Japan’s Hayato Enokido showing form at Surf Beach

The Kiama Bodyboard King Pro heralds the return of the World Grand Slam to Australia after a five-year absence.

Kiama’s Surf Beach is the hub for the competition, which runs from 31 July to 9 August, to give a window to catch the best conditions. The conditions will dictate whether the day’s competition will be held at Cronulla’s Shark Island, Bawley’s Nuggan Point, our own Mystics  or Surf Beach, home of the Wedge.

However it is Kiama that is enjoying the worldwide publicity for the event, through a dedicated Fox Sports bodyboarding TV show, live webcasting and social media.

The CEO of the Association of Professional Bodyboarding, Alex Leon, who lives in Kiama, says, “We have worked extremely hard for years to bring the Tour back to Australia and hope it helps the development and participation of the sport of bodyboarding in Australia.”

The event involves more than 200 athletes and their entourages. It is expected to directly generate more than $430,000 for our region in the middle of winter, as well as attracting more visitors.

Mayor Mark Honey says, “I encourage everyone to give the athletes and fans the warm welcome Kiama is famous for and take time to check out all the action.”

There will be an array of activities taking place on 4-5 August at Surf Beach, including a Pro Junior Series event; coaching clinics with Hawaii’s nine times World Champion, Mike Stewart and Australia’s Lilly Pollard; food stalls; board testing; specialist retail; yoga; and music.

Details on the competition: http://www.apbtour.com/kiama/