The ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro, the women’s stage of the World Bodyboarding Circuit, brings together athletes from eight countries. And one Brazilian, in particular, stands out in the championship, which started on Sunday (21) and runs until this Saturday (27). It’s capixaba Luna Hardman, only 18 years old and already the second-place holder in the world ranking. Competing since the age of 12, Luna is a revelation in the sport, one of the stars of the new generation.
This week, the capixaba hits the waves at home as the best Brazilian in the event. The stage is being held at Jacaraípe Beach, in the city of Serra, Espírito Santo. In the first heats of the Pro Junior category, held on Monday (22), she secured victory. She also participates in the Professional category.
“Yesterday (Monday) was my debut in the Pro Junior. And I had a very good start. I scored eight in the first heat. This is very good because it gives me more motivation for the next ones. So, this beginning is very special, and let’s go all out. Waiting for the waves to hit the water again,” explained Luna.
Pressure? No. Anxious? Yes. But Luna ensures that the happiness of competing in the World Circuit in Serra outweighs everything. “It’s very special for me. At home, it’s always very good, with my family around, my grandparents on the beach,” said the Pro Junior world champion in 2022, competing in her last year in the category.
“I was very excited and anxious to start right away. It’s the best championship in the world. It was considered by the IBC, which oversees the entire Circuit, as the best of last year. The main event for women, very good for strengthening the female category within bodyboarding,” said the capixaba.
Luna started competing at the age of 12. But she has been involved in bodyboarding long before that. With her mother as an example. She is the daughter of five-time world champion Neymara Carvalho and surfer Daniel Hardman. Neymara competed until five months of pregnancy. By the way, in Serra, mother and daughter are opponents in the Professional category.
Last year, the young capixaba won her first professional title by winning one of the stages of the Brazilian Circuit. Now in 2024, she has already been in the initial stage of the World Circuit, in Morocco, finishing second, in Taghazout, her first final in the competition. The victory went to the ranking leader, Japanese Sari Ohhara, who is also in Serra.
“I am very happy with this second place in the ranking and with the results in the competitions. The result of a lot of effort. And excited in pursuit of results here in Jacaraípe,” she concluded.
Heats resume this Wednesday – The 2024 edition of the ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro boasts a record number of 115 entries. There are 75 athletes from seven countries – Brazil, Chile, France, Hawaii, Japan, Peru, and Portugal – some in more than one category. The Professional, Master, Pro Junior, and Open categories are in competition. The People with Disabilities category already crowned its champions on Sunday (21), the first day of the event.
Competition will resume this Wednesday (24) in all categories. Tuesday was announced as a “day off” by the organizers due to sea conditions, with an improvement forecasted in the coming days.
Mobile Court at Solemar Beach – Until the end of the championship on Saturday, the Maria da Penha Law Mobile Court bus, a public policy of the Espírito Santo State Judiciary, will be at Solemar Beach, providing guidance on combating domestic and family violence against women and support from social workers and psychologists from the Municipality of Serra, from 8 am to 2 pm. The Maria da Penha Mobile Court has been in existence for twelve years, used to assist women who need analysis for the granting of urgent protective measures, removal from home, and search and seizure.
ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro 2024 Schedule
- From the 21st to the 27th, the event is within the window period, observing the best sea conditions for the competitions, with 5 days of competition and 2 days off (the first was on Tuesday).
- April 27 – 2 pm to 4 pm – Awards Ceremony; 7 pm – Closing Cocktail.
The Wahine Bodyboarding Pro 2024 is sponsored by ArcelorMittal, the Espírito Santo State Government through the Capixaba Sports Incentive Law, and the Municipality of Serra, with the support of Coroa. Presented by Neymara Carvalho and the IBC Institute.
