The International Bodyboarding Association Pty Ltd (IBA) and GoPro are pleased to announce a partnership for the 30th Anniversary of the 2013 IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge Hawaii. The relationship will extend to a broader partnership with GoPro becoming the naming sponsor for the 2013 IBA GoPro Grand Slam Series.

The partnership has been formed on the back of an amazing effort by the passionate and loyal global Bodyboarding community who have been long-time supporters of the innovative range of GoPro products.

The 30th Anniversary of the IBA Pipe Challenge was under threat due to a lack of sponsorship support for the event. GoPro heard the call for help and responded the best way possible to support the sport of Bodyboarding.

The IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge will be held at the infamous Pipeline on the North Shore of Hawaii from February 19 – March 1, 2013. This year will be the 30th anniversary of this historic event that will see the best Bodyboarders from around the world compete over 4 days of competition in the Mens, Womens and Drop Knee divisions. The event will be streamed live utilising GoPro technology at www.ibawordltour.com

The IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge is the first stop of the 2013 World Tour of Bodyboarding, known as the IBA GoPro Grand Slam Series. The Grand Slam Series sees the top 32 male athletes compete in a 9 stop World Tour in some of the best wave locations in the world including; Pipeline Hawaii; South Coast NSW Australia; Arica Chile; Itacoatiara Brazil; Puerto Escondido Mexico; Reunion Island; South Africa; Puerto Rico; and El Fronton in the Canary Islands.

Statement from founder and CEO of GoPro, Nicholas Woodman:

“It’s on. We are doing this thanks to you, your passion for your sport and your longstanding support of GoPro. You’ve been with us since the early days and we are stoked to return the favor. We are honestly blown away by your open hearted stoke for GoPro and cannot wait to share some waves with you at Pipe or wherever else our paths may cross in the water. It is awesome that you thought of us to help in this way and we are fired up to deliver! Hi5s all the way around from Nick and everyone at GoPro.”