The Shark Island Challenge first started in 1997, and was a very informal and local event organized by Nathan Purcell and Mark Fordham.
It could be argued that the low money prize and the fact that it did not scored points for the World Tour contributed to this relaxed feeling toward the competition in this year.
Many stand-out invitees had to drop the contest due to previous scheduled trips (Mike Stewart, Spencer Skipper, Jeff Hubbard and Andre Botha).
South African Alistair Taylor (bodyboarder) had to go to the hospital to check his injuries after receiving one of the worst wipeouts ever seen at Shark Island.
International top bodyboarders dominated the competition with to be two-times world champion Damian King taking the lead.