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Nicola Butler and Raph Derome Crowned Winners at the 2016 Malibu Sparks Pro Presented by Rockstar

SPARKS, NV. – Beautiful weather treated athletes and spectators to a spectacular final day of competition at the 2016 Malibu Sparks Pro presented by Rockstar Energy on the water at Sparks Marina. The energetic crowd on hand was adorned in red, white and blue in honor of America’s Independance Day on this special Fourth of July weekend. At the conclusion of the highly anticipated Pro Men Wakeboarding Final, Malibu rider Raph Derome (CAN) emerged victorious riding behind the all-new revolutionary M235 towboat and was the only rider to stand up both of his passes while landing a heelside backside 720 for a score of 95.33.
 
The runner-up position went to Mike Dowdy (USA), who nailed a strong, consistent run and narrowly missed out on grabbing the overall win with a 93.00. It was an intense battle for the final podium position as the talented field of riders pulled huge tricks off of the M235’s incredible wake. When the judge’s scorecards were revealed, Tony Iaconni (AUS) was credited with a score of 88.33 to capture the third and final step on the podium.
 
"It’s an amazing feeling to walk away with the win here at the 2016 Malibu Sparks Pro," said team Malibu rider Raph Derome. "This is such an awesome event that was put on the entire weekend and I am fortunate to have the epic wake of the M235, which helped me uncork some huge tricks and grab the Pro Men win."
 
In the Pro Women Wakeboarding division, there was no shortage of action as the sports brightest stars threw down insane runs to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. The overall win on the weekend went to Nicola Butler (USA), who consistently proved herself as the rider to beat throughout the weekend with a 90.00. Just behind her, Malibu teammates Tarah Mikacich (USA) and Amber Wing (AUS) finished second and third respectively with runs of 85.33 and 83.33.
 
"I’m stoked to wrap up the weekend by finishing on top in the Pro Women final," said Nicola Butler. "The competition was stiff with all of the girls riding so strong, but I was able to keep focused on myself and stay consistent through both of my passes for my first win of the season."
  
Being towed behind the M235’s world-class Surf Gate, Parker Payne (USA) unleashed a memorable run on Sunday to outduel his competition in the Pro Men Surf division and score the winning run. His score of 85.50 beat out Aaron Witherell’s (USA) 82.00, who gave it his best effort. Axis Wake Research rider Johnny Steig’s (USA) 60.50 was good enough for third-place to round out the podium.
 
In the Pro Women Surf final, Ashley Kidd (USA) couldn’t be caught as she maintained her momentum throughout the weekend to claim the win with a 92.00. Joining her on the Women Surf podium was Jordan Wolfe (USA) and Malibu rider Stacia Bank (USA) who finished second and third.
 
The Pro Men Skim final produced some epic tricks with Aaron Witherell (USA) showcasing a handful of technical variations to claim the number one spot over Parker Payne (USA) in second. The Pro Women Skim final didn’t disappoint either, as it was a close battle for the win with Jodi Grassman (USA) netting a phenomenal run and 100.00 score to earn the victory. Malibu’s Stacia Bank (USA) applied the pressure but was forced to settle for second, while fellow Malibu teammate Raya Walker (USA) capped off a successful weekend in third.
 
The Malibu Sparks Pro welcomed the world’s best professional wakeboard, surf and skim athletes for three days of extreme competition at the scenic Sparks Marina. The Malibu M235 towboat provides the pull for every Evolution Pro Series event, giving riders the opportunity to perform at the pinnacle of the sport and push the limit to an all-new level.
 
As the organizer and sanctioning body of the 2016 Malibu Sparks Pro presented by Rockstar Energy, the World Wakeboard Association would like to thank all of its partners for their support in making the event possible, including Malibu Boats and Rockstar Energy Drink.

Results - Day 3

Pro Men Wakeboarding Final
1. Raph Derome (CAN) – 95.33
2. Mike Dowdy (USA) – 93.00
3. Tony Iacconi (AUS) – 88.33
4. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 85.33
5. Dean Smith (AUS) – 76.00
6. Shota Tezuka (JPN) – 68.33
7. Nic Rapa (AUS) – 66.00
8. Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 63.33
 
Pro Women Wakeboarding Final
1. Nicola Butler (USA) – 90.00
2. Tarah Mikacich (USA) – 85.33
3. Amber Wing (AUS) – 83.33
4. Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 81.67
5. Taylor McCullough (USA) – 75.67
6. Erika Lang (USA) – 71.00
 
Pro Men Surf Final
1. Parker Payne (USA) – 85.50
2. Aaron Witherell (USA) – 82.00
3. Johnny Steig (USA) – 60.50
 
Pro Women Surf Final
1. Ashley Kidd (USA) – 92.00
2. Jordan Wolfe (USA) – 86.50
3. Stacia Bank (USA) – 70.50
 
Pro Men Skim Final
1. Aaron Witherell (USA) – 97.50
2. Parker Payne (USA) – 94.50
 
Pro Women Skim Final
1. Jodi Grassman (USA) – 100.00
2. Stacia Bank (USA) – 66.50
3. Raya Walker (USA) – 46.00
 
Pro Men Wakeboarding Semifinals (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Raph Derome (CAN) – 94.67
2. Dean Smith (AUS) – 90.00
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3. Josh Twelker (USA) – 83.33
4. Jeff Langley (USA) – 70.00
 
Heat #2
1. Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 95.00
2. Shota Tezuka (JPN) – 84.33
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3. Austin Hair (USA) – 68.67
4. Steel Lafferty (USA) – 54.33
 
Heat #3
1. Nic Rapa (AUS) – 89.33
2. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 86.67
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3. JD Webb (USA) – 81.67
4. Damien Adam (MRI) – 49.00
 
Heat #4
1. Mike Dowdy (USA) – 93.33
2. Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 88.67
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3. Chad Sharpe (CAN) – 73.33
4. Parker Siegele (AUS) – 68.33

About Malibu Boats
Malibu Boats is the world's largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, known for leading the industry with major innovations, including the first onboard computer system in 1993, the ingenious Power Wedge hydrofoil in 2006 (completely redesigned in 2014), the industry's first wake-maximizing hull in 2000 and Surf Gate, the innovation that changed the face of wakesurfing forever, in 2012. Malibu markets the Wakesetter and Response models – as well as the Axis Wake Research brand – through a worldwide dealer network. With some 450 employees and three manufacturing facilities, in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water.
 
About Rockstar
Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit RockstarEnergy.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
 
About the WWA
The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader inwake sports sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out thewwa.com.

Sparks Pro - Day 1 | Sparks Pro - Day 2 | Sparks Pro - Video