International bodyboarding made a massive return to Australia at the Wyong tournament.

The competition was the first IBA-sanctioned event for nearly three years after the Human Shark Island Challenge dropped off the circuit in 2008.

The final featured King and up and coming talent Houston.

The duo has been in phenomenal form so far in 2010 with both making it through to the Pipeline Pro decider in February.

In King’s road to the top, he knocked out Ryan Hardy, Mark Parsons, Jorge Colomer, Joe Clarke and Michael Novy.

Houston’s scalps included Ben Player, Nathan Branch, Dan Worsley, Sam Bennett and Amaury Laverhne.

As expected, both King and Houston came out firing.

They launched into waves in the opening seconds of the heat.

King grabbed the early advantage with a 6.60, however Houston came back with a quick 5.17 and 6.63.

The lead changed back and forth right throughout the first 15 minutes, with a barrage of air rolls spins (ARS) and flips from the Aussie and South African.

But, King’s experience with using the priority system as conditions slowed down saw him eventually take the final by a mere .67 points.

He put together a combined wave total of 12.77 over Houston’s 12.10.

“I am feeling really good, it wasn’t the action-packed final that I was hoping for but I am still stoked,” King said.

“I just had to play a smart heat to beat Jared.”

King has just returned to competitive bodyboarding in the past 12 months, after taking a well-deserved break, but admits it has been a tough road back to the top.

“I didn’t think that I was going to win the event, Jared has been surfing really well,” he said.

“A few years ago I was just ‘competitioned out’, however with the help of some new and better sponsorship deals I have been able to get right back into it.

“I really want to give a massive shout out to Jared.

“Twelve months ago I hadn’t heard of him and now he’s coming second in world tour events.”

The second for Houston backs up his third place at Pipeline, putting him in a prime position to have a shot at the 2010 world title.

“I am feeling really good,” he admitted.

“I am so stoked to be in the third final this year and I hope to keep it up in the next South American leg of the tour.

“My equipment at the moment is really good, so I am feeling confident for the next part of the tour.

“Hopefully I can do well in Brazil, Chile and Peru.”

Finishing in equal third spot was Amaury Laverhne of the Reunion Islands and Australian Michael Novy.

International general manager Terry McKenna was ecstatic with the result and welcomes international bodyboarding back to Australia.

“This event has been the perfect platform for the IBA to re-launch in Australia,” he said.

“We look forward to being back in the Wyong Shire for the event next year, plus we are currently in negotiations with local governments around Australia to secure a Grand Slam event in one of Australia’s many waves of consequence.”

Port Macquarie’s Sam Bennett was a victim of Houston in the quarter-final, going down 14.07 to 13.00.

In the pro drop knee, another local, Jon Capilli, placed third behind Grant Pollard and Gal Larar.

Apart from the Soldiers Beach Pro, the Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association fielded a large contingent of competitors in the first round of the NSW State Titles, which preceded the main event.

The results solidified Port Macquarie as the bodyboarding capital of Australia by securing wins and places in the majority of the divisions.

Open men’s - 1st Sam Bennett (PMBA), 3rd Chase O'Leary (PMBA)

Senior men’s - 1st Jon Capilli (PMBA), 5th Keegan McGlashan (PMBA)

Junior men’s - 1st Charlie Holt (PMBA), 2nd Blake McKenzie (PMBA), 3rd Liam McLennan (PMBA), 4th Alex Lincoln (PMBA), tied 5th Zac Young (PMBA)

Cadets - 2nd Keelan Pilbeam (PMBA)