Houston has no problem
IT WAS a case of fourth time lucky for Melkbosstrand bodyboarder Jared Houston when he was crowned the world champion bodyboarder for 2017 at the weekend.
The International Association of Professional Bodyboarders (APB) crowned Houston Fronton King 2017 at the world bodyboard event in El Fronton in the Canary Islands.
Houston’s achievement follows previous accomplishments of fifth in 2010 and 2011, and second in 2012 at El Fronton.
The APB said Houston’s victory had been against stiff competition from bodyboard icons such as last year’s world champion, Amaury Lavernhe, and Ryan Hardy.
Houston, who currently lives in Puerto Rico, while retaining his South African citizenship and riding under the South African flag, took the crown in spectacular style from Lavernhe, the association said.
On his road to the finals he had edged out Jacob Romero in the semi-finals, despite the high-flying Hawaiian’s earlier epic air reverse performance.
Houston’s long-overdue victory was also sweetened by the presence of his parents, who saw him competing in an international competition for the first time.
El Fronton is known as one of the world’s best bodyboarding breaks spots.
It is also the place where Houston fell in love with his wife Natasha eight years ago, according to the APB.
“Houston was composed throughout the heat, finding the barrels he needed and finishing moves to finish off Romero’s pathway to the podium,” the APB said.