The best bodyboarders are preparing to tackle the 2011 IBA World Tour which begins in Hawaii on February 15. Here are some key facts about the tour:
1. There will be two series of world competitions
Pro bodyboarders will compete in two series of world competitions. The Global Qualifying Series (GQS) will act as a feeder tour to the Grand Slam Series (GSS). At the end of the season, the best eight GQS riders will qualify for the next tour, replacing the bottom eight in the GSS.
2. It's similar to golf... but also very different
The Grand Slam Series format will be like a leaderboard – similar to the one used in golf – after Round 1 and Round 2. At the conclusion of Round 3, the top 16 enter Round 4 in man-on-man heats till the final.
3. There's some serious money at stake
Each GQS events will offer a minimum prize money of US $25,000, while the winner of a GSS can be assured of at least US $50,000.
4. The tour kicks off in bodyboarding's most historic venue
The World Tour begins at the infamous Pipeline Pro GSS, on Oahu, in Hawaii. Pipeline has become synonymous with bodyboarding. Its volcanic reef produces some of the most challenging waves on the planet and during the winter season is battered by massive swells that develop in the Allusion Islands and make their way towards Oahu before emptying out at the pipe. In short, it's a true test of a bodyboarder's skills.
5. All World Tour Events will be screened live on redbull.com/tv!
The live webcast will be the most ambitious project ever undertaken by the IBA with multi-camera angles and replays just some of the many features. El Fronton frontman Manny Vargas will again be the anchor for the webcast and will also host a new TV documentary series that will follow all GSS events in 2011.
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