Tanner McDaniel from Hawaii Named Bodyboard World Champion at Gran Canaria Frontón King Event

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 In the heart of Galdar on October 27, 2023, the picturesque city witnessed a historic moment in the world of bodyboarding. Tanner McDaniel, hailing from Hawaii, secured his position as the Bodyboard World Champion at the Gran Canaria Frontón King event. Let’s dive into the highlights of this exhilarating competition and explore what lies ahead for the bodyboarding community.

The Thrilling Victory Moment

Amidst the intense competition, Tanner McDaniel faced off against his sole rival, Frenchman Piere Luis Costes, in the quarterfinals. As the buzzer echoed through the air, McDaniel’s emotions were held in check until the moment he was hoisted onto his supporters’ shoulders, crowned with the trophy that marked him as the world’s best. Piere Luis Costes, needing a win to seize the title, was thwarted in the heat, clearing the path for McDaniel’s triumph.

Unveiling the Local Hero

While McDaniel claimed the world title, the Fronton King event’s local champion was none other than David Perez. Starting from the first heat, Perez showcased exceptional skill, battling his way to the final against Robin Legros from Reunion Island. The unexpected final featured two riders outside the top 10 rankings, highlighting the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the competition. Perez’s journey included overcoming renowned competitors like two-time world champion Amauri Lavherne.

Emerging Talents and Notable Achievements

In the junior category, Peruvian sensation Michael Yancce emerged victorious, securing both the world title and the Fronton King crown. Yancce’s daring moves earned him the prestigious $1,000 Red Bull Banana Challenge prize. The Gran Canaria Fronton King tournament, recognizing excellence, awarded a total of $30,000 to the top four finishers in the open category and $10,000 to the junior division.

New Honors and Recognitions

The eleventh edition introduced two new awards, showcasing the talent within the Canarian riders. Provitel’s prize for the top Canarian junior was shared by Gabriel Mendoza and Gadiel Ruano, both making it to the semifinals. The Julian Gonzalez Perez Award, sponsored by GNRTM, added an extra €500 to David Perez’s triumph as the best Canarian male rider.

Dreams Fulfilled and Acknowledgments

The 24-year-old Hawaiian champion, Tanner McDaniel, expressed his elation at finally achieving the dream of being crowned the world champion. McDaniel, who had previously secured second place multiple times, attributed his improvement to the motivation provided by his rival, Piere Luis Costes, a two-time world champion.

Celebrations and Recognition

In Peru, Pirpo celebrated his three-year quest for a title, expressing gratitude to the Punta Arena community for their support. Pirpo’s distinctive style has garnered widespread admiration, creating a phenomenon known as “pirpomania” in his homeland. Meanwhile, David Perez’s consecutive Fronton King victories solidify his dominance in the sport and position him as its current and future star.

Trophies, Bananas, and a Grand Closing

Deputy Mayor Julio Mateo Castillo and Councilor Ancor Bolaños presided over the trophy presentation for the eleventh edition of the Gran Canaria Fronton King Pro 2023. Winners not only received trophies but also a traditional bunch of bananas in celebration. The six-day event showcased not only outstanding sportsmanship but also a range of activities and concerts, culminating in a grand closing party.

Journey into the 2024 World Tour

As the curtains fall on the spectacular 2023 World Tour, anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 season. The new year promises to surpass its predecessor, introducing fresh and thrilling elements that will captivate fans worldwide.

Morocco: A Grand Opening

The World Tour kicks off in February, with Morocco selected as the starting point. The vibrant scenery and enthusiastic fans are set to create an unforgettable experience, establishing an incredible ambiance for the start of the extraordinary journey.

ARCELORMITTAL WAHINE BODYBOARD PRO 2024

April 2024 brings the spotlight to Espirito Santo, Brazil, with the notable ARCELORMITTAL WAHINE BODYBOARD PRO. This event not only features the World Title Masters Women division but also incorporates a remarkable social project, aiming to build a sense of community and offer new prospects to the local youth.

Iquique’s Triumphant Return

The Iquique Pro 2024 marks a welcome return to the tour in May. This Chilean stop has always been a fan favorite and promises to reignite enthusiasm among bodyboarding enthusiasts.

Brazil’s Wave Pool Revolution

Brazil takes center stage with “The Wave Pro in Praia da Grama,” becoming the first country to host a competition in a wave pool. This groundbreaking event is expected to bring a new and vibrant perspective to the competition, showcasing the skills of the world’s best athletes.

Antofagastas Bodyboard Festival: Records in the Making

The Antofagastas Bodyboard Festival in May 2024 boasts a remarkable $80,000 prize pool across five categories. With the Men’s category offering a staggering $35,000 reward, this event solidifies its position as Chile’s premier and most lucrative World Tour competition.

A Global Showcase of Tradition and Modernity

The 2024 World Tour maintains its commitment to tradition while introducing exciting new elements. Classic competitions like Itacotiara Pro, Maldive Pro, Sintra Pro, and Gran Canaria Fronton King continue to captivate fans with exceptional locations and extensive media coverage, fostering the sport’s growth and progress.

Peru: A New Horizon in September

In September, the tour embarks on an exciting journey to Peru, providing a fresh perspective and unprecedented experiences for new audiences.

A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

As the 2024 World Tour takes shape, it celebrates the harmonious blend of time-honored customs and modernity that defines the sport. From enduring events to novel competitions in wave pools, the coming year promises an extraordinary showcase of bodyboarding on a global scale.

A Glimpse into the Future: World Tour 2024 Schedule

Examine the entire schedule, awards, and points for the entire 2024 World Tour 

  1. MOROCCAN PRO, MOROCCO

    • Between: February 20th to March 4th, 2024
    • Site: Agadir, Morocco

  2. ARCELORMITTAL WAHINE BODYBOARD PRO 2024

    • Between: April 18th to 27th, 2024
    • Place: Espirito Santo, Brazil

  3. IQUIQUE PRO 2024 (TBC)

    • Between: May 1st to 11th, 2024
    • Venue: Iquique, Chile

  4. ANTOFAGASTA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL 2024

    • Range: May 13th to 26th, 2024