| Bodyboarding Grand Slam events scheduled for the 2009 IBA World Tour |
| Tuesday, 13 January 2009 14:18 |
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Competitive bodyboarding is going through a massive growth support worldwide. The IBA’s well-structured base has now become a valid product to invest in and requests are being received for new events from the four corners of the Globe. To help to manage the influx, IBA International proposes a “Grand Slam” model taken from several high profile sports including Tennis and Golf. Below you will see how we propose to roll out this new IBA Grand Slam in 2009 and the advantages that it has towards stimulating the growth of the sport whilst maintaining a realistic pace for competitors chasing World Titles. Each major continent will stage an “IBA Grand Slam” and these events will be worth 2000 points. All other events will be given a 1000-point base $20,000 - $40,000 gets 50 points per $5000 1400 points max $45,000 - $80,000 gets 100 points per $5000 2000 points max Wave Quality incentive will award 500 points for “Other events” but must be IBA Riders board approved ****The World Championship will be decided by the best four (4) Grand Slam results and best two (2) other results.**** The 5 Grand Slams selected will represent a 60/40 combination of Extreme wave locations and big prize-money events. Event 1. IBA America presents the 2009 Pipeline Pro February 2009 – Pipeline - Hawaii Pipeline has always been the Holy Grail of the sport. With an 11 day waiting period for Men only the 2009 Pipeline Pro will provide the perfect launching pad for the Grand Slam concept. Event 2. IBA Brazil presents the 2009 Brazil Pro April - Brazil Brazil has proven to be an enormous supporter of the IBA World Tour and have delivered a great series of events in 2008. Copacabana will be the gem in the triple crown of Brazilian Bodyboarding Event 3. IBA Australasia presents the 2009 Shark Island Pro July 2009 - Shark Island - Australia Shark Island is one of the most challenging waves on the planet and highlights the technical aspect of the sport and adds credibility to the IBA World Tour. With a new management team now steering the event, the future looks bright for this amazing event.
August 2009 – Praia Grande’ - Portugal Sintra has a long rich history as one of the favourite stops for professional bodyboarders on the IBA World Tour. The carnival like atmosphere combined with solid prize money and slick presentation makes this a definite Grand Slam contender. Event 5. IBA Europe / Africa presents the 2009 Confital Pro December – El Confital – Canary Islands El Confital is a World-class wave and with a promoter like Maldito Rodriguez suppling the great infrastructure, is always a fitting end to a great season Remember – The 2009 IBA Championship will be decided by the best four (4) Grand Slam results and best two (2) other results. Reserve Grand Slam IBA Latin America presents the 2009 Arica Chilean Challenge El Gringo is a powerful wave and with awesome support from the local community this event will make a great “Reserve” for the Grand Slam concept should for some reason one of the events not happen. Proposed 2009 IBA WWT (Women’s World Tour) Grand Slams IBA America presents the Pipeline Women’s Pro April/May 2009 – Oahu - Hawaii IBA Brazil presents the 2009 Brazil Pro April 2009 – Rio - Brazil IBA Europe presents the 2009 Sintra Pro August 2009 – Praia Grande’ – Portugal IBA Europe / Africa presents the 2009 Confital Pro December – El Confital – Los Palmas – Grand Canaria. The WWT Championship will be decided by the best three (3) Grand Slams results and best two (2) other results. WWT Grand Slams are worth 1500 points SOURCE: IBA World Tour |
