Jared Houston: the South African won both the 2018 Nazaré Pro and the 2018 APB World Tour title | Photo: APB

Jared Houston has been crowned 2018 APB World Tour champion, in Nazaré, Portugal.

The South African clinched his second world bodyboarding title after beating 2017 champion, Ian Campbell, in a superheat final. The decisive clash got underway in pumping eight-to-ten-foot waves at Praia do Norte.

Houston, who had won his first APB World Tour title in 2015, defeated Tanner McDaniel in the Nazaré Pro final and forced a surf-off with his fellow countryman.

Campbell started well and controlled the first half of the superheat. But an in-form Houston pulled off a barrel-to-ARS that completely changed the pace of the game.

Iain knew he had to do something and was even able to improve his two-wave total score, but time was running out, and Jared ended up raising the most coveted trophy.

"A lot has been going in the last three years. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster, personally. I've had great support from Hubboards, Reflex, and my family. I've started working; I don't just bodyboard anymore," explained Houston.

"Maybe the World Tour was not my primary focus this year, but every time I went I thought I was gaining more and more momentum... My wife just said: 'you have a shot at the tile, give it a go.'"

South African riders have been dominated professional bodyboarding for the last couple of years, having conquered three of the five APB seasons.

"I am still processing it. I am so tired. I just kept pushing. I really wanted to win the comp, even more than winning the world title. I wanted to take some money home, and do it for myself," Houston continued.

"I started the morning on a 4/3 wetsuit, changed for a 3/2 and it made a huge difference. Dave [Hubbard] was right on my corner and gave me a bottle of vinegar, peri peri sauce, and salt. It was disgusting! But it woke me up."

"Iain set the benchmark in terms of competitive bodyboarding, and watching him progress over the years as an all-around bodyboarder I regarded him as one of the best."

"I told him I wanted to win the world title but, if not, it is going for you. It was bittersweet to be out against him, but the world title is coming back to South Africa for the second consecutive year," concluded Jared Houston.

The 2018 APB World Tour crowned two champions in super heats - Jared Houston and Ayaka Suzuki.

2018 Nazaré Pro | Final & Surf-Off

Final
1. Jared Houston (RSA) 17.00
2. Tanner McDaniel (HAW) 14.00

Surf-Off
1. Jared Houston (RSA) 15.75
2. Iain Campbell (RSA) 13.50

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