Pipe Pro: Stewart confirmed for 2008 IBA Tour
Source: www.ibaworldtour.com
posted by Terry McKenna on 19th February 2008
The record books have been re-written with the biggest field in the events history coming to the Islands for a chance at competing at the World's best wave. Over 180 of the planets best riders crossed their fingers and 144 were accepted.
Whilst media speculation suggests that Surfing sensation Kelly Slater (Florida USA) will retire this year at 36, Bodyboarding's living legend Mike Stewart (Hawaii USA) has confirmed that he will once again contest the IBA World Men's Tour at 44 years of age.
Mike has been a prolific figure in Pro Bodyboarding since it first boomed in the 80's and he has maintained to be a the forefront of the sport ever since.
To put things into perspective Slater has won 8 World Titles whereas Stewart has won 10.
"I am on an organic diet and I have never felt better or fitter", said Stewart.
"I am on a mission to see how far I can push myself both physically and mentally and with some of the new training methods that I have adopted hope to do well on this years Tour."
Stewart has been an inspiration to several generations of riders and some believe that he will challenge the worlds best until he is 50.
"That would be cool. I think that if you eat right and look after yourself that would be possible."
Bodyboarding has long been considered a young persons sport but Mike is re-writing the record books and inspiring some of the older riders to follow in his footsteps.
Guilherme Tamega (BRZ) is another former multiple world champion who is making a comeback in 2008 after taking a year off at 35. Tamega has relocated to the USA and is also living in Hawaii with Stewart.
The IBA International Men's Tour is about to be launched on Oahu's North shore with the IBA Pipeline Pro and both riders will be hard to beat with so much experience and a home court advantage.
FORECAST
Tuesday: EPIC
SURF: 6-10 ft. - head high + to double overhead occasionally 12 ft. and epic conditions.
Wednesday: GOOD
SURF: 5-8 ft. - head high to 3 ft. overhead occasionally 9 ft. and good conditions.
Thursday: EPIC
SURF: 6-10 ft. - head high + to double overhead occasionally 12 ft. and epic conditions.
WEBCAST
The event is being webcast at
www.ibatour.com/webcast 1749 views
Comments
 | Gareth White
19th February 2008 23:14 |
Don't frett Healebilly...i have the same problem.
Its bleak watching it like that...the Canaries was so much smoother. |
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 | Simon Heale
19th February 2008 23:08 |
I know this might make me seem very stupid but......i have been watching the comp on webcast, but its only in periodic photo's, its not streaming...why why why????someone help me see it as streaming video please!!!and i do have adsl, and no im not amazingly computer literate so make it as if you were teaching a monkey..please :)
thanks |
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