Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival 2026 Enters Decisive Stage
- Ayelet Fuentes Guerra
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
With perfect ramps for aerial maneuvers and critical sections near the rocks, competitors raised the level while fighting for a place in the decisive rounds of the championship.
After several days marked by solid performances at La Nilda, the riders who advanced to Open Men Round 5 officially secured their spots among the world’s Top 24 at the second stop of the IBC World Tour. In addition, the Dropknee semifinalists were confirmed in the division’s only event of the season, where the 2026 world champion will be crowned in Antofagasta.
The past few days delivered high scores, deep barrels, and an electrifying atmosphere on the beach as fans followed every heat. One of the standout performers was South African Tristan Roberts, current world rankings leader, who once again showcased his dominance after landing one of the best waves of the event. The maneuver was a massive inverted air that earned a 9.50 from the judges, finishing his heat with a solid 15.50 total and remaining strong in the title race.
Another rider who impressed was Spanish competitor Armide Soliveres, who posted a 17.25 heat total — one of the highest of the event — thanks to a combination of progressive maneuvers and strong aerial surfing. Experience also played a key role with riders such as Amaury Lavernhe, Pierre-Louis Costes, and Brahim Iddouch continuing to advance confidently in difficult conditions.
For Team Chile, local Antofagasta rider Gustavo Neira and 16-year-old Cristóbal Tobar advanced directly from Round 3 to Round 5 after leaving a strong impression with their performances throughout the event.
Meanwhile, Moisés Silva, Matías Díaz, Joaquín Soto, and Rapa Nui rider Cristóbal Poa managed to stay alive in the competition after overcoming the demanding Round 4 repechage heats, showing determination and consistency in challenging conditions.
In the Dropknee division, the competition has officially entered its final stage, with semifinals promising world-class action at La Nilda. One of the main stars is Hawaiian Sammy Morretino, five-time DK world champion, who will battle Chilean rider from Iquique Leonardo Alar for a place in the final.
The Chilean athlete once again finds himself among the best in the event, repeating strong performances from previous editions of the ABF, where he finished fourth in 2019 and fifth in 2023, establishing himself as one of Chile’s strongest DK riders.
On the other side of the draw, Frenchman Amaury Lavernhe, two-time Open world champion and one of the sport’s historic figures, will face Ecuadorian Jericco Rosero, who has delivered a solid performance throughout the event and arrives as one of the division’s most consistent competitors.
The intensity continues to rise in Antofagasta, and the upcoming days will be crucial in determining who will secure a place in the grand finals of the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival 2026. Meanwhile, La Nilda continues to establish itself as a world-class bodyboarding venue, offering conditions that combine power, barrels, and perfect sections for progressive surfing.
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