Nautique Wake Open Kicks Off WWA Wakeboard World Series Saturday

Wake Open - Day 2 | Wake Open - Day 3 | Wake Open - Video

Lake Alfred, Fla. – The second round of the Nautique Wake Series got under way Thursday at the Nautique Wake Open at BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas. Amateur riders as young as nine years old hit the water behind the award-winning G-Series boat, the Super Air Nautique G21 with Nautique’s Kyle Rattray behind the wheel, shaping the wake. The Jr. Pro Men’s quarterfinals put the top four from each heat into tomorrow’s semi final round. Nic Rapa from Australia took the first heat followed by Mac Schramm winning Heat 2, and James Loisel taking the third and final heat.
 
"The weekend is shaping up to be a great way to start the World Series," said Rattray. "I drove the G21 all morning towing the amateur riders from beginners to veterans. The lake here at BSR Cable Park is nice and deep and out of the wind so the wake behind the industry leading Super Air Nautique G23 is going to be huge for Saturday’s finals. The competition is going to be stiff and will set the stage for the rest of the year."

The Pro riders started trickling in on Thursday as Nautique Team riders, Meagan Ethell cheered on the Junior Women, and Brandon Thomas scoped out the wake for the Pro Wakeskate division that begins Friday.
 
"Nautique always goes the extra mile to include all elements of wake-sports and the Nautique Wake Open is the perfect event for riders of all levels," said Thomas. "Wakeskating continues to gain popularity and the Nautique Wake Series is where the best riders come to throw down behind the best wake in the industry."

Friday will see the amateur divisions move into finals, while Jr. Pro Men and Pro Women semifinals will hit the water and the Pro Men quarterfinals will line up. To finish the day Rockstar Energy Drink is hosting a Best Trick Contest at the Royal Flush Slide and Cable Park on site at BSR.
 
The Nautique Wake Series is such a game changer for women’s wakeboarding, because we have a great company backing us up and supporting our progression,” said Nautique Team Rider Raimi Merritt. “I was in Australia last month for the kick off to the Nautique Wake Series, the Moomba Masters, and it was one of the coolest events that I’ve ever been to with great exposure for our sport. I am looking forward to another great event this weekend at the Nautique Wake Open. All of the girls are riding great and I’m hoping for another podium.”

Results - Day 1 of 3
 
Amateur Wakesake Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Tyler Sommer – 59.33
2. Carl Erickson – 43.33
3. Francisco Cabezas – 35.00
 
Women’s Wakeskate Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Natalie Graham – 83.33

Amateur Women (18-24) Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Morgan Crescent – 68.33
2. Nicole Steele – 41.67
 
Junior Women (14-18) Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Jamie Lopina – 80.00
2. Ashleigh Blake – 70.00
3. Mackayla Petrie – 61.67
 
Adaptive Sitboarding Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Connor Aguilar-Pogetto – 83.33
 
Junior Boys (9 and under) Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Brett Powell – 66.67
 
Junior Boys Beginner Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Laird Stidham – 76.67
 
Boys Beginner Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Maarten Van Vilet – 73.33
 
Masters (30-39) Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Kevin Michael – 75.00
2. Francisco Cabezas – 51.67
 
Veterans (40 and over) Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Mike Vanpatten – 76.67
2. Carl Erickson – 60.00
3. Darren Holsey – 56.67
 
Men 1 (19-24) Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Jack Guenther – 71.67
2. Sean Weidner – 58.33
3. Nolan Savage – 33.33
 
Pro Veterans Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Billy Garcia – 73.33
 
Jr. Pro Men’s Quarterfinals (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Nic Rapa – 70.67
2. Cobe France – 63.33
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3. Jason Soven – 60.00
4. Robby Holihan – 57.33
 
Heat #2
1. Mac Schramm – 77.00
2. Jake Pelot – 74.33
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3. Guenther Oka – 66.67
4. Tyler Higham – 49.00
 
Heat #3
1. James Poisel – 79.00
2. Juan Mendez – 75.00
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3. Gunner Daft – 71.00
4. Lewy Watt – 60.00

About Nautique
Celebrating 90 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is the owner of Nautique Boat Company, Inc., Aktion Parks, and Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Company. Nautique manufactures the highest quality, most innovative ski and wake-sports boats available worldwide and provides exceptional customer service experiences. To learn more about Nautique and its complete product line, visit nautique.com. Also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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. Also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
 
About the WBWS
The Wakeboard World Series will offer the largest payout the sport has seen in its 26-year history with a total of $425,000 to be handed out to the men and women throughout the series. This increase is just one of many avenues that the WWA have stepped up to further legitimize wakeboarding along with an increased focus on attracting media, sponsors, and consumers. This year’s Wakeboard World Series is the largest World Series in recent years, making it the only true global wakeboard series. The 2015 Wakeboard World Series will travel to four rounds within the United States as well as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, a return to Japan, and for the first time, the WWA World Championships will be held in Portugal. 
 
About the WWA
The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake 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.

Wake Open - Day 2 | Wake Open - Day 3 | Wake Open - Video