DROPKNEE DIVISION COMPETITORS DOMINATED THE WAVES AT THE ABF

• The representative from Hawaii, Aarya Tabalno, made history as the first rider to participate in this division in the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival (ABF).

A historic day was experienced on the second day of competition at Llacolén Beach, a day that will be recorded in the ABF’s history. This is because Aarya Tabalno, a 16-year-old Hawaiian, became the first woman to participate in the Dropknee (DK) division in the eleven-year history of this event.

The representative from the islands of Hawai’i competed on par with the top competitors of this division and received a huge applause from the audience, as well as the attention of the media present at the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival 2023 stage.

Tabalno witnessed the action on two occasions. In the first one, she secured second place in the heat with spectacular maneuvers, earning her passage to the next round of the competition. Later in the day, she returned to the water in the third heat. However, her skills on the massive waves were not sufficient to ensure her progression into the subsequent rounds. At the official press point, led by the International Bodyboard Corporation (IBC), the Hawaiian did not hide her excitement over the significance of her performance. “It was very intense but also a lot of fun to compete with the men in the Drop Knee division. I’m truly happy to be the first woman to compete in the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival. I’m glad I made it through the first heat,” explained Aarya Talbano.

It is worth noting that the DK division is one of the most captivating for spectators. Riders must master the waves and perform maneuvers while keeping one knee on the board, which adds to the level of difficulty. This is especially true in waves like the “Cúpula de Poder” in Antofagasta, where the wind and the force of the sea demand riders to display top-level skills.

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The organizers are calling on the people of Antofagasta to attend Playa Llacolén and enjoy a world-class event. Everything is prepared for families to have a great time, and there are plenty of surprises in store for the spectators.

Date: May 19, 2023, from 7:30am GMT -3

Location: Llacolen, Antofagasta,Chile

Wave: ” La Cupula de Poder”

Invita: @inside_bhp

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