The Battle for the 2008 World Title begins ...
Source: www.ibaworldtour.com
posted by Terry McKenna on 5th February 2008
The 2008 World Bodyboarding Men's title is about to begin at what is arguably the world's best and most famous wave at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands.
2007 World Champion Ben Player (Avalon, Australia) will be keen to kick off his campaign and launch his attack on the 2008 IBA WMT (World Men's Tour) with a win.
Last year Ben made it clear to all that he meant business and was serious about reclaiming the title with a flawless performance in the opening event at the heaviest wave on tour at the Human Cronulla Shark Island Challenge.
"I really enjoy Hawaii. It's always been a great testing ground for me and I am hoping for another great start to the year " said Ben.
"I am keen to regain the World Title. I would be lying if I said different. In fact I want to win multiple World Titles and try to do for Bodyboarding what Kelly Slater has done for surfing. Try to help the sport go to the next level"
The Top 16 has a sea of fresh faces representing most of the worlds strongest Bodyboarding regions including Australia, Hawaii, Portugal, South Africa, Reunion Island, France, and Canary Islands to name a few and the competition this year will be fierce.
"There is a strong groundswell of support worldwide for this sport and I can feel that we are on the cusp of the next big boom in the action sports industry" said IBA International General manager Terry McKenna.
"The high octane imagery combined with the grass roots element of this sport gives sponsors a product that is hard to match."
"This first event at Pipe will set us up for a great year. Traditionally this has been the last event on Tour but due to the later permit dates we are launching the 2008 IBA Tour in Hawaii and I think that it's turned out better for everyone" said McKenna.
The event is being webcast at www.ibatour.com
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