses, but not the standard variety.

"I really like doing them kind of loopy, kind of almost back flippy," he said, particularly out of the bowl, where "you pretty quickly go upside down as you're doing the reverse air rotation."

For him, the loopy reverse is one of the most satisfying ways to finish a wave.

"To me, it's kind of one of the best ways you could complete a barrel ride... You just hit that bowl, and you do a nice air reverse out of the bowl."

He admits his versions are typically more inverted than most.

"I've noticed my air reverses are typically just a little bit more inverted, like upside down, loopy kind of."

The difference comes down to approach.

"Sometimes we're hitting sections, we're already upside down while we're hitting it. We can work with past vertical and find lift off."

Rather than staying confined to a vertical plane, Hubbard sees the lip as a three-dimensional launch ramp.

"I just think that's a more dynamic approach to lip maneuvers."

3. The straight-leg forward spin

His third favorite maneuver is far less explosive but arguably more technical: straight-leg forward spins performed deliberately slow.

"They probably look silly and probably look like I'm fooling around, which I am getting a lot of enjoyment out of them," he admitted.

Unlike a standard forward spin - driven by bottom turn, head throw, and leg lift - Hubbard strips the mechanics back.

"You keep your legs straight. You almost just disengage your rail... I don't do any of those." Instead, the move becomes "kind of a patience game and balancing while you just manage the rotation."

The slowed-down rotation forces a deeper understanding.

"Removing some of the functional pieces to doing the spin kind of helps you to understand how the spin works more."

Riders are "flying blind for a few seconds," he said, but the exercise builds awareness of rail control and balance. "You get to know a little bit more about basic moves when you do them in an unorthodox manner."

4. The Kama flip

The fourth maneuver is something of a mythical project: the Kama flip. 

"I've known it as the Kama flip," Hubbard said, crediting "this guy named Kama from Hana in Maui" for explaining it to him.

The concept blends an air reverse with a front flip exit - starting in one rotational direction and finishing facing forward.

"It's pretty functional in that you will complete the maneuver facing forward," Hubbard noted.

But he was candid about the difficulty. "It's really difficult. I've never completed this maneuver."

The key lies in initiating rotation from the back half of the body. "Your back half actually needs to kind of lead the rotation... your legs and back torso are going to be leading to complete it."

Though versions have appeared over the years, Hubbard says the maneuver has remained just out of reach.

"It's been in the realm for 20, 30 years. Maybe longer. I've never seen it landed." For now, it remains one of bodyboarding's great unfinished challenges.

5. The reverse invert

Rounding out the list is the reverse invert, an evolution of the already dynamic reverse rollo.

Hubbard describes reverse rollos as "one of the most functional maneuvers of the counter rotational lip moves," but the reverse invert adds an extra layer of deception.

"You start to go into a counter rotation like a reverse rollo... and then you counter that rotation and go back," he explained. "It's like you're double juking anyone watching that."

He has landed a handful - "I've landed a couple" - though he admits style points are hard-earned. "It's pretty unlikely you're gonna get perfect style or like it looking great in a photo," he said.

"But it'll look fun on video."

Kauai is putting a stop to a familiar beach item that often shows up broken, battered, and abandoned along the shoreline.

On Wednesday, December 10, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami signed Bill No. 2976 into law, banning disposable polystyrene foam bodyboards across the island.

The measure passed unanimously in the Kauai County Council and was introduced by Councilmember Fern Holland, with Council Vice Chair KipuKai Kuali'i as co-sponsor.

The new law makes it illegal for businesses to sell, rent, or give away disposable foam bodyboards anywhere in the County of Kauai.

The goal is simple: reduce waste, protect wildlife, and keep beaches cleaner.

Kauai is the second Hawaiian island to ban disposable bodyboards, following Maui's 2022 prohibition.

Disposable bodyboards are usually cheap and lightweight. They are often used once or twice and then tossed aside.

Over time, they crack into smaller pieces that scatter across sand and water.

Those fragments add to litter, fill up landfills, and create serious risks for marine animals and birds that can swallow them or get tangled in them.

Other Alternatives Encouraged

The ordinance creates a new Article 29 under Chapter 22 of the Kauai County Code.

It clearly defines what counts as a disposable bodyboard, what materials are banned, and which alternatives are allowed. Polystyrene foam boards are out.

More durable options made from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene are encouraged instead. These boards last longer and are less harmful when they wear down.

Mayor Kawakami noted the change addresses a problem that many people overlook.

"Disposable bodyboards may seem small, but their impact has been anything but small," he said.

"By eliminating polystyrene foam boards from stores and rentals, we are protecting our beaches, our ocean, and the wildlife that calls Kauai home."

The ordinance gives businesses time to adapt. It will take effect one year from the date it was approved.

That window allows shops and rental operators to sell remaining stock and shift to longer-lasting boards that meet the new rules.

Once the law is in effect, enforcement will fall to the Public Works Solid Waste Division. Businesses that break the rules will face civil penalties that increase with repeat violations.

One Goal Only: To Protect Marine Life

The County Attorney also has the authority to pursue additional legal action if needed.

Councilmember Fern Holland said the ordinance reflects a broader responsibility to the island.

"This ordinance reflects our responsibility to care for Kauai's environment. By encouraging durable alternatives, we are reducing waste, protecting marine life, and ensuring our islands remain beautiful for generations to come."

Kauai has a long history of local laws aimed at cutting down single-use products and protecting natural resources.

The latest move targets an item closely tied to beach culture, tourism, and daily life on the island.

Hopefully, more Hawaiian islands and nations across the world will embrace and adopt similar ordinances.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Armide Soliveres has taken out the 2025 Annaëlle Challenge in France.

It was France's only international bodyboarding contest, and from now on, it will only be part of the history books.

The eighth edition of the prestigious Annaëlle Challenge crowned its champion and podium finishers under the sun and with perfect conditions.

The invitational event returned to the slab located off the coast of Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau, in Finistère, Brittany, for one last hurrah before the organizers and volunteers wrap up their mission for good.

After 15 years of hard work and navigating the logistics associated with hosting a contest in a remote environment, co-founder Gwen Renambot and his team are ready to move on.

But the end was sweet and epic.

What a Way to Say Goodbye

The final had Armide Soliveres, Pierre-Louis Costes, Yann Salaun, and Morgan Le Quellec exchanging great waves and solid scores.

Despite being predominantly a right-hand slab, there were also a few lefts available for the most curious and creative riders.

The decisive matchup was very tight, with all competitors taking off as deep as they could and giving it all.

Soliveres won by just 0.03 points, stitching several barrel rides with massive el rollos. At one point, the Canarian bodyboarder even performed a 360 inside the tube.

"It's incredible to be here on an island without anything. Viva bodyboard! Bodyboard is life!" expressed the last champion of the Annaëlle Challenge.

Hopefully, this is not the end.

Perhaps Renambot and his team can pass the torch to a younger generation willing to continue this impressive legacy and keep France on the world bodyboarding map.

2025 Annaëlle Challenge | Final

1. Armide Soliveres (CNY) 16.00
2. Pierre-Louis Costes (FRA) 15.97
3. Yann Salaun (FRA) 14.20
4. Morgan Le Quellec (FRA) 12.13

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Let's be clear. Teahupoo has taken the lives of a surfer and severely injured dozens. It's one of the heaviest and most brutal waves on the planet.

It's actually quite surreal how, since it was ridden for the first time in 1985 by local surfer Thierry Vernaudon, the infamous Tahitian liquid beast only claimed one soul: Briece Taerea.

Thousands of take-offs at the death-defying bone crusher and only one death. Impressive, indeed.

Despite the scary wipeouts, where we see surfers getting slammed against the shallow reef, breaking bones, losing consciousness, and free-falling from the wave's lip, the "End of the Road" has not been the metaphorical fate of many athletes.

Mike Stewart was one of the first to surf Teahupoo, alongside Ben Severson. They were also responsible for sharing the news about this gorgeously dangerous surf break with the Western world, even before we had dial-up internet access.

The nine-time world bodyboarding champion has quite an experience in potentially deadly waves.

His portfolio of XXL surf includes Pipeline, Nazaré (before it made it to the mainstream), Jaws, Shark Island, Shipstern Bluff, and many other elite big-wave spots.

Stewart knows Teahupoo very well. He literally felt the Tahitian monster claim his skin while bodysurfing.

So, someone who has thrived and paid his dues here should be entitled to have their say on this freak of Nature wave.

"I have an idea why there aren't more grave injuries wiping out at big Teahupoo," says Mike Stewart.

Safe Zones in Hollow Waves

In a curious analysis, the champion bodyboarder shared an illustration that aims to prove his theory.

In it, the Hawaiian waterman showcases a snapshot, cross-section of a hollow wave's lip impact.

"Imagine this moving from left to right," he notes.

"The water at the center of the lip [shown as red] generally gets driven down the deepest, as water on the outskirts [shown in yellow) generally gets deflected."

"While riding hollow waves, your positioning relative to the falling lip [impact zone] and/or how you fall into this zone will affect the odds of a collision with the bottom."

"There are only a few spots that are relatively safe [shown in blue]."

"Accessing the blue safe area in the lower right is the low-pressure zone while paddling out towards the wave; accessing the blue safer zone in the lower left is just behind the shock wave."

"A common strategy is staying in the barrel for as long as you can to minimize getting stuck in the lips' red section, which is a common consequence of trying to escape the barrel too quickly from the inside of the tube."

"Caution when falling too quickly towards the trench - the shallowest part of the wave - as you can easily hit the bottom," concludes the veteran surfer.

Stewart adds that various techniques can be implemented, depending on your location on the Tahitian wave.

The bodyboarder believes that of the "innumerable ways of getting hurt in the surf, when it comes to hollow waves, there are only a few places that are extremely dangerous from the wave itself.

"The challenge becomes avoiding these areas."

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Mike Stewart has claimed the 2025 Shark Island Challenge in Cronulla, near Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The most successful bodyboarder of all time won the prestigious event at the age of 62, a feat unmatched in water sports.

In the highly competitive final, Stewart beat three Australian powerhouses: Lewy Finnegan, Dave Winchester, and Jase Finlay.

The Hawaiian rider celebrated a historic win on July 4, America's Independence Day, adding another trophy to his stellar career, which also includes 14 Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic titles.

The nine-time world bodyboarding champion was able to advance through the event, witness all types of conditions, and find the exit in all sorts of barreling waves.

The competition kicked off with average-sized waves and concluded at dusk with a fading swell.

A Historic Day for Bodyboarding

An emotional Mike Stewart heard the verdict from the judges hours after the final and was carried on the shoulders of athletes present at the announcement ceremony.

"In the final, I just felt out of body. I got a couple really sick ones, with everybody encouraging me in the lineup. The energy was so positive," said Stewart.

"I'm so humbled by these guys. They're such amazing athletes. I can't even explain to you. It's got to be the highlight of my whole life!"

"It's been a long time since I won a contest.  And so, it was kind of my dream. How old could I be, or how far could I push it? So, I kept doing it.  Don't give up on the guy that doesn't give up."

The greatest bodyboarder of all time was a last-minute replacement for Jeff Hubbard. Stewart was in Brisbane, Australia, as a keynote speaker at The Design Conference.

Just before leaving the country, he got a message from the Shark Island Challenge inviting him to enter and replace his fellow Hawaiian bodyboarder who couldn’t make it.

Shark Island is one of the most challenging wave-riding spots on the planet and the home of the legendary bodyboarding contest.

The Shark Island Challenge started in 1997. Mike Stewart has conquered it again in 2025, exactly 25 years after his debut win.

2025 Shark Island Challenge | Final

1. Mike Stewart
2. Lewy Finnegan
3. Dave Winchester
4. Jase Finlay

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

A group of surf industry veterans officially announced the creation of the Universal Waveriding Alliance (UWA).

Patti Serrano, Arturo "Arlo" Serrano, and Sol Morey founded an online forum to revive and promote wave-riding and bodyboarding, in particular, in the ocean, rivers, and wave pools worldwide.

UWA plans to get all members together to share knowledge, real-life stories, and experiences and ultimately boost wave sports participation.

Patti has been called the "Mother of Bodyboarding."

She was the first on the beaches, turning beachgoers onto the newly created bodyboard in the late 1970s.

Serrano went on to publish the pioneering Bodyboarder International Magazine (BIM) in the early 1990s and founded a competitive organization and tour, the Bodyboarder International Association (BIA).

In 2021, she was instrumental in setting up "Let's Boogie! 50th Anniversary," the jubilee of Tom Morey's historical invention - the boogie board.

In 2024, along with bodyboarding world champion Guilherme Tâmega and the team, they sought to promote the sport through a series of Boogie Fests.

Her dream today is to recreate that same stoke on beaches, rivers, and wave pools throughout the world.

Patti's son, Arturo, was raised on the beach and enjoyed boogie boarding and surfing before falling in love with skiing.

He is now living in Colorado and assembling events to spread the stoke on the local rivers and waterways.

"Arlo" took his business expertise to help formulate the creation of the UWA nonprofit status.

Keeping Morey's Legacy Alive

Sol is Tom Morey's oldest son. He had the privilege of growing up around all of Tom's inventions, including the iconic and original Morey Boogie.

Living between the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, he brings his innovative mind to bring environmental and product ideas to the UWA forefront.

"We're looking for those inspirational groups and individuals across the globe," underlines Sol.

"Our waters don't end at the shoreline. We are going to look for and invest in these people. So bring in your ideas, your froth, and your fervor to the forefront."

"You bring your intelligence and your questions, and we hope, in consultation, we can bring you together or put on events."

"Then, we'll further the prosperous means of individual financing, like being an entrepreneur, in the way of doing something in your garage like Tom Morey, our forefounder of bodyboarding and beyond."

Apart from promoting the sport of bodyboarding and all forms of wave riding, the Universal Waveriding Alliance will also dedicate its time and resources to safeguarding Tom Morey's name, image, and intellectual property rights and ensuring that all commercial uses of his creations respect his legacy and artistic vision.

The UWA plans to officially kick off the group on May 17, 2025, with a live 12-hour Telethon-type event that will gather bodyboarding stars, manufacturers, and historical media content shared by people from all over the world.

Riders interested in joining the UWA ring can follow the organization on social media.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Churchill announced their swim fin line is officially transitioning back to Malaysian rubber.

The company, established in 1936, kicked off the internal manufacturing process with the launch of the Pierre Louis Costes signature Makapuu fins.

But what exactly is Malaysian rubber?

Malaysian rubber refers to natural rubber produced in Malaysia, one of the world's leading rubber-producing countries.

It is primarily derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is cultivated extensively in Malaysia due to its suitable tropical climate.

Malaysian rubber is known for its high quality, purity, and consistent supply, making it a preferred choice in various industries.

There are two main types of Malaysian rubber:

• Natural Rubber: Used in making tires, gloves, medical equipment, and industrial products;
• Synthetic Rubber: Produced through chemical processes to meet specific industrial requirements;

Churchill told SurferToday that "while the fins are still manufactured in China, we've imported Malaysian rubber to use in our existing molds to ensure the quality meets the standards riders expect."

"Creating new molds in a Malaysian factory would be too expensive for us right now. But quality is not compromised in any way."

"The goal is to bring Churchill back to its roots."

Tested by World Champions

Churchill is one of the most popular swimfin brands among bodyboarders and bodysurfers.

"We worked closely with Pierre, Iain Campbell, and Amaury Lavernhe, going through multiple iterations to perfect the stiffness and flex ratio," added Churchill.

Two-time world bodyboarding champion Pierre-Louis Costes contributed with his inputs to designing his signature mode.

The French rider provided feedback and helped refine the stiffness of the swimfins.

Each pair features Pierre's signature laser-engraved on the top and is color-matched to his Morey Boogie signature pro board.

The Churchill Makapuu is the brand's most famous swimfin model. They are made from 100 percent natural rubber and float.

The classic template and design were inspired by the powerful propulsion of a dolphin's tail. 

In 2016, InterSport acquired the global rights to Wham-O, the owners of Churchill, Morey Boogie, and BZ.

Since then, the multinational has been committed to reviving the three iconic watersports companies.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Dave Hubbard and Ayaka Suzuki have taken out the 2025 Hawaii Pipeline Bodyboarding Championship at Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu.

The legendary Hawaiian surf break enjoyed a 14-day window period and welcomed 152 athletes competing across five divisions.

First organized by the Honolulu City Parks Department in February 1971, this event was originally designed to promote ocean safety and wave awareness.

It featured multiple divisions, including paipo board riders (Hawaii's term for bodyboarders), bodysurfers, and handboarders, and welcomed both men and women.

Significantly, this was the first official wave-riding competition held at the Banzai Pipeline, debuting nine months before the renowned Pipe Masters.

Over the years, various organizations have carried on its tradition, solidifying its status as one of the most prestigious bodyboarding contests in the sport's history.

The 2025 edition enjoyed all types of weather and ocean conditions, from clean, glassy to wind-affected waters.

As always, riders adapted to what is widely regarded as the world's most respected - and hazardous - surf break.

Interestingly, the number of bodyboarders wearing helmets continues to increase, indicating that safety is paramount in the flawless yet unforgiving barrels of Pipeline that crash over a sharp, shallow reef.

Dave Hubbard was the most consistent rider of the event.

His worst two-wave score was 13.40, and he always proved to excel inside the blue cylinder and up in the air.

In the final, Hubbard focused on the Backdoor and wrapped the showdown with a super backflip that left Morretino, Crilley, and Conteras with no choice but to congratulate the veteran multiple-time world champion.

"Hard Work Pays Off"

In the women's pro division, Ayaka Suzuki confirmed her superiority and experience at Pipeline by winning all heats.

In the end, she fulfilled a longtime dream.

"Words can't express how I feel. Hard work truly paid off. Winning at the Pipeline was a goal of mine after I gave birth, and I made it happen," expressed Suzuki.

"It's been a challenge for both Mack and me to get back in the water and train since our baby was born, but our little princess, Mana, has made us stronger than ever."

2025 Hawaii Pipeline Bodyboarding Championship | Finals

Men

1. Dave Hubbard (HAW) 17.70
2. Sammy Morretino (HAW) 16.20
3. Mack Crilley (HAW) 16.17
4. Alfonso David Aguilar Conteras (MEX) 13.30

Women

1. Ayaka Suzuki Crilley (JPN) 14.67
2. Teresa Miranda (ESP) 10.23
3. Valentina Diaz Langdon (CHI) 6.40
4. Karla Costa (BRA) 4.00

Men's Pro Junior

1. Michael Yannce (PER) 14.17
2. Tayden Salinas (HAW) 13.24
3. Nash Burkart (HAW) 10.50
4. Koa Chambers (HAW) 6.17

Women's Pro Junior

1. Aarya Tabalno (HAW) 13.17
2. Sarai Akiona (JPN) 8.73
3. Kaipo'i Koa (HAW) 8.17
4. Aika Ui, 8.00
5. Hannah Saavedra, 7.24
6. Kanani Kuumomimakamae Bustamente (HAW) 6.50

Masters

1. Rich Cooper (HAW) 8.83
2. Ivanhoe Okuda (HAW) 8.16
3. David Norris, 6.60
4. Al Boehm (HAW) 2.73
5. Chris Olayon (HAW) 2.47
6. Edson Vieira (HAW) 0.00

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com