23 Aug Wakepark National Championships | Highlights
2016 Nautique WWA Wakepark National Championships presented by Rockstar
A large crowd was on hand to witness the brightest stars in wakepark compete during the penultimate day of competition at the 2016 Nautique WWA Wakepark National Championships. The National Points Chase qualified riders throughout the nation for their chance to showcase their incredible talent on world stage at the widely popular Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC). For the first time this week, wakepark riders began participating in their respective finals and national champions were crowned following the continuation of last weekends Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships behind the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23.
The morning kicked off with multiple divisions taking the water for their semifinals and last chance qualifiers, ultimately forcing riders to put it all on the line in order to capture a position and eligibility to compete in the final showdown. A handful of brilliant performances were thrown down off of the unique course design at OWC in the Pro Wakeboard semifinals. Pedro Caldas (OWC) took the win in Heat 1, while Guenther Oka (IND) led the way in Heat 2. Joe Battleday (JB Ski – GB) grabbed the third and final heat win of the day with a variety of technical flips and twists. Tomorrow’s finals are going to be filled with mind-blowing rides as the top qualifiers prepare to go head-to-head.
In the Amateur Wakeskate finals, there was no lack of effort to go huge and consistency was going to be one of the deciding factors for judge’s to determine the overall winner. Gavin Stuckey (OWC) repeatedly pulled off trick-after-trick using every obstacle the course had to offer and held on earn the national championship. A strong run by Trent Stuckey (OWC) helped him secure the runner-up position, narrowly edging out Brendon Thibodeau (Action), who rounded out the podium in third.
“Watching tonight’s awards in traditional cable riding was cool to see because they show where wakepark riding began for nearly all of its competitors,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson. “As popular as the features only has become, it’s awesome that there are two equally definable disciplines for all ages in the sport.”
Beginner Wakeboard division hosts some of the newest athletes to the wakepark scene, however, there is no shortage of thrilling action as they shred across the parks ramps and railings. The highest score went to Beau Porter (Hexagon) who held down the number one position. Zach Montez (TSR) and Ashlyn Overland (Roseland) finished in the second and third spots, respectively. Battles raged in Novice Wakeboard as Barrett Swope (Wake Nation) and Samuel Lewis (Quest ATX) went all out for their chance to become crowned champion. In the end, Swope out dueled Lewis, while Jacob Johnson (Hydrous) landed on the box in third.
A star-studded field emerged for the Intermediate Wakeboard finals and the large crowd on hand lined the shoreline to catch the spectacular performances with one of the deepest fields in the sports history. Despite the stiff competition, Fynn Bullock Womble (Hexagon) nailed an impressive run to take the win, just ahead of Gavin Stuckey (OWC) in second. A hard-fought effort credited Gavin Giglio (OWC) with third. The Advanced Wakeboard finals featured some of the more experienced riders on the tour, which meant that technical tricks and massive air was guaranteed to be taking place. Trent Stuckey (OWC) stole the glory with his flashy style en route to the championship, followed by Spencer Baron (TSR) and Josh Harris (OWC) in second and third.
The day was closed out with both the Nautique Boats Grom Attack Kicker Contest and the Rockstar Energy Big Air Kicker Contest. 12 Groms and 12 Pro riders were chosen to show off their best kicker hit as the highlight event of the day. Grom Spencer Barron found himself atop of the podium with stylish mute roll to blind. In the Rockstar Energy kicker contest it was Rockstar team athlete that landed bolts on a Double Cab Mobe to clearly take the win and cash prize home.
More Info: thewwa.com