HAWAIIAN MORRETINO WAS THE STANDOUT ON THE 3RD DAY OF THE ACB 2023. POWERFUL WAVES AT THE MONUMENT OF THE FORMER ALACRÁN ISLAND, IN FRONT OF THE “MORRO DE ARICA”, RESULTED IN THE ELIMINATION OF THE FIRST COMPETITOR DURING THE COMPETITION.

• The renowned break “El Gringo,” or “Flopos” as the local riders call it, eliminated the first competitor in the middle of the tournament. Jorge Marín from Taltal suffered a fall, and fortunately, he only sustained superficial injuries, but sadly, he had to withdraw from his heat while it was still ongoing.

• The swells began to make their presence known in the Arica and Parinacota Region. Today, the waves reached heights of over 3 meters, and it is expected that they will continue to be large in the upcoming days. Juan Pablo Barrientos, a teacher from Arica and spokesperson for the ACB, explained how this phenomenon impacts the National Monument of the Former Alacrán Island.

• Hawaiian Sammy Morretino, a four-time world champion in dropknee, stole the spotlight of the day and shared valuable advice to ensure that aspiring athletes riding these waves avoid any accidents.

Ex Isla Alacrán, Arica, Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile. ACB Communications.

The authorities had already announced yesterday the arrival of swells to Chile, stretching from Arica to the Gulf of Penas, creating an ideal and favorable scenario for bodyboarding in Arica during these days. After a day of rest yesterday, when it was agreed upon by the IBC judges, the ACB board, and athlete representatives to declare a lay day due to the small waves, today’s extraordinary circumstances have confirmed that it was the right decision.

Juan Pablo Barrientos, the spokesperson for ACB and event commentator, elaborates on how the swell phenomenon reaches the Former Alacrán Island. “This area used to be an island but is now artificially connected to the mainland. The swells coming from the south to the west directly impact it due to the wave’s location, making it a swell magnet. Waves will always be present here, and when they grow larger, they become incredibly powerful and can pose some danger due to the rocky bottom filled with sea urchins. This is one of the defining characteristics of ‘El Gringo’ or ‘Flopos,’ as it is affectionately known among the locals,” explains Barrientos.

Among those who made the most of the conditions was Jordan Villalba, a local rider from Club Unión Flopos, coming from the La Tacora neighborhood. Villalba must have caught one of the most flawless waves of the day, earning a remarkable final score of 11 points. “We have access to this wave throughout the year, and we have developed a keen understanding of it. I was able to execute a skillful combination of maneuvers,” expressed the young Arica rider, who is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing at Santo Tomás University.

The competition pressed on, with solid waves, and just before the wind picked up, which hampers the ideal conditions for bodyboarding, Sammy Morretino emerged as the standout performer. The Hawaiian not only attained the highest score of the day but also secured the top score among all the competition days thus far. Morretino couldn’t contain his enthusiasm and seized the opportunity to offer guidance to newcomers, urging them to steer clear of accidents.

“This is my fourth time riding these waves. Last night, I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. watching videos and studying them. First and foremost, you need to have confidence and acknowledge that you’re facing a treacherous wave, an ‘arena of gladiators.’ It’s crucial to prepare yourself thoroughly and wear a helmet,” expressed the Hawaiian athlete, coming from the Hawaiian Islands.

Security Protocol

The International Bodyboard Corporation, along with the Club Unión Flopos, the organizer of the Arica Cultura Bodyboard, have implemented a well-defined and efficient safety protocol, akin to those utilized in professional soccer matches. During the event, there is always an ambulance equipped with a trained team on standby to address any unforeseen circumstances, including the incident involving Jorge Marín, who suffered a fall and received immediate medical attention. Although his injuries were minor, the young athlete from Taltal was transported to Arica’s Juan Noé Hospital for the necessary examinations, in accordance with the established protocol.

You can watch the Arica Cultura Bodyboard live on the IBC World Tour YouTube channel, where you can also catch the highlights and relive the best moments of the event. For more information about the ACB, you can visit their Instagram page @acb_chile or check out the tour’s page @ibcworld_tour.

Press Release by Eric schnitzler and Javier Escobari

@yerkovasquez_fotografo_flopos @fabiorlmota

Date: May 30 2023, from 8:00Hrs GMT -3

Location:Ex isla Alacrán, Arica,Chile

Wave: ” El Flopos”

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