WBC 2016: The People
2015 World Bodysurf Championship
Kaha Nalu Ohana rider scoring style points in the semis.
This guy came over from Hawaii after a week of celebrating his 60th birthday. He signs autographs, takes selfies with enthusiastic fans, promotes DaFins and competes wholeheartedly. But ultimately, Mark Cunningham just really likes to swim in the Ocean.
Competitor in the mens
Meredith Rose, eventual age group champion.
International flair on the Oceanside Pier.
Men’s 55-64 final fired off while waves were fading, so the boys had to fight for scraps.
Bruce Robbins
A few little tube visions popped up for the early heats. Photo: Rod Hepburn
The next generation of belly sliders were eager to unload their bag of tricks.
Unidentified competitors in the finals.
The young womens’ heats were stacked with capable waterwomen.
Meredith Rose looking to extend her ride.
Hal Handley demonstrates the finer points of butterfly take-offs on his way to an age-group win.
Bill “Froggy” Schildge. This guys enthusiasm for sharing waves and being a leading member of the community are inspiring. From his work with the California Surf Museum, to his international bodysurfing efforts, Froggy is a truly beloved character in our sport. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Unidentified rider laying it back in the pocket. The conditions exceeded forecasts for the early morning heats. Consistent and glassy stomach high waves allowed competitors to stretch out and show out on the open face. However, with a rising tide and increasing wind into the afternoon, conditions became more challenging. All competitors did what they could to get the judges attention. Underwater-butterfly takeoffs, lay-backs and of course spinners were on display. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Mark Cunningham
With smaller waves, the take-offs became a very big part of scoring potential.
Eventual age group champion Chris Lafferty takes a breath while the rest of his semi-final heat tries to catch up.
Spencer Ford takes a moment to admire the overcast sky during his semi-final.
Women’s Grand Champion Final with Meredith Rose, 12-17 winner, Calla Allison and Makena Magro.
Judges view. These guys sit on the Pier for hours watching people spin out of waves and milk white water as far as possible. Its a thankless job. Very few people say, “Hey thanks judges, you’re doing a great job!” Its mostly, “I got screwed!” Well, thanks judges!
The Mens Grand Champion Final. Don McCreadie, Paul Grieumard, Chris Lafferty, Hal Handley, Tom Marr, Joe Nickerson, James Fenney and Shayne McIntyre. All of these gentlemen swam hard all weekend and deservedly won their age group.
2014 Grand Champion Brett Templeman gliding right while planning a couple sections ahead. Templeman comes from the venerable South Jetty Swells team out of Ventura. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Bodysurfers are swim fin nerds. These unique fins came over from Europe with the French contingent. According to Patrice Paul Grieumard, they are designed for underwater hockey (yes, that is a real thing).
The performance level of the young women’s divisions was exemplary! Photo: Rod Hepburn
The Del Mar Bodysurfing Club. They swim and have a social gathering every single Saturday and Sunday at 17th Street in Del Mar. All are welcome. Their leader, Vince Askey, outdid himself this year with the recruitment of team riders. He snagged as many free agents as he could find and hosted bodysurfers from Australia, Brazil, France and New Zealand.
Vince Askey, of the Del Mar Bodysurfing Club, is awarded the Jack Thill Perpetual Bodysurfing Trophy for his tireless effort to promote bodysurfing. Vince works exceptionally hard to organize and expand his club beyond the Del Mar city limits. From Australian trips to hosting international competitors, he does a lot to enhance the bodysurfing community. Photo: Rod Hepburn
The Pine St. Bodysurfing Team from Carlsbad. In the most shocking moment of the weekend, Tim Casinelli announced the team championship with “And still team champions…” Most people on the beach had already concluded that the Del Mar Bodysurfing Club dethroned Pine St. for the team championship. But carrying the two Grand Champions, Pine St. came out ahead 700-680. The team trophy has been awarded for 6 years and Pine St. has won it all 6 years. Photo: Rod Hepburn
Grand Champions James Fenney and Makena Magro. A second championship for Fenney and a bright future for SDSU water polo player Magro. Their wins kept the team trophy with Pine St.
Whole Tribe. Great vibes all weekend.
Special thanks to Rod Hepburn for allowing us to share photos from his sharp eye.
Swell Lines 