WHO’S GONNA BE THE 2026 DROPKNEE WORLD CHAMPION?

The countdown is on for the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival 2026.

This event is set to crown the first world champ of the season, specifically in the DropKnee Division. DK is making its big comeback to the tour with massive expectations, promising a heavy show from the world’s best athletes in one of the most technical and spectacular disciplines out there.

The waiting period runs from April 29th to May 10th, featuring both the Men’s and DropKnee divisions.

The IBC caught up with some of the heavy hitters in the DK final who have a real shot at taking home the world title.

Here’s what they had to say about their goals for this highly anticipated world tour stop in Antofagasta:

SAMMY MORRETINO #1 (Hawaii)

The Hawaiian powerhouse and reigning world champ is heading to Antofagasta to defend his title.

This radical rider isn’t just the defending champ—he’s a 5-time world champion, making him, without a doubt, the man to beat at the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival.

Sammy Morretino: “I’m feeling really motivated and relaxed going into this event. I love competing, so it’s going to be a great time in Antofagasta.

I’m super excited and happy to have a chance at winning a sixth world title in 2026. I want to surf the best I can during the event and show everyone how good dropknee is.”

AMAURY LAVERNHE #3 (Spain)

The Reunion Island native is competing in this division for the first time representing Spain.

As one of the most versatile athletes on the planet, he’s back and more motivated than ever to hit his goals. Having already landed in the world top 3 several times, he’s got a shot at becoming only the second rider in bodyboarding history to claim world titles in both prone and DK—a feat currently held only by Aussie legend Damian King.

Amaury Lavernhe: “I’ve been riding DK since I was a kid. Back in Reunion Island, DK is just part of the culture; there are so many heavy hitters there, and that’s always given me that extra spark.

Having at least one world-class event a year is huge—it’s essential for keeping this beautiful style alive. We didn’t have a world tour stop last year, even though we’ve had a full DK world tour in the past. That makes this Antofagasta event a major push to show promoters that we need to keep DK on the tour for seasons to come.

What’s got me most fired up about heading back to Antofagasta is the DropKnee itself, because I just love this discipline. My goal is to at least crack the top 5, but I’m definitely going to fight for a top 3 spot. I’d be stoked with either result.”

FABIEN THAZAR #4 (Reunion Island)

This athlete from Reunion Island is a true icon of the discipline.

A fan favorite known for hunting down the most radical maneuvers in every heat, Fabien has a career packed with world tour podiums.

Fabien Thazar: “To me, DK is a mashup of bodyboarding and surfing. It’s a unique style that gives you an intense rush. In Reunion Island, DK goes way back; every new generation starts learning it at the same time they learn to prone. When I’m riding DK, I feel more alive and connected.

Bringing DK back to the tour is huge for our community because it brings in international riders, both the groms and the veterans.

My biggest drive is chasing the dream of becoming the DK World Champion. Being on the path to this world title, with sponsors backing me financially, is a great feeling and extra motivation. My goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, keep my eyes on the prize, and stay true to my values and my performance.”

LEO ALAR (Chile)

One of Chile’s top representatives is Iquique local Leonardo Alar.

He lives and breathes DK like few others and is a standout not just at home, but globally. He’ll be representing Chile in this major clash.

Leo Alar: “For us Chilean DK riders, it’s a big deal to have a world tour stop back in Chile—especially since the dates align with a great swell window.

We love having the world’s best come here so we can compete against them in Antofagasta. It’s a luxury to have this event in Chile; it plays to our advantage and lets us go toe-to-toe with the best without having to travel abroad.

La Nilda is a demanding wave that’ll favor the guys who like heavy water. It’s going to be a spectacle because it offers both lefts and rights of incredible quality. The right is a bit easier than the left, which gets heavier as it goes. It’ll be a real challenge, especially if the size picks up.

My main goal is to enjoy the event and walk away with a solid result. I’m also stoked to see the world’s best tackle this heavy, high-quality wave on dropknee—it’s not something you see every day, and it’s going to be an epic show.”

MICHEL COPETTA (Chile)

This Chilean is a world-renowned DK rider.

Michel is one of those guys who stands out for his style and raw aggression—definitely the kind of athlete no one wants to see in their heat. He’s consistent, radical, and always fired up, regardless of the conditions.

Michel Copetta: “I’m locked in for the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival.

I’m really happy they’re holding this contest on an A-frame (bi-directional) wave. Since it’s a single-event title, it’s vital that both goofies and regulars have a fair shot at surfing frontside or backside to show off their full bag of tricks. I think that’s a major factor when it comes to crowning a world champ.

I hope more dates are added for the DK Division in the future, so I’m calling on all the promoters to get involved. Huge thanks to the organizers for making this DK competition happen.”

Check out these shots from ABF of some Chilean locals shredding La Nilda on DropKnee. This heavy A-frame is gonna put on one hell of a show for the DK Division:

Manuel Cepeda from Antofagasta, Gabriel Brantes from Iquique y Brayan Medina from Arica.