At IBC, we’re proud to introduce you to one of the most in-shape athletes right now. A 22-year-old young rider who made a huge splash during his time in the junior category, and now he’s one of the most feared athletes in the Men’s Division.
An electric and radical athlete who doesn’t hesitate to hit his lip to perform aerial maneuvers, his favorite trick is the ARS, and he loves surfing La Puntilla in Punta Hermosa. He also confesses that his favorite wave is Punta 2 in Iquique, where he just had an incredible result, almost making it to the finals.
Born in the Peruvian Jungle, specifically in Iquito, but currently living in Punta Hermosa, Lima. He’s been practicing bodyboarding for 11 years, and with his achievements and attitude, he’s become a role model both in Peru and around the world. With his smile and perseverance, he travels across continents to reach his main goal: becoming a world champion and bringing that title home to Peru.
Without further ado, we hope you enjoy this exclusive interview with:
CRISTOPHER BAYONA
- How was your childhood, and how did you start practicing bodyboarding?
Since I was very young, I had to help out at home when we lived in Iquito, then we moved to Lima. I started working by taking care of and cleaning cars. That’s how I met many people—some good, some not so good—but thanks to them, I went to the beach for the first time. It was definitely a surprise for me. In the jungle, there are only rivers, so I’d only known about rivers until I discovered the beach. My friends and I would go all the time. My brother Antony found an old bodyboard where we were renting a place to live with my family. Later, with my friends who also took care of cars, I saw that the bodyboard I had at home was used to slide over the waves. I thought, “Hey, I have one of those at home,” and that’s how I started bodyboarding. Thanks to my brother Antony, who always took me to the beach. To learn tricks, I’d save up the little money I earned from taking care of cars and go to internet cafes to watch videos of my idols. That’s how I started training and improving in bodyboarding, at just 12 years old.
- You were one of the standout juniors for several years. Now that you’re competing in the open category, you show great growth in each competition, being one of the most in-shape athletes lately. How did you feel in the recent competitions, and what are your goals for this season?
In the past competitions, I felt really good—had many goals and ambitions. For this season, I want to make it into the top 16 and then fight for the world title. That would be a dream come true for me.
- You’ve proven to be one of the most radical and electric athletes on tour. What’s a typical day like for Cristopher Bayona, and how do you prepare to be one of the top athletes in the world?
I try to spend as much time as possible in the water, train my mind, and most importantly, keep that fire alive that I had from the beginning. I never want to settle; I always want to improve.
- Peru is undoubtedly one of the world powers in bodyboarding right now. Can you tell us a bit about the current level in Peru and why it’s one of the best places on the planet for bodyboarding?
Peru’s level has grown a lot. We have a good team, and every time we compete, we get solid results. In the junior category, we have a strong level, and I think if the kids keep going like this, we could have another junior world champion like Micheel Yancce “Pirpo.” In Men’s Division, we also have a solid level that doesn’t back down from anyone. Peru is one of the best places for bodyboarding because we have waves all year round of all sizes—you can surf daily, and you’re almost guaranteed to find a ramp or a barrel.
- What are your dreams inside and outside of bodyboarding?
My dream is to support my family through the sport, and I also want to finish a degree—I want to study Sports Science. I know I’ll do it someday. For now, I’m 100% focused on competitions and giving my all to this sport. I dream of being a world champion someday; that dream has been with me since I watched videos of my idols.
- Not long ago, the Pan American Games in Guatemala just finished. Tell us about your experience, the results, and what it means to you.
It was an incredible experience. I managed to get a bronze medal, which is a big step for me because it was my first medal at a Pan American. Representing my country isn’t easy — you feel the pressure, especially with thoughts like “what if something goes wrong?” But I’m gaining more experience in these competitions, and I’m working hard to bring that gold medal home to Peru.
- What places in the world would you like to visit, and what waves would you love to surf?
I’d love to go to Indonesia. I always watch videos of those amazing waves — they look perfect for bodyboarding. I hope to get there someday soon.
- Who are your idols in bodyboarding, and who has helped you surf the way you do now?
My idols are Jeff and Dave Hubbard, Pierre Louis, Amaury, Tamega, Joshua Garner, Jared Houston. Competing against my idols has really helped improve my performance, and listening to their advice has made a big difference.
- You’re a three-time national champion and definitely a role model for young surfers. What message would you give to those who want to start or improve in bodyboarding?
They need to fight for their goals. If they don’t reach them, they should be proud that they fought hard, and then try again with even more passion and strength. I’m a champion because I decided I would be — I’ve wanted to be a world champion since I was little. I haven’t achieved it yet, but I know I will someday. I just have to keep that hunger and drive to win everything.
- Peru has countless magical places. Which ones attract you the most, and why should people visit them?
In northern Peru, we have perfect waves — I recommend them 100%. Plus, the scenery is amazing. Some of the well-known spots are San Pedro, Explosivos, Punta Roca, La Isla, and many more — all perfect for bodyboarding.
- Can you share a special story from your travels or surfing at home?
When I traveled abroad for the first time to compete — at the Junior World Championship in Viana do Castelo, Portugal — I’d never been on a plane before, and I’d never traveled alone. I was really scared, but I was also eager to carry my country’s flag to another continent. I arrived safe and sound, thanks to the support of many people who helped make this trip happen, especially the Viana Surf Club, who treated me like family. There, I met many guys who are still competing in the open category today, like Nicolás Capony, Armide Soliveres, Joaquín Soto, Ethan Capdeville, Jerico Rosero, Joel Rodrígues, and others. I finished third in the world at that event — it was a huge joy for me, something I’ll never forget. My first trip abroad and standing on the podium — unforgettable!
- What do you think about the new structure of the IBC World Tour, with the Prime and Rising Series divisions?
I think it’s good. In my opinion, there should be more dates for the World Tour, especially the Prime Series. That way, we’d know exactly which events we need to attend — they’d have more impact and importance.
- Here’s your space to thank, say hello, or share anything you want:
I want to thank God, my family — without their support, I wouldn’t be competing worldwide. My brother Antony has always pushed me since I was little, and he still does. Thanks to all my coaches who’ve been with me since I was young and continue to teach me. Also, my sponsors: Santa Natura, Punta Hermosa Community, Mareyuntas, Psyched_Surf, Ars Proboard, Hubboards, and the High-Performance Bodyboard Academy. Thanks to everyone who supports me when I do activities to raise funds so I can travel and compete.
And a big thank you to the IBC team for having me for this interview!
Instagram: cristopherbayona02