Harley Clifford Wins Nautique Wake Games
Nicola Butler Claims Pro Women Title

Wake Games - Day 1 | Wake Games - Day 2 | Wake Games - Day 3 | Wake Games - Video | Wake Games - Photos

Orlando, Fla. — Putting an exclamation point on four days of progressive riding across 24 divisions at the Nautique Wake Games presented by Rockstar, Harley Clifford took top honors in the Pro Men’s finals, the event’s elite division. Nicola Butler also went home a champion, putting in a top notch performance to claim first place in the Pro Women’s division.

Making the most of the G23’s huge wake, Harley Clifford boosted his way to first place with a combo of gigantic airs and stylish rail riding. The win gives last year’s King of Wake champion an early upper hand in defending his crown. It was also a great day in Orlando for Clifford’s fellow Aussie countryman Dean Smith, who used his collection of signature airs to lift his way onto second place.

“It was the first contest of the season so I’m super pumped to get the win,” said Clifford. “I had a pretty relaxing offseason now I’m amped for the rest of the year!”

The Pro Women finals saw a heated battle from some of the sport’s top females. Taking top spot on the podium was Nicola Butler, who’s well-balanced run was too much for Raimi Merritt and Dallas Friday to overcome, who finished in second and third respectively.

Claiming the early overall lead in the Overton’s Junior Pro series and earning bragging rights in his division as the 2013 Nautique Wake Games champion was Noah Flegel. Clocking a near flawless finals run, Flegel, 15, pulled off massive aerials that most kids his age can only dream about sticking.

The only event of its kind, the Nautique Wake Games also includes a team format competition featuring 10 teams that includes riders from all 24 divisions. Based on results from day three and four at Wake Games the athletes, which are separated by age, sex and skill level, accumulated points toward a team score based on their individual placement in that division. Team Tony Carroll posted the highest collective score and will hold on to bragging rights for the next year.

Recognized as the best non-professional rider throughout the Nautique Wake Games, Tyler Higham was honored with the PCM Engines top amateur award

As an added bonus, following competition fans were privy to the Polaroid Action Big Air Kicker Contest. Launching from a ramp, athletes pulled some of the biggest airs ever seen. Claiming first place in the specialty event was Dean Smith, who stuck a massive backside 720.

Recognized as the best non-professional rider throughout the Nautique Wake Games, Tyler Higham was honored with the PCM Engines top amateur award.

The Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Nautique Boats, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton’s, Polaroid Action, Fox, ZEAL Optics Ronix, CWB, Hyperlite, Liquid Force, Byerly, Peavey, PCM Marine Engines and TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine.

For more event information, including daily schedules, tickets, results, standings, photos, videos, athlete bios and more, visit kingofwake.com.
 
About Nautique Boat Company
Celebrating 88 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique Boats is known for delivering the highest quality product, innovative technology and exceptional customer service experiences. To get more information on the company or see the complete line of Nautique boats, visit nautique.com.
 
About King of Wake
The King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from throughout the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing – the leading wake-events producer since 1988.
 
About ROCKSTAR
Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 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. New from Rockstar for 2013, Rockstar Energy Water is a non-carbonated and sugar free enhanced water beverage that is now available throughout the U.S. in three refreshing flavors. For more information visit RockstarEnergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.com.
 
About Overton’s
Overton’s began selling water skis in the mid-1970s. Over the years, we’ve built our reputation by offering quality products at the best prices found anywhere. Today you can look to Overton’s to provide the highest-quality products for all your boating needs. Our company has grown from its humble beginnings in the back of a grocery store in Greenville, North Carolina, to the “World’s Largest Water Sports Dealer.” Widely recognized and respected in the industry, Overton’s catalog and website provide consumers with the widest selection of boating accessories and water-sports equipment out there. Our acquisition by Gander Mountain in December 2007 assured continued growth, allowing us to expand our offerings and have our products available in Gander’s 114 retail stores throughout the United States.
 
About TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Magazine
TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine is the leader in wake-sports media by delivering the best instruction, latest product reviews, insider knowledge and the finest photography.
 
Nautique Wake Games Day 4 Results
 
Pro Men Finals
1. Harley Clifford - 95.00
2. Dean Smith - 85.00
3. Shota Tezuka - 55.00
4. Phil Soven - 52.50
5. Danny Harf - 50.00
6. Jefferson Langley - 40.00
 
Pro Women Finals
1. Nicola Butler - 86.67
2. Raimi Merritt - 82.67
3. Dallas Friday - 75.00
4. Melissa Marquardt - 70.33
5. Amber Wing - 50.00
6. Taylor McCullough - 40.00
 
Jr. Pro Men Finals
1. Noah Flegel - 97.00
2. Tony Iacconi - 87.75
3. Massi Piffaretti - 82.25
4. Jason Soven - 70.00
 
Pro Wakeskate Finals
1. Danny Hampson - 70.67
2. Reed Hansen - 65.00
3. Grant Roberts - 50.67
4. Brian Grubb - 35.00
 
Pro Men Semifinals (top rider in each heat advances)
 
Heat #1
1. Shota Tezuka - 89.33
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2. Shawn Watson - 85.00
3. Shane Bonifay - 75.00
 
Heat #2
1. Dean Smith - 83.33
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2. Daniel Powers - 65.00
3. Sam Carne - 50.00
 
Heat #3
1. Danny Harf - 70.00
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2. Tony Carroll - 68.00
3. Kyle Rattray - 65.00
 
Heat #4
1. Jefferson Langley - 80.00
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2. Rusty Malinoski - 75.00
3. Mike Dowdy - 40.00
 
Heat #5
1. Phil Soven - 85.00
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2. Oli Derome - 60.00
3. JD Webb - 50.00
 
Heat #6
1. Harley Clifford - 85.00
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2. Andrew Adkison - 80.00
3. Christian Primrose - 75.00
 
Boys Beginners (10-13) Finals
1. Garrett Coleman - 83.33
2. Kai Stidham - 70.67
3. Andy Birch - 63.00
4. Kenny Prowse - 52.33
 
Boys (10-13) Finals
1. Tyler Higham - 80.00
2. Mitch Kappler - 73.67
3. Erik Schroeder - 59.00
4. Hunter Henderson - 20.00
 
Team Results
1. Team Tony Carroll - 832 points
2. Team Dean Smith - 823 points
3. Team Daniel Powers - 802 points
4. Team Shota Tezuka - 795 points
5. Team Rusty Malinoski - 793 points
6. Team Phil Soven - 779 points
7. Team Andrew Adkison - 770 points
8. Team Harley Clifford - 759 points
9. Team JD Webb - 757 points
10. Team Aaron Rathy - 706 points