Slyde Handboards: World Bodysurfing Championships Oceanside CA 2017 Recap

On August 19-20th 2017, 300 of the world's greatest bodysurfers descended upon Oceanside California to compete in the World Bodysurfing Championships.

Slyde Handboards had a crew of 7 riders as a part of all the epic action:
The Slyde roster included: 
Ryan Hansen
Dylan Biggerstaff
Bryce Davis
Joe Nickerson
Makena Magro
Kori Alpert
Sunny Chamblee Rickard

Kaha Nalu Hawaii Roster included:
Keali'i Punley
Zoey Chang
Kanealii Wilcox

The wave conditions were challenging and inconsistent, with a occasional 4-5 foot sets and strong wind swell.  Conditions were best in the morning, and blowin out more as the days progressed.

Bodysurfing heats were 15minutes long and included a max of 6 competitors per heat. Judging of bodysurfers was based on wave selection, quality of takeoff, position in wave, style, length of ride (face of wave), maneuvers, and originality. 

The Slyde & Kaha Nalu Hawaii teams wooed the judges on Saturday against some serious bodysurfing competitors. Ryan, Dylan, Bryce, Makena, Kori, Sunny, and Kealii all moved onto Sunday's Semi-finals.

Sunday's less than stellar wave conditions and stacked talent pool, bumped legends Mark Cunningham and Mike Stewart from moving onto the finals.

But nothing could stop Dylan Biggerstaff from winning the Mens 15-17year old division, for the 2nd year in a row, an unprecedented feat. and Keaili'l Punley of Hawaii securing the win for Men's 18-24 division.  Meanwhile, all-star Makena Magro won women's 18-29 division and went on to win for the 3rd year in a row the Women's Grand Championship.

David Ford, from Venture grandson to "the father of bodysurfing" Bill Lucking won Men's Grand Championship.

The 41st annual Bodysurfing Championship was an awesome display of talent.  Confirming that the art/sport of bodysurfing is thriving in 2017, and the community is growing on a global scale.

view LiveStreams from The World Bodysurfing Champs →