Bodyboarding Pipeline Pro Trials and Pre-event Celebration

This President’s Day weekend was very eventful for IMUA, including two days of bodyboarding trials for the upcoming International Bodyboarding Association GoPro Pipeline Challenge, Presented by IMUA Orthopedics, Sports&Health, Science and T&C, as well as the pre-event celebration.

Spencer and fans

IMUA’s sponsored rider Spencer Skipper inspiring some of the younger riders.

The pre-event celebration, held in honor of the 30th anniversary of professional bodyboarding, and hosted by the I.B.A and Turtle Bay Resorts, took place on Saturday 16 February, 2013. A big highlight was  a ‘Talk Story’ with bodyboarding legends Mike Stewart, Kainoa McGee, Spencer Skipper, Jeff Hubbard, Guilherme Tamega, Ben Severson, Pat Caldwell and many other big names that made the sport of bodyboarding what it is today. These legends shared personal insights into the history of bodyboarding, as well as some tips for the younger bodyboarders out there who are aspiring professionals. My two personal favourites were; maintaining your optimal fitness level and eating healthy!

'Talk Story' Bodyboarding legends

Legendary Bodyboarders

The Pipeline Pro trials took place on Saturday and Sunday, at the Turtle Bay Resort, with men and women competing for a spot in the main event at the infamous Banzai Pipeline, on the North Shore of Oahu. Bodyboarders from Hawaii and around the world, including Australia, Japan and South America, toughed it out against each other in windy 3-4 ft conditions. Well done to all those who made it through!

IMUA supporting the Pipeline bodyboarding trials

Bodyboarder ‘Big Todd’ at the trials; check out our awesome new banner!

I’m happy to report on the appreciation and gratitude for IMUA’s support  that was tangible at the trials and at the pre-event celebration – confirming our mission that giving back to your community makes everyone better. IMUA is so proud to be a part of this great event!