Another intense day of competition at the Taghazout Bay Morocco Pro 2025, where the top riders from both divisions hit the water, delivering incredible performances and a few surprises.
Anza Beach woke up to perfect conditions—clean, long right-hand waves that set the stage for a high-level showdown.
MEN’S PRIME SERIES – ROUND 4 (Non-Elimination Round)
The top two from each heat move directly to Round 6, while the third and fourth-place finishers get a second chance in the repechage round.
- Tristan Roberts from South Africa, multiple-time world champion, stole the show, scoring 16.5 points. He pulled off a backflip into a roll, earning an 8.5 from the judges. Second place went to Eder Luciano from Brazil, who put on a strong performance.
Tristan Roberts: “I felt great in my first heat of the year. I love being here. I think the IBC’s initiative with the Rising and Prime Series is amazing—it creates new opportunities and events worldwide.”
- Uri Valadão from Brazil, five-time world champion, secured first place in his heat, while Iddouch Yassine from Morocco finished second, looking solid.
Uri Valadão: “I’m happy to win my first heat of the year. I’ll take it step by step and heat by heat, staying focused on my goals.”
- Lionel Medina from Spain delivered an impressive performance with a 7.6 ride, showcasing five clean maneuvers. He finished first, with El Ghazi Achraf from Morocco right behind him.
Lionel Medina: “I remember my first time here nine years ago. I love this wave—it lets me bring out my fast, explosive surfing. I really enjoyed this heat.”
- Armide Soliveres, the defending world champion, hit the water for the first time this season, proving he is still in top form. He won his heat, edging out Badr Eddine from Morocco, who had already landed the only perfect 10 of the event the day before.
Armide Soliveres: “I’m happy to start the year with a win. I try not to let the pressure get to me. A good start gives you the motivation to go all in.”
- Pierre Louis Costes from France, ranked number two in the world, made his season debut and did not disappoint, scoring 15.5 points to take first place, with Joel Rodríguez from Portugal close behind at 13.25.
Pierre Louis Costes: “I’m so happy to advance. Morocco is special to me—the people, the culture, the waves, and my history here. Winning this event would mean a lot.”
- Javi Domínguez from Spain won one of the best heats of the day, landing a nine-point wave. He finished just ahead of Boufouchk Ilias from Morocco, who had a 13.6 total score, while Isaias Ravyc from Brazil (13.5) barely missed qualification.
Javi Domínguez: “First time at Anza Beach and I loved it. This wave suits me well. The people, the organization—everything in Morocco is amazing.”
- Bahloul Ahmed from Morocco pulled off the biggest upset of the round, winning his heat and knocking Clément Lodeho from Réunion Island into second place.
Bahloul Ahmed: “I’m excited to be part of the IBC World Tour and to advance in first. Thanks to my idols Anas Haddar and Brahim Iddouch, the federation, the IBC, and everyone who made this world-class event in Morocco possible.”
- Yassine Elghzal from Morocco dominated his heat, taking first place ahead of Yann Salaun from France. They sent defending Taghazout Bay champion, Gabriel Braga from Brazil, to the repechage round.
Yassine Elghzal: “I am very happy to have advanced. Beating big names like Gabriel, the Taghazout Bay champion, Yann, a top IBC rider, and Louka, who won the Men Junior Rising Series a few days ago, is an honor.”
WOMEN’S PRIME SERIES – ROUND 1
The 2025 Women’s Tour officially kicked off. Round 1 featured trials for non-ranked riders fighting for a spot among the world’s best.
Alice Teotonio from Portugal started strong, taking first place with 11.2 points, followed by Sara Abiko from Japan in second.
Manon Jarry from France did what she had to do, advancing alongside Ghizlane Aghouali from Morocco.
WOMEN’S PRIME SERIES – ROUND 2
The real battle started in Round 2, featuring top-ranked athletes competing for a spot in the Top 16.
Alice Teotonio continued her strong performance, winning with 12.15 points, just ahead of Bianca Simoes from Brazil, who scored 11.8.
Alexandra Rinder from Austria, a two-time world champion, dominated with a 13.75, the best score of the round. Valentina Díaz from Chile advanced in second place.
Soukaina Aghouali from Morocco caused an upset, taking first place over Kaira Shirahase from Japan, while Teresa Miranda from Spain, one of the favorites, was eliminated.
Filipa Broeiro from Portugal won the last heat, with Luana Dourado, also from Portugal, right behind her.
WOMEN’S PRIME SERIES – ROUND 3 (Non-Elimination Round)
Now, the Top 8 in the world were in action, with only 16 riders left. The top two from each heat move on to Round 5, while the rest go to the repechage.
- Maylla Venturin from Portugal, ranked in the IBC Top 5, proved she is in peak form, advancing in first with 11.1 points, just 0.16 ahead of Yuka Nishimura from Japan.
Maylla Venturin: “First time at this event, I love the people and this place. It was a tough heat with slow waves, but I got a good one at the end and managed to take first place. Super happy.”
- Maira Viana, the defending world champion from Brazil, made a dominant season debut, scoring the highest total so far (14.75 points). Alexandra Rinder from Austria finished second.
Maira Viana: “The first heat of the year is always tough, but I trained hard and stayed focused. Super grateful for everyone supporting me.”
- Soukaina Aghouali from Morocco continued her breakthrough run, tying with Luna Hardman from Brazil, the Junior World Champion and number three in the Women Prime Series rankings.
Soukaina Aghouali: “Every heat is difficult, but I am happy with the result. Competing against legends like Neymara is an honor.”
- The final heat of the day was extremely close. Kaira Shirahase from Japan won with 11.95 points, just 0.10 ahead of Namika Yamashita, also from Japan.
Kaira Shirahase: “Last year I lacked experience, but I’ve felt so much support here in Morocco. I now believe in myself and I am very happy.”
With that, another exciting day at Anza Beach comes to an end.
Tomorrow’s check-in is at 8:15 AM local time. Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.
The event can be watched live, with all content available on the official IBC World Tour platforms.
Instagram: ibcworld_tour
Main Organisers:
@fedesurfmaroc
@taghazoutbay.officiel
@ibcworld_tour
@imouransurf
Key Sponsors:
@CR.SOUSSMASSA
@taghazoutbay.officiel
@redbullmoroc
@pridebodyboards
@ripcurl_morocco
@Tikida hotels
@radissonblutaghazoutbay
Local Partners:
@Aanzabluewaves
@newgenerationsurfassociation
@TaghazoutBoardRiders
@RDTRSoussMassa
@crtagadirsm
#WorldBodyboard #ibc2025 #TaghazoutBay #AnzaWaves #BodyboardingMorocco #RideTheWaves #AnchorPointAdventure #bodyboard #bodyboarding #ibcworldtour #visitagadir #visitruralmorocco
