Del Mar’s Chris Lafferty wins World Bodysurfing Championship

Dr. Chris Lafferty, 55, of the Del Mar BodySurfing Club, recently won first place in the 2013 World Bodysurfing Championships in the Men’s 55-64 years age division. Lafferty, who practices obstetrics and gynecology, has won the championship in his age group a total of six times. He has twice previously been crowned the overall Grand Champion in the annual contest that has been held in Oceanside, Calif., since 1977.

Chris Ford (Men’s) from Ventura and Calla Allison (Women’s) from Carlsbad were the 2013 overall Grand Champions. More than 350 bodysurfers from around the world participated in the tournament. The DMBC team included Briguitte Wiedemeyer from Brazil (3rd place in Women’s 45 & Over) and Paul Grieumard from France (2nd place in Men’s 12-14). Other DMBC bodysurfers that reached the finals were Eric Phleger (5th place in Men’s 45-54), David Lane (5th place in Men’s 55-65), and Trish Ward-Haskell (6th place in Women’s 45 & Over).

The DMBC congregates every weekend at 9:30 a.m. on the beach in front of the Del Mar Motel to enter the waves for approximately one hour. The DMBC was formed in late 2012. The club has raised a fund to help promote the DMBC and sport of bodysurfing.

Recreational and competitive bodysurfers are encouraged to participate with the DMBC, which welcomes men, women, boys, and girls of all ages. The DMBC plans to take members on exchange programs to several countries, including France, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Australia.

For more information, contact DelMarBeach@aol.com; visit the Facebook page of Del Mar BodySurfing Club; contact Vince Askey at (858)-755-1016; www.worldbodysurfing.org.