Rising star Bodi Hugin wins major bodyboarding title in future pro event

FAR North Coast bodyboarder Bodi Hugin claimed the biggest junior title of his career, winning the Australian leg of the International Bodyboarding Committee Junior World Tour Rising Series after a thrilling final at Duranbah Beach.

The 18-year-old defeated Port Macquarie’s Chase Thompson by just 0.36 points in the Future Pro’s final.

The event attracted around 50 of Australia’s best young bodyboarders, along with competitors from Hawaii.

For Hugin, who is based near Minyon Falls and bodyboards at breaks from Ballina to the Gold Coast, the win carried extra significance.

“It’s my last year in the division and to win it after being part of all five previous events here was pretty special,” he said.

“There was people from all across the east coast; there were a few from South Australia and even two kids from Hawaii.

“Duranbah is really good for an event, it’s got a sick little take-off and then this little bowl where you can send airs out of.

“It’s a great venue as well because everyone can watch and cheer us on from up on the rocks.”

The win gives Hugin the opportunity to contest the IBC Junior Men Grand Final in Spain in October, although he is still working through the logistics of making the trip.

“I could go over to Gran Canaria to compete for the world title later in the year,” he said.

 

“I’ve just got to work out the logistics, but it would be pretty sick.

“I’m out of school now, so I’ve just been working and surfing one or two times a week when I can.”

Hugin also credited Gold Coast Bodyboarding Club president Silas Gancia with creating a local event that has become an international pathway for young riders.

“The whole event wouldn’t have happened without Silas,” he said.

“He created it from scratch and works around the clock every year to make it happen.

“It wouldn’t be a thing without him.”

Gancia said the quality of competition highlighted the strength of emerging Australian talent.

“The level of talent, commitment and sportsmanship on display has been exceptional, and Bodi thoroughly earned his victory after performing under pressure throughout the event,” he said.

“The junior men’s final was one of the closest we’ve seen and was a fantastic promotion for the future of the sport.”