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Amateur Champions Crowned at the Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships

ACWORTH, Ga. – Professional men and women riders hit the water for the first time at the 2016 Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships on Friday, which marked the events third consecutive day of high-flying action featuring the world’s best riders. For the final time this week, amateur divisions completed their final runs and a total of four additional National Champions were crowned riding behind the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23 towboat. The Dallas Landing Park at Lake Allatoona treated riders to awesome conditions throughout the day, including a preview for spectators of the incredible talent that will be showcased during tomorrow’s final day of competition.
 
One of the most talented lineups in professional wakeboarding history was on hand for a chance to become U.S. National Champion in the Pro Men division. However, riders would first need to qualify from their respective quarterfinal heats. After beginning the season on a tear, Jeff Langley (USA) continued his hot streak behind the Super Air Nautique G23’s perfectly shaped wake with an impressive run in Heat 1, while Massi Piffaretti (ITA) and Elite Nautique Rider JD Webb (USA) topped the second and third heats respectively. One of the fan favorites and Team Nautique Rider Dean Smith (AUS) emerged to the top of the charts with a brilliant ride in heat 4.
 
The star-studded field did not faze Tony Iaconni (AUS) as he was determined to demonstrate that he was a legitimate contender for the championship on Saturday. He would go on to claim the win in heat 5. Despite facing multiple challenges throughout the day, Team Nautique rider Bob Soven (USA) remained calm, cool and collected for the win in heat 6. Parker Siegele (AUS) launched behind the G23 to take the win in heat 7 and Elite Nautique rider Mike Dowdy (USA) rode strong with the best run of the day to win heat 8. Tomorrow’s Pro Men Finals are shaping up for an epic showdown.
 
"Everyone always rides amazing at the Nautique Wake Series events behind the G23 and I’m stoked to take the heat win today," said Team Nautique Rider Mike Dowdy. "I’m pumped for tomorrow and looking to take the National title."
 
In the Pro Women wakeboarding division, the semifinals kicked off and ultimately would serve as a glimpse of the incredible action that would be taking place on Saturday. Heat 1 was filled with tons of talent, but Amber Wing (AUS) stole the judge’s attention with her stylish run to grab the top spot, while Tarah Mikacich (USA) led the way in heat 2. Perhaps the best battle of the day took place in heat 3, which witnessed Nicola Butler (USA) and Elite Nautique Rider Raimi Merritt (USA) throw down huge tricks behind the three-time Wakeboard Boat of the Year, the Super Air Nautique G23.
 
"Nationals is always one of the best events of the season and all of the girls are on fire," Said Team Nautique rider Raimi Merritt. "Every time we have the opportunity to compete behind the G23 it puts riding on another level. I’m holding nothing back tomorrow hoping to come out with the win."
 
The Pro Wakeskate riders made an appearance for the first time this week, effortlessly nailing trick-after-trick behind the legendary Super Air Nautique G23 pumping out the perfect wake in awesome conditions. Brian Grubb (USA) killed it behind the G to grab the highest score of 85.00 in the semifinals. The runner-up position in qualifying went to Austin Polterock (USA) with an 81.67. A superb performance by Jesse Deemer (MI) helped him clinch the championship in the Adaptive Standing Finals.
 
Aaron Lecklider (OH) laid down his biggest tricks and a run that revealed sheer determination en route to the Masters final win. Following closely behind in second, Nick Cankar (FL) rode strong to edge out Jimmy Powell (SC) in third. The Men I finals watched Woody White (KY) use the G23’s amazing wake to pull off a handful of technical variations on his way to the winner’s circle, but KP Gagnon (ME) and Jared Franco (FL) kept him honest in second and third respectively.
 
The final day of the Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships is set to kick off at 9:30 am EST on Saturday, July 30, featuring the highly anticipated Pro Men and Women Finals. All athletes will compete exclusively behind the Super Air Nautique G23 towboat as they compete for their chance to become U.S. Wakeboard National Champion.

Please click here to view the daily schedule.
 
Dedicated to progressing the sport from the ground up, the Nautique Wake Series puts riders first, developing the stars of tomorrow and showcasing the top athletes of today. The addition of the WWA Wakeboard World Championships provides athletes the perfect platform throughout the entire season with every major event held behind the Super Air Nautique G23.
 
For more information on the Nautique Wake Series please click here.
 
As the organizer and sanctioning body of the 2016 Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships 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 Nautique Boat Company and Rockstar Energy Drink.
 
For more information on the 2016 Wakeboard World Series click here.
 
Results - Day 3

Men I (19-24) Final
1. Woody White (KY) – 87.33
2. KP Gagnon (ME) – 71.67
3. Jared Franco (FL) – 63.33
4. Hayes Akers (OH) – 56.67
 
Masters (30-39) Final
1. Aaron Lecklider (OH) – 85.00
2. Nick Cankar (FL) – 80.67
3. Jimmy Powell (SC) – 76.67
4. Brian Young (TX) – 50.00
 
Adaptive Standing Final
1. Jesse Deemer (MI) – 90.00
 
Jr. Pro Men (14-18) Semifinals (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Jake Pelot (USA) – 88.33
2. Lewy Watt (AUS) – 80.00
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3. Erik Schroeder (CAN) – 53.33
4. Tyler Sommer (USA) – 33.33
 
Heat #2
1. Elliot Digney (AUS) – 85.00
2. Guenther Oka (USA) – 78.33
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3. James Loisel (USA) – 71.67
4. Jason Soven (USA) – 66.67
 
Heat #3
1. Cobe France (AUS) – 84.33
2. Mac Schramm (USA) – 73.33
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3. Luca Kidd (GBR) – 68.33
4. Mizuki Takahashi (JPN) – 51.67
 
Pro Wakeskate Semifinal (all riders advance)
1. Brian Grubb (USA) – 85.00
2. Austin Polterock (USA) – 81.67
3. Reed Hansen (USA) – 71.67
4. Danny Hampson (USA) – 53.33
5. Coco Mendez (USA) – 38.33
 
Pro Women Semifinals (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Amber Wing (AUS) – 70.00
2. Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 61.67
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3. Corrie Wilson (USA) – 51.67
4. Taylor McCullough (USA) – 16.67
 
Heat #2
1. Tarah Mikacich (USA) – 81.67
2. Larisa Morales (MEX) – 71.67
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3. Chloe Mills (AUS) – 66.67
4. Chelsea Clark (USA) – 50.00
 
Heat #3
1. Nicola Butler (USA) – 80.00
2. Raimi Merritt (USA) – 70.00
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3. Jamie Lopina (USA) – 61.67
4. Abby Delgoffe (USA) – 40.00
 
Pro Men Quarterfinals (top two in each heat advance)
 
Heat #1
1. Jeff Langley (USA) – 80.00
2. Austin Hair (USA) – 70.00
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3. Marc Kroon (NED) – 55.00
4. Gordon Harrison (USA) – 21.67
 
Heat #2
1. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 90.00
2. Danny Thollander (USA) – 60.00
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3. Jimmy Lariche (USA) – 41.67
 
Heat #3
1. JD Webb (USA) – 80.00
2. Joel Bartley (AUS) – 70.00
===
3. Andrew Adkison (USA) – 56.67
4. Rusty Malinoski (CAN) – 40.00
 
Heat #4
1. Dean Smith (AUS) – 83.33
2. Damien Adam (MRI) – 71.67
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3. Kirby Liesman (USA) – 53.33
4. Juan Mendez (USA) – 40.00
 
Heat #5
1. Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 84.67
2. Steel Lafferty (USA) – 74.67
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3. Danny Harf (USA) – 70.00
4. Brett Lee (USA) – 60.00
5. Luciano Rondi Neto (BRA) – 6.67
 
Heat #6
1. Bob Soven (USA) – 86.67
2. Nic Rapa (AUS) – 83.33
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3. Josh Twelker (USA) – 80.00
4. Joel Schrader (USA) – 56.33
5. Keith Lyman (USA) – 54.33
 
Heat #7
1. Parker Siegele (AUS) – 87.33
2. Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 83.00
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3. Tom Fooshee (AUS) – 79.33
4. Maxim Van Helvoort (NED) – 66.67
5. Chad Sharpe (CAN) – 38.33
 
Heat #8
1. Mike Dowdy (USA) – 90.33
2. Noah Flegel (USA) – 85.33
===
3. Ian Cole (USA) – 64.33
4. Vincent Knapp (USA) – 59.67
5. Brandon Lee (USA) – 47.67

About Nautique Boat Company
Celebrating 91 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique is a subsidiary of Correct Craft and has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Nautique is known to push the envelope of possibility on the water, and our owners have come to expect nothing but the absolute best. The Ski Nautique 200 has changed waterskiing with 19 world records, the G-Series has won numerous awards for wakeboard boat and wakesurf boat of the year while unlocking new possibilities in wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and our Sport Series has given families endless days on the water without compromise. Through our Nautique Cares initiatives we’re dedicated to not only making a difference on the water, but to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more visit Nautique.com.
 
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.
 
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.

Nationals - Day 1 | Nationals - Day 2 | Nationals - Day 4 | Nationals - Video