ORLANDO, FL - 20-Year-old Florida native Raimi Merritt resumed her reign over professional women’s wakeboarding with her eighth world cup win last weekend at the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Wakeboard World Cup in Palembang, Indonesia. Merritt had suffered a defeat at the last World Cup stop in Mandurah, Australia in March, but she roared back with a flawless ride in Indonesia.
"It feels awesome to come back to Palembang and take the win here again," said Merritt. "The weather was beautiful in the finals, and everyone rode really well. I am so excited to have won my eighth World Cup stop in Indonesia; I can't wait to come back."
After the loss in Australia, Merritt changed up her training regime in preparation for the World Cup stop in Indonesia. She electrified the crowd with several of her signature tricks and earned 70.24 points to win the title. Nicola Butler (GBR) finished second with 67.89 points; Bec Gange (AUS) finished in third with 61.90 points.
Merritt will compete next on May 18 in the first stop of the Pro Wakeboard Tour at Dallas Landing in Acworth, Georgia. Over Memorial Day weekend, she’ll compete at the 54th Masters Wakeboard Tournament at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Merritt grew up in Lantana, Florida, and began competing when she was 11. She lives and trains in Orlando, and also works as a wakeboarding instructor. She is sponsored by Nautique Boats, Hyperlite, OrigAudio, and Smith Optics. For more information about Merritt, visit raimimerritt.com. Fans can also connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.