BIG COMEBACK FOR DROPKNEE
The DropKnee division didn’t happen during the 2025 season, so we didn’t get to crown a world champ in that category.
DropKnee (or DK) has been around since the early days of bodyboarding over 50 years ago. It’s always been a huge part of our community.
We’re stoked to announce that for the new 2026 season, this beautiful and radical division is back. It’s definitely one of the most difficult and technical ways to ride in our sport. DK blends surf and bodyboard maneuvers, bringing a totally different style and flow to the waves.
DROPKNEE AT THE ANTOFAGASTA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL (CHILE)
One of the tour’s most anticipated stops is back. We missed it last season, so we’re hyped to have it back on the schedule since it’s easily one of the most important comps on the tour. This is where the DK action will go down and where the 2026 DropKnee World Champion will be decided.
The big news is the new location: La Nilda. It’s a powerful rock-bottom break that peels both left and right. This will make things more fair and intense for the division, as being able to shred both frontside and backside will be key.
- Event: ANTOFAGASTA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL
- Location: La Nilda, Antofagasta, Chile
- Dates: April 29 – May 10
- Divisions: Men Prime Series ($35k / 5,000 pts) & Dropknee World Championship ($10k)
- Status: CONFIRMED (Dates pending final check)
The competition will share its waiting period with the Men’s Division.
DROPKNEE WORLD CHAMPIONS
In recent years, Hawaiian athletes have dominated this style. Huge shoutouts to Dave Hubbard—a 10-time world champ—and Sammy Morretino, a 5-time world champ and the current titleholder.
- 2024: SAMMY MORRETINO (Hawaii)
- 2023: DAVE HUBBARD (Hawaii)
- 2022: DAVE HUBBARD (Hawaii)
- 2021: SAMMY MORRETINO (Hawaii)
We want to emphasize again how important it is to have DK back on tour. There’s a massive community of dropknee riders worldwide, and we need to stick together to keep this style going strong and give it the respect it deserves. From the IBC, we’re calling on all promoters to include DK in their events. Huge thanks to the Antofagasta Bodyboard Festival team for stepping up and supporting this radical discipline.
The event will be live-streamed! You can follow all the action on our official channels:
- Web: www.ibcworldtour.com
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IBCWorldTour
- IG: @ibcworld_tour
- Facebook: facebook.com/ibc.world.tour
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@ibcworldtour