Check out this exclusive interview with one of the contenders for the world title. He talks about Pierre Louis Costes, the current state of bodyboarding, and of course, the battle for the title right in his backyard at the Gran Canaria Frontón King.
- ARMIDE SOLIVERES – 24 YEARS OLD – SPAIN – CANARY ISLAND – GRAN CANARIA
What do you think of Pierre Louis Costes?
For sure, Pierre has been my role model in the bodyboarding world my entire life. His videos have taught me so much that I honestly think I wouldn’t be at the level I am now without them. There’s not just one thing I like most about him; his technique is just amazing in any conditions. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know him better, and we’ve even become friends. As a person, he’s super kind and easy to get along with. Whenever I ask him questions to learn, he shares all his wisdom without holding back, even knowing I could use that knowledge against him in competitions. Our rivalry is really healthy; sometimes we send each other funny videos or jokes about the Frontón King, laughing at each other and building that nice rivalry.
Right now, there are a lot of French riders competing in the IBC World Tour. What do you think about bodyboarding in France?
Honestly, it’s incredible how motivated the French community is to be part of the world tour and other competitions. I see many of them working on future projects in the sport, which not everyone does. France has always been a bodyboarding destination I want to visit for epic waves. Those sandy beaches are amazing, and knowing that Pierre has always surfed there makes me even more motivated to spend a season riding perfect sand waves someday
French Rider: Maxime Castillo in Arica
What do you think about bodyboarding in the Canary Islands?
Right now, I see a ton of people motivated and with lots of projects in mind. Besides all the competitions and videos being made about the Canary Islands, we’re getting recognized as one of the best destinations in the world. There’s a lot of talent connected to the sport, and it seems like the older guys who started on the islands are also eager to help the sport grow. Little by little, we’re achieving more and better things, hoping it grows exponentially in the coming years. After COVID, everything was tough, but now I only see motivated people, which really inspires me too.
Canary Rider: Lionel Medina in the El Frontón
What does the Frontón wave and the Gran Canaria Frontón King event mean to you?
The Frontón, as we all know, is a pretty dangerous wave, and it’s probably the one that pushes me to my limits more than any other I’ve tried. But this year, I’m going to break through all those limits to create my best surfing and reach the top of my career. It’s true that I spend a lot of time in nursing, so I don’t get to dedicate as much time to bodyboarding as I’d like to be 100% ready for the Frontón King. But this year, with the level I’ve reached in Indonesia, it’s just a matter of getting my mind right to tackle the Frontón my way.
Rider: Armide Soliveres in the Frontón
You could become the world champion in your own backyard, surrounded by your friends and family, and be the first Canarian to do it in the Men’s division, plus one of the few who’ve achieved it in both Junior and Men’s divisions. How are you approaching this challenge?
I handle nerves, stress, and anxiety pretty well. Of course, on the big days, those feelings will ramp up, but they won’t take over me because they never really have, and this time won’t be any different. I work on my mindset, even if it’s just by motivating myself and building the confidence I need to have an amazing competition, making history in Spain and in the Canaries, trying to be the first Open bodyboarder to win the world title. But you never know; Pierre could win because that’s a real possibility. If I don’t have the confidence and security I need, Pierre would have a better shot at taking the title from me.
Add anything else you want, Armide:
I just hope this championship becomes one of the most memorable in the bodyboarding world since it’s rare for a rider to compete for the world title at home with their family and friends. I think it’s going to be one of the best competitions ever, win or lose, and I’ll remember it for life as one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
THANKS IBC AND SEE YOU IN THE GRAN CANARIA FRONTÓN KING!
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