Florida
Bodyboarding Association Keeps Sport Alive In The Sunshine State By Nick McGregor; Photos by Randy Lathrop
TURF: Florida
Bodyboarding Association Contest # 3 Presented By Anarchy Eyewear; Flagler
Beach Pier, Flagler Beach, FL; December 12th, 2009
ENERGY: This
wasn’t the first bodyboarding contest to be held at Flagler Beach Pier, but
more importantly, it won’t be the last. With FBA Director Al Rumbos working his
butt off to keep the sport in the media spotlight — prize purse,
extensive sponsorship, continued participation, and all — anyone who
thinks that competitive bodyboarding is on its last leg might want to think
again.
FIRST TIME AT FIGHT CLUB: Luckily,
the FBA got their season-ending Contest #3 off before the January 2010 flat spell
set in. Although a cold northeast breeze dominated, it also generated three to
four-foot waves for the duration of the contest.
SLIDE: With
bodyboarders from across Florida taking part and the FBA’s season title on the
line, the heat was on. Pro division rankings leader Carlos Jenkins couldn’t
make it to the event, and with Flagler Beach local Dan Worley missing an
earlier event, the door was opened to those chasing a season title. Alfonso
“Paya” Parodi pounced on the opportunity and took home 1st-place both in the
Pro and Masters division, clinching the two season titles in the process. And
although Austin Dalton took 1st-place in Amateurs, Andre Moura’s 3rd-place
finish was still enough to claim the season title. Devin Ricke claimed a season
title in Dropknee, and Gunner Schmauss did the same in Juniors.
THE PAIN: Perennial
finalist and Flagler Beach heavy Dan Worley endured the tragic loss of his
father David mere days before the contest. Although it was surely tough for Dan
to compete so soon, we can only hope that the love in the Flagler Beach
community and the support among his fellow bodyboarders helped ease the pain.
THE MAN: Big
ups go out to FBA Director Al Rumbos, who even in the face of constant
adversity continues to offer Sunshine State bodyboarders the infrastructure and
support needed to compete and excel. A hearty round of applause also goes out
to Red Bull, Anarchy, Custom X, Congo Boards, Invert Style, Sticky Bumps,
Zinka, Genesis, Bodyboard Headquarters, BZ, Hydro, Shaka Laka, Zyndrome, and
Malibu Surf Shop for their continuous support to the FBA and the sport of
bodyboarding as a whole. For complete rankings, photos, and further details,
check out www.fbatour.com today.
FINAL RESULTS OF THE FLORIDA BODYBOARDING ASSOCIATION CONTEST #3
PRESENTED BY ANARCHY EYEWEAR:
PRO 1. Alfonso “Paya”
Parodi, $300
2. Dan Worley,
$150
3. Brian
Holloway, $100
4. Steve Vitale, $75
AMATEUR 1. Austin Dalton
2. Mike Wagner
3. Andre Moura
4. Steve
Vitale
DROPKNEE 1. Dan Worley
2. Steven Tyson
3. Jorge Alegria
4. Damian Dinham
MASTERS 1. Alfonso
Parodi
2. Andre Moura
3. Paul Woodworth
4. Jorge Alegria
Sweetwater Leaves It Up To The Grom At Oakley Surf Shop Challenge Mid-Atlantic Regional Qualifier; “Uncle” Andrew Gesler Drives Heritage Win Home In Northeast
By Matt Pruett and Nick McGregor;
Photos by Matt Lusk
