The Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of two IBC World Tour events.
The inaugural IBC World Tour season is at stake, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world and puts all sorts of events on-hold or at risk of cancellation.
In professional bodyboarding, the scenario is not looking good. Two Qualifying Series (QS) events have been canceled.
The Bellavista Iquique Pro, in Chile, and the South Africa Pro will not run this year.
"Regional governments diverted their funding to health care providers and other priorities. Nevertheless, organizers are already working on the 2021 events," the International Bodyboarding Corporation notes.
The Season is at Risk
Although countries like Portugal, Spain, and France are beginning to open beaches again, many public events are still not allowed.
As a result, bodyboarding contests will continue to be suspended or canceled as the second semester of the year approaches.
The new normality will likely put the bodyboarding season to an end, with fewer athletes ready to take the risk and travel abroad, and more competitions being canceled.
"We urge all riders and fans to follow the rules, guidelines, and advice provided by their national governments and health authorities in order to reduce the spread of the Covid-19," concludes the IBC.
The following four events remain suspended. Local organizers are trying to find new dates to run them:
Wahine Bodyboard Pro, ES, Brazil (Date TBA)
Itacoatiara Pro, NI, Brazil (Date TBA)
Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival, Chile (Date TBA)
Arica Cultura Bodyboard, Chile (Date TBA)
The following four events are on, but subject to change:
Garden Classic, Kaui, Hawaii (August 8-9)
Kiama Pro, Australia (August 27 - September 3)
Sintra Pro, Portugal (September 7-13)
Gran Canaria Fronton King, Galdar, Canary Islands (October 17-31)