After a morning of competition in the Professional, Pro Junior, and Master categories, the sea conditions postponed the afternoon heats on this Monday (22), the second day of competition at the ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro 2024, the women’s stage of the World Bodyboarding Circuit. Thus, the Professional and Pro Junior categories were only held in the morning. Monday also marked the beginning of the Open division – an amateur category aimed at promoting the sport. Now, the event will resume only on Wednesday (24). Tuesday was announced as a “day off” by the organizers as sea conditions are predicted to improve in the coming days.
The ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro 2024 is taking place at Jacaraípe Beach in Serra, Espírito Santo. The championship, in its third edition, will run until next Saturday (27), turning the state into the global center of the sport.
In the Professional and Master categories, on its second day, the heats were for the repechage, with athletes vying for a spot in the next stages. The Pro Junior division also had its first competition.
The top spot in the Professional category went to Japanese Yuka Nishimura. In second place was Portuguese Luana Dourado, and tied for third were Brazilians Kirtys Montenegro and Maria Rita Braga. In the Pro Junior division, Brazilian Luna Hardman took first place. In second was French Emie Padois, and in third was Aarya Tabalno from Hawaii. In the Master category, Portuguese Marta Leitão emerged victorious, followed by Brazilians Karla Costa and Maria Rita Braga.
“It was tough. Sea change affects a lot. All the girls did great. And despite losing in the Pro category, I managed to stay alive in the championship in the Master. Each heat, a new challenge. I’m excited for the next ones,” highlighted Rio de Janeiro native Karla, a two-time world champion who has been living in Hawaii for over 20 years, has two children, and always visits Brazil to see family.
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 competing in multiple categories. The Professional, Master, Pro Junior, and Open categories are in competition. The People with Disabilities category already crowned its champions on Sunday (21).
Mobile Court at Solemar Beach – Between Monday (22) and the end of the championship on Saturday (27), the Mobile Court for the Maria da Penha Law, 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 22/04 – Day off 27/04 – 2 pm to 4 pm – Awards Ceremony; 7 pm – Closing Cocktail. Note: From the 21st to the 27th, the event will be within the window period, observing the best sea conditions for the competitions, with 5 days of competition and 2 days off during this period.
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.
