Arica Chilean Challenge Bodyboarding Contest Continues
ARICA – Day 2 of the 2012 IBA Stealth Arica Chilean ChallengeGrand Slam presented by BSC commenced with the non elimination Round 2 and the first three heats of Round 3 in clean 4-6 foot (2 meter) surf today. Event organizers opted to halt competition after heat 3 of Round 3 to ensure that competitors only get to compete in the best possible conditions.
Hawaiian Bodyboarding Legend Mike Stewart in action at the Arica Chilean Challenge. Photo: IBA/Specker
Today’s standouts were Australia’s Dallas Singer and 2010 World Champion, Amuary Lavernhe (REU). Although Singer was relegated to Round 2, he managed to post the two highest heat scores of the day with 15.74 in Round 2 and 15.67 in Round 3, securing himself a spot in Round 4. Lavernhe once again impressed the judges and spectators with his flawless and powerful riding, stringing together long barrels with big backflips and even managed to complete two clean backflips on one of his last rides in Round 3 to take out his heat.
The completion of Round 2 saw an unexpected elimination of GSS number 10 seed, Jared Houston (ZAF) along with trials winner Brahim Iddouch (MAR). In Round 3 surprise eliminations were GQS number 1 seed, Damian King (Port Mac/AUS) and local favourite Alan Munoz (CHL) who looked unstoppable throughout the event thus far.
If the swell is consistent and favorable conditions prevail for tomorrow, heat one of the day will see three past World Champions, Jeff Hubbard (HAW), Uri Valadao (BRA) and Guilherme Tamega (BRA) battle it out to stay alive. Both Hubbard and Tamega are past event winners here in Arica and know what it takes to win at El Gringo.
Event organizers have asked all GSS competitors to arrive a little earlier so check in will be at 6:45 am tomorrow morning with a possible 7:15 am start.
Below are todays results and the remaining Round 3 draw.
For the full draw and results, go to http://results.ibaworldtour.com/draw.html
Daniel Boyle is an Australian living in Santiago. Daniel's main interests are sports, music and travel. He has a degree in Sports Management and is completing a Master of Arts (Writing). Daniel plays the sport of Freestyle Footbag and is hoping to spread it through Chile. 
