OCEANSIDE — The best bodysurfers in the world hit the waters off Oceanside to compete in the 32nd annual Bodysurfing Championship on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24.

“We’re a tribe of Darwin freaks who come from land and go back in the water with their fins on,” Scott Hubbell, a Bodysurfing Championship promoter, said.

Bodysurfers competing in men’s and women’s divisions that range from 12-year-olds to 45 and older were judged on length of ride, how close they are to the tube, maneuvers, and style, Hubbell said.

“On a good wave with a good shoulder, you can put in five to eight maneuvers,” Matt Stephens, contestant and former captain of Oceanside Lifeguards, said.

According to Stephens, moves the judges look for include “underwater take off,” in which a bodysurfer takes off by kicking under water until the wave propels him out; “spinner,” in which the bodysurfer changes his lead arm, causing his body to spin 360 degrees; and “dolphin,” in which a bodysurfer does a butterfly stroke out of the wave, submerges back underwater and finds the power of the wave to pop out again.

“A dolphin is highly scored, because it takes your knowledge of the wave,” Hubbell said.

On the first day of the event, preliminary and quarter final races were held, with the contestants receiving top scores competing in the semifinals.

The finals were held on the second day.

A grand final competition, open to men and women winners of all age groups was also held on the second day.

For final results of the Bodysurfing Championship, visit worldbodysurfing. org.