Day 1 and 2 of the Go-Pro Bodyboarding Pipeline Challenge

The IBA GoPro Pipeline Challenge – the international bodyboarding event that IMUA are proud presenting sponsors of – held their first two days of competition last week at the infamous Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore.

backdoor bottom turn

One of the female competitors bottom turning backdoor

Unfortunately, strong trade winds and little-to-no north westerly swell made for lacklustre conditions, but the competitors made the most of the conditions and many of them did a great job at that! The first two Men’s rounds were held on the first day, and the Dropknee and Women’s divisions ran all the way into the Semi Finals on the second day, with the finals of all divisions being reserved for the last day of competition.

The Women’s division saw riders competing at a level which would have given the Men’s division a run for their money, showcasing big manoeuvres with style and power. Some of the highlights included big, clean rolls and stylish reverse spins from the reigning world champion Isabella Sousa, as well as a huge air roll spin on a backdoor wave by former world champion and Hawaii resident Karla Costa Taylor.

Sousa reverse spin

Sousa pulling off a stylish reverse

The Men in the Dropknee division put on a good show during the second half of Day 2, with Cesar Bauer finishing off with the highest score of the contest so far – a whopping 17.33 out of 20. Current Dropknee world champion Sacha Spencer, as well as former DK champion Dave Hubbard and Dave Winchester all put on a good show with some stylish snaps and cutbacks.

All in all, it was a good two days at Pipeline, with IMUA setting up tent and happily sharing their vision (as well as some deliciously nutritious snacks) with all those who braved the weather.

IMUA treats

IMUA tent entrance

The IMUA team are all holding thumbs and hoping for good wave and weather conditions for the remaining two days of competition. We will be posting regular updates here, as well as featuring some of the competitors in our upcoming blog posts. To find out more about the event and watch it live please visit www.ibaworldtour.com or if you’re in Hawaii come check out the event from the beautiful Pipeline beach and be sure to stop by at our tent!

IMUA tent

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