Hermanus’ own Tristan Roberts has cemented his place among the all-time greats of bodyboarding by winning his third IBC World Tour men’s title at the Gran Canaria Fronton King in Galdar, Spain, on Monday, 26 October.
Roberts clinched the championship in Heat 4 of Round 4, scoring 13.25 points to beat Peru’s Christopher Bayona. His three senior world titles – won in 2019, 2022 and now 2026 – were all decided at the same legendary El Fronton break in Galdar.
He also claimed the Pro Junior world title in 2014, bringing his total world championship tally to four.
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Speaking after his historic victory, Roberts said the moment felt incredible. “I always thought South Africa needs a third world title,” he said. “I’ve worked very hard from a young age – bodyboarding is all that I know. I’ve been doing this sport since I was six years old.”
Roberts described the occasion as a very special event, sharing the achievement with his family and friends who were there to support him. “This is a very difficult title to win, and I feel privileged to win it three times,” he said. “I want to thank everybody for their support.”
The 26 October victory places the Hermanus-born rider in an elite group of bodyboarders with at least three senior men’s world titles. All three of his senior crowns have been decided at El Fronton, making the Galdar wave something of a second home for the South African champion.
