Interview: Iain Campbell - 2012 ISA World DK Champion
posted by Michael Ostler on 23rd January 2013
Rider: Iain Campbell
Division: Men's Dropknee
Event: ISA World Bodyboard Championship 2012
Venue: Margarita Island, Venezuela
Competitors: 8
Date: 24 November - 3 December 2012
Margarita Island is just off the coast of Venezuela, the venue is a small beach break which doesn't pick up a lot of swell so for the duration of the event the waves were small but still very contestable. Growing up at North Beach gave me a competitive advantage in the water as I have grown accustomed to riding the small bowls North Beach (my home break) has to offer.
The event format was something new for me. It consisted of 4 man heats with a repechage heat which means that the first and second positions of each round one heat went through to the next round while the third and fourth were placed into a repechage round where they would compete with the aim of making the repechage final and have a second chance to have inclusion back into the main event. It was awesome to see that even if you go knocked out of the main event each rider still had the opportunity to compete for the world title.
Interview by Michael Ostler.
How do you feel about the recent win at the ISA WBC?
I am so happy to have won the event in Venezuela. The support from the South African bodyboarding community as well as friends and family was overwhelming and more than I could have wished for, and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent my country in such an amazing event.
What were your competitors like?
The other competitors were all amazing talents from various parts of the world and I was fortunate to win all my heats leading up to the final. You have the likes of Cesar Bauer who is an amazing competitor and proved to be my biggest competition, but luckily with a few waves going my way in the final I managed to take the title away from him.
What was the event like?
The event was really well organised and run. As it was my first international contest I wasn't sure what to expect and I was very impressed with the standards, the professionalism of the event as well as the passion of the officials blew me away and it was a privilege to be involved with an event such as this one.
How was the venue and the island?
Margarita island off Venezuela is a beautiful place with friendly and helpful people. The island may lack money and lavish lifestyles but it makes up for this with raw beauty and amazing culture.
What are your plans for the future?
My goal is to compete on an international level on the IBA World Tour which will see me competing in places like South America and Portugal to ride the pro events on the world tour. I aim to be a strong ambassador for the brand I represent which is Thiel Board Co. as well as my country in my future world tour ambitions. It is with the help of Thiel Board Co. that I will be able to live my dream.
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