Houston, We Have Liftoff

In chunky 4 foot peaks at Middles Beach, in the town of Isabela in Puerto Rico, the commentators at the Encanto Pro Cultura 2015 "had goosebumps" as Houston sat anxioiusly on the beach waiting to hear whether he would win the world title for the first time.

Pundits are saying that the event "will forever be remembered as one of the most unforgettable days in competitive bodyboarding. All three world title contenders lost heats, and it was Jeff Hubbard who decided the game".

Houston led the rankings heading into the last event of the APB season, but had to experience the nailbiting tension from the beach, where he sat with his family. Houston lives in Puerto Rico now.

Another contendor, Reunion Island Frenchman Amaury Lavernhe, had a great chance after making it through to the semi. Sadly, he came unstuck against Hawaiian Jacob Romero, who was on fire. Lavernhe, the 2014 champion, was knocked out of the event, and the running.

Pierre-Louis Costes now had a shot at the world title, but only if he won this contest. But Romero had other ideas. With 13 minutes to go, the flying Hawaiian put Costes in a combo. Costes managed to hang in, eventually scoring a last-minute bomb that put him thro to the final. The tension increased even further: it was down to the wire against Hubbard.

But Hubbard won. Costes lost. Houston, 26, went wild on the beach. He cried, he screamed, he hugged his wife. He later said: "There are no words to describe this moment. It's pretty much the longest day of my life. Waiting for those different scenarios. Just huge congrats to Pierre. He would be an incredibly deserved world champion."

"I am super happy it's me. I worked really hard this year so I am happy I got it. Big congratulations to Jeff and Jacob for the help they gave me."

The Junior champion is Socrates Santana, 16, a member of the "Favela Storm" - what they are calling the new generation of Brazilian riders.

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2015 APB World Tour | Champions
Men: Jared Houston (RSA)
Women: Alexandra Rinder (GER)
Pro Junior: Socrates Santana (BRA)
Drop-Knee: Dave Hubbard (HAW)

2015 APB World Tour | Men's Top 10
1. Jared Houston (RSA), 5674
2. Pierre-Louis Costes (FRA), 5652
3. Amaury Lavernhe (REU), 5638
4. Uri Valadao (BRA), 5030
5. Iain Campbell (RSA), 4912
6. Lewy Finnegan (AUS), 4696
7. Jacob Romero (HAW), 4288
8. Diego Cabrera (CNY), 3924
9. Jose Otavio (BRA), 3802
10. Sergio Luis (BRA), 3798