Wakeboarding

Austrian hero Dominik Hernler pushed Thai wonderkid Daniel Grant to the limit at the inaugural Red Bull Wake of Steel in Linz’s Danube port. Grant secured the title and a brand new Suzuki Swift in a thrilling climax, thanks to an immaculate final run.

LINZ (AUT) – Close to 5000 spectators brought a unique atmosphere to the sun-baked Linz harbour, while 16 top wakeboarders invited to take part in the Red Bull Wake of Steel hit absolute top form. Ten of the 16 starters rode their way into the head-to-head stages, with the winners of the knock-out ties then facing off in a grand final. Taking to their boards for the final were no less than local wakeboard hero Dominik Hernler, three-time Thai world champion Daniel Grant and German trio Dominik Gührs, Nico von Lerchenfeld and Frédéric von Osten. In the end it was Dominik Hernler and Daniel Grant who battled it out over the final. The rider with British descent put in a perfect performance that Hernler countered with no lack of style. A backroll 360 and a series of tricks on the rails saw the Austrian boarder delight the crowd. The charismatic Carinthian eventually missed out on a win by just 0.66 points.

Hernler had the following to say about performing in front of the Austrian fans: “The atmosphere in Linz was unbelievable. The unique obstacle exceeded my expectations and the other riders were definitely impressed. I am totally happy with second place. I wanted to win for sure but it was not to be this time. I hope that the Red Bull Wake of Steel will now become a permanent fixture on the international wakeboard scene.”

After taking in the action-packed event, the entertainment continued as the spectators made their way to the Red Bull Brandwagen, where artists like Lylit,?Chrisfader, S.K. Invitational , Texta, Kayo&Phekt, Hinterland, Average (Die Au), Andi & Alex helped the crowd get their grooves on.

Result: 1.Daniel Grant (THA) 81,33 points, 2. Dominik Hernler (AUT) 80,66 points, 3. Fédéric von Osten (GER) 70,67, 4. Dominik Gührs (GER) 70,33, 5. Nico von Lerchenfeld (GER) 61,67.

Pictures: Philipp Schuster/Red Bull Contentpool, Marcel Lämmerhirt/Red Bull Contentpool, Erwin Polanc/Red Bull Contentpool

World class wakeboard action on the Danube!

From 15-16 June 2012 the world wakeboard elite will descend on the port of Linz, Austria, for the very first ‘Red Bull Wake of Steel’, a truly unique event. 16 exclusively-invited riders have the chance to conquer a specially prepared obstacle and prove that they really are at the top of their trade.

There has been nothing quite like it before. A water-laden and half-sunk cargo ship has been positioned to offer the ultimate wakeboarding battleground. A mobile double-masted lifts system will offer the competitors countless opportunities for pulling off plenty of outrageous tricks.

12 elite riders have been hand-picked for entry, and four other wakeboarders will be given a wild card to take part. Two qualifying events in Austria will see wild cards being handed out, to the pair receiving the ‘Best Obstacle Performer’ award at both the ‘Wake Parade’ on Salmsee (02 June) and the ‘Cable Wakeboard World Tour Stop’ off Vienna’s Donauinsel (09 June).

Sure of their place are other boarders such as 14-year-old British wonderkid Daniel Grant. Grant has been the sport’s shooting star over the past two years, incredibly securing his third world title at the age of just 13. He has also made a name for himself for inventing new tricks that nobody had even attempted in the past. Another starter to watch out for is Germany’s Dominik Gührs. The Bavarian has been around the wakeboard scene for quite some time, in a career crowned by victory at the WWA Cable Wakeboard World Championship in 2011. Local interest is also being stirred by the presence of local favourite Dominik Hernler. The young Carinthian border has dominated Austrian wakeboarding for a number of years. Hernler rose to attention at the age of just 11 when getting a call-up for the Austrian national team. He has since claimed a series of state titles, two European Junior Championship wins and a silver medal in the combined class at this year’s European Championship.

The ‘Red Bull Wake of Steel’ will be a highlight of Linz’s second annual ‘Bubble Days’. The event at Linz’s harbour, on 15 – 16 June, is planned as a showcase for the culture and creativity of Linz and Danube lifestyle. Alongside a range of workshops and shows, tours of the harbour will also be offered. Saturday will be dominated by the ‘Red Bull Wake of Steel’, with qualifying starting at 4pm and the big event finishing with a live concert on the famous Red Bull Brandwagen after the wakeboard thrills.

Schedule

 Friday 15 June 2012; from 2:00pm

Austria’s biggest graffiti (Stohead, Berlin)

 Instillation opening – Boxxoffice, Nils Müller (Cologne) Vandals

 Jetski trips, Jetski demos

Live painting, Live installations (Jaybo Monk, Berlin)

Live concerts: The Köter & Ohrbooten

Saturday 16 June 2012; from 4:00pm

Qualification for Red Bull Wake of Steel

Red Bull Wake of Steel Final

Live concert on Red Bull Brandwagen

More information can be found at www.redbull.at/wakeofsteel

Orlando, Fla. – Fans who missed the original airing of the 2012 Nautique Wake Games presented by Rockstar Energy Drink on NBC Sports Network last month need not fret. World Sports & Marketing has posted the original broadcast in its entirety on the King of Wake Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kingofwake .  The 30-minute broadcast includes the top rides from both the Pro Men and Women during this year’s Nautique Wake Games, the opening-leg of the 2012 King of Wake Series.

“NBC Sports Network is producing the highest-quality cable broadcasts for a Wakeboard series ever with its airing of all eight 2012 King of Wake events,” said Sean Dishman, World Sports & Marketing’s director of sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to get Wake Games posted on our Facebook page and extend fans an additional opportunity to catch all of the action that went down in Orlando.”

Fans can catch the remaining seven King of Wake broadcasts during their original air times on NBC Sports Network as follows:

For fans unable to watch the cable broadcasts, King of Wake will be posting each episode in its entirety on their Facebook page approximately two weeks after the original airtime.

To watch King of Wake events on Facebook become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/#!/kingofwake.

CINCINNATI, OH – Fun-time begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23 at Wake Nation Cincinnati as Ohio’s first and only full-scale cable wakeboarding complex in Fairfield’s Joyce Park presents a full day of fun with the Liquid Force “Free For All” event! The event will be a day of music, free food, free giveaways, professional wakeboarding demos and free wakeboarding for the public at one of the country’s premier cable parks.

Liquid Force, the biggest name in watersports, will be providing the public with free ride passes and free rental gear (wakeboards, life vests and helmets) during the event. Exclusive free ride time on Wake Nation’s 10-acre lake runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

During the Liquid Force “Free For All” event, the public can “hit the water” for free and try out the latest Liquid Force equipment, while also getting personal tips and pointers from Liquid Force’s professional team riders such as wakeboarding champions Raphael Derome, Melissa Marquardt and Daniel Grant.

In addition to meeting the Liquid Force pros, the public can enjoy great music, free burgers, hotdogs, Monster drinks, and get special prize giveaways like tee-shirts, New Era F4A caps and much more.

“The Free For All event is a great opportunity for the public to come out to Wake Nation Cincinnati, learn to ride, meet the top professionals in the sport, and get tons of giveaways…all for free,” said Wake Nation Co-Owner Peter Kennedy. “For those without boards and equipment, there will be new Liquid Force demo boards and life vests available to use.” Sponsors making the special event possible include Monster Energy, Axis Wake Research, New Era, Spy Optic, Sanuk, Frends, GoPro and Transworld WakeBoarding.

Wake Nation is located at 201 Joe Nuxhall Way in Joyce Park. Wake Nation Cincinnati opened in 2009 to rave reviews from the local community as well as professional wakeboarders worldwide. The watersports’ complex features six 35’ high steel towers carrying a unique overhead cable system enabling riders to wakeboard, wake skate, water ski and kneeboard without a boat. Six riders can be on the water at the same time, being pulled around the lake at speeds of 18-20 miles per hour.

“Wakeboarding at Wake Nation is great for beginners and pros alike,” said Wake Nation Cincinnati Co-Owner Nick Binkley. “For more experienced riders, the lake has custom-built jumps, grind rails and sliders. There is also a separate area called the Practice Pond featuring a two-tower ‘easy start’ cable system. This area is designed to give kids and wakeboarding beginners a place to learn to ride at a slower speed.” All riders must be at least 7 years of age and are required to wear a Coast Guard Approved (CGA) life vest and a helmet (all of which can be rented at Wake Nation).

The Wake Nation Cincinnati complex has a full pro shop, equipment rental office and a huge outdoor observation deck offering a beautiful view of the lake and some of the best spectating around.

“Come on out and join us for this great event at Wake Nation Cincinnati on June 23 and make sure to bring your swim suit!” Binkley said.

Congrats to Chico State from Boardstop.com.

I just wanted to tell you a little bit about how Nationals went. Chico State went to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to compete against 13 other teams around the nation in the Alt Games Collegiate Nationals. The schools varied across the US from Central Washington all the way over to South Florida. The divisions consisted of Men’s A, B, C, D,  Women’s A, B, and Wakeskate. Each team was allowed to have one rider in each division.

Thursday, May 31st, the tournament started a little franticly. We road in the Oklahoma River with intense winds and white caps on the waters. Around mid-afternoon, the tournament was postponed because there was too much bacteria in the water.

On Friday, day two, the competition was moved to a beautiful lake at the Guthrie Country Club. Yet another day with bad weather, the competition was put on hold numerous times due to thunderstorms. The competitors had to sit inside the club house waiting for the thunder to stop so they could ride again.

After two days of bad conditions, the third day was beautiful. Our team moved on in every division except for Wakeskate and Men’s C. Our first player to place on the podium was Morgan Allen for Women’s B. She got 2nd place and was barely beat out of 1st by a girl who landed her first backroll.  Eric McFadyen was killing it in Men’s D with a Whirleybird and took 1st place. Rob Way landed numerous tricks yet couldn’t pull it through all the way, still controlling 4th place. Colton Duncan also stomped many tricks yet the competition was too steep. He took 5th place. By this time Chico State was quite nervous and knew Diana Fleener, Women’s A rider, needed to get 1st for us to win. She stepped up the pace and landed a backroll and almost a front roll. She took 1st and secured Chico State in 1st place as well.

We beat Wisconsin by 15 points!! Chico State is now double National Champs! We want to thank you for all you have done for our team in supporting us in this past season and to become National Champions. We hope next year you can continue to sponsor us as we represent Chico State and the great sport of wakeboarding. Thank you again for your generous support in our 2011-2012 season.

Orlando, Fla.— Tigé has announced the inaugural batch of monthly winners for its revolutionary MyWake Global Challenge in all of the contest divisions. Designed using a format that leverages the borderless virtual landscape of the internet to encourage wakeboarders, wakeskaters and wakesurfers to submit their very best run online via mywake.tige.com, monthly winners, depending on their division, are eligible for cash prizes and an invite a to a live two-day final competition in Orlando.

Carrying over his earthly dominance to the virtual realm, Harley Clifford claimed first place in the Pro Men’s division, which saw entries from a long list of high-profile riders. Top professional videos in May also came from Tarah Mikacich (Pro Women), Reed Hansen (Pro Wakeskate), Chase Hazen (Pro Wakesurf) and Jesse Scott (Junior Pro Men).  Additional May Winners include:

• Harley Clifford (Pro Men)
• Tarah Mikacich (Pro Women)
• Jesse Scott (Junior Pro Men)
• Raymond Durke (Masters Men)
• Heather Luske (Masters Women)
• Ryan Gillen (Amateur Men)
• Jaime McCauley (Amateur Junior Men)
• Cobe France (Boys)
• Zahra Kell (Girls)
• Reed Hansen (Pro Wakeskate)
• Ryan Vigil (Amateur Wakeskate)
• Heather Luske (Amateur Women Wakeskate)
• Grace Dauzat (Amateur Women Wakesurf)
• Vanessa Gonzales (Amateur Women Skim)
• Trevor Miller (Amateur Men Wakesurf)
• Jeremy Cool (Amateur Men Skim)
• Dennis Horton (Masters Men  Wakesurf)
• Jean Wagner (Masters Women Wakesurf)
• Thomas Garcia (Juniors Wakesurf)
• Keenan Flegel (Open Men’s Skim)
• Chase Hazen (Open Men’s Surf)
• Adriana Borelli (Open Women Skim)
• Rebecca Ort (Open Women’s Surf)

Recognizing the game-changing format of the MyWake Global Challenge, PCM Engines upped the ante of the contest and is now doubling all Tigé prize money for the monthly winners. With the matched money from PCM Engines, overall prizes for the online and live portions of the contest are more than $35,000. The monthly prizes are as follows:

• Pro Men – $500 per winning monthly video + $500 PCM Double Money
• Pro Women – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Jr. Pro Men – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Wakeskate  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Surf Male  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Surf Female  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Skim Male  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Skim Female  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money

Through July 31, riders can enter two more separate online contests; one in June, and one in July.  Winners from the May contest are not eligible to win again, so new participants and repeat participants who have not yet placed first in a division are highly encouraged to continue with new video submissions. Riders can enter each unique event by submitting a two-minute unedited video of their best run to Tige.com or to the event site mywake.tige.com . World Wakeboard Association (WWA) judges will review the submissions and select the monthly winners.  Also, monthly winners will be invited to the live final main event inOrlando.

“Congratulations to all of the MyWake Global Challenge winners from May,” said Tigé Director of Marketing, Daniel Gutierrez. “We saw some incredible video footage in each of the divisions and its already shaping up to be a highly-competitive live event inOrlandoin September. The field is wide open again for June, so everyone should keep filming their top runs and submitting them to Tige.com for a chance to win.”

A fourth finalist for each division will be added based on the video results of a Tigé MyWake Global Challenge Ride Day, held on June 16, 2012 at Tigé boat dealers around the world. To sign up go to mywake.tige.com/ride_day

Each amateur division will pit the three monthly winners, plus the one Tigé Ride Day winner, against each other in an online final for worldwide bragging rights and other great prizes.

The 2012 Tigé MyWake Global Challenge will host the live finals event on Sept. 10-11 at Buena Vista Watersports in Orlando, Fla.The Live Finale will bring together top professional riders from pro divisions of the three sports in a pro-am style contest to battle for the top podium spot behind the new and innovative Tigé Z3. To register for the contest and submit a video visit http://mywake.tige.com.

Orlando, Fla. — Tigé has announced the inaugural batch of monthly winners for its revolutionary MyWake Global Challenge in all of the contest’s divisions. Designed using a format that leverages the borderless virtual landscape of the internet to encourage wakeboarders, wakeskaters and wakesurfers to submit their very best run online via mywake.tige.com, monthly winners, depending on their division, are eligible for cash prizes and an invite a to a live two-day final competition in Orlando.

Carrying over his earthly dominance to the virtual realm, Harley Clifford claimed first place in the Pro Men’s division, which saw entries from a long list of high-profile riders. Top professional videos in May also came from Tarah Mikacich (Pro Women), Reed Hansen (Pro Wakeskate), Chase Hazen (Pro Wakesurf) and Jesse Scott (Junior Pro Men).  The complete list of May Winners includes:

• Harley Clifford (Pro Men)
• Tarah Mikacich (Pro Women)
• Jesse Scott (Junior Pro Men)
• Raymond Durke (Masters Men)
• Heather Luske (Masters Women)
• Ryan Gillen (Amateur Men)
• Jaime McCauley (Amateur Junior Men)
• Cobe France (Boys)
• Zahra Kell (Girls)
• Reed Hansen (Pro Wakeskate)
• Ryan Vigil (Amateur Wakeskate)
• Heather Luske (Amateur Women Wakeskate)
• Grace Dauzat (Amateur Women Wakesurf)
• Vanessa Gonzales (Amateur Women Skim)
• Trevor Miller (Amateur Men Wakesurf)
• Jeremy Cool (Amateur Men Skim)
• Dennis Horton (Masters Men  Wakesurf)
• Jean Wagner (Masters Women Wakesurf)
• Thomas Garcia (Juniors Wakesurf)
• Keenan Flegel (Open Men’s Skim)
• Chase Hazen (Open Men’s Surf)
• Adriana Borelli (Open Women Skim)
• Rebecca Ort (Open Women’s Surf)

Recognizing the game-changing format of the MyWake Global Challenge, PCM Engines upped the ante of the contest and is now doubling all Tigé prize money for the monthly winners. With the matched money from PCM Engines, overall prizes for the online and live portions of the contest are more than $35,000. The monthly prizes are as follows:

• Pro Men – $500 per winning monthly video + $500 PCM Double Money
• Pro Women – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Jr. Pro Men – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Wakeskate  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Surf Male  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Surf Female  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Skim Male  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money
• Pro Skim Female  – $250 per winning monthly video + $250 PCM Double Money

Through July 31, riders can enter two more separate online contests; one in June, and one in July.  Winners from the May contest are not eligible to win again, so new participants and repeat participants who have not yet placed first in a division are highly encouraged to continue with new video submissions. Riders can enter each unique event by submitting a two minute unedited video of their best run to Tige.com or to the event site mywake.tige.com . World Wakeboard Association (WWA) judges will review the submissions and select the monthly winners.  Also, monthly winners will be invited to the live final main event in Orlando.

“Congratulations to all of the MyWake Global Challenge winners from May,” said Tigé Director of Marketing, Daniel Gutierrez. “We saw some incredible video footage in each of the divisions and its already shaping up to be a highly-competitive live event in Orlando in September. The field is wide open again for June, so everyone should keep filming their top runs and submitting them to Tige.com for a chance to win.”

A fourth finalist for each division will be added based on the video results of a Tigé MyWake Global Challenge Ride Day, held on June 16, 2012 at Tigé boat dealers around the world. To sign up go to mywake.tige.com/ride_day

Each amateur division will pit the three monthly winners, plus the one Tigé Ride Day winner, against each other in an online final for worldwide bragging rights and other great prizes.

The 2012 Tigé MyWake Global Challenge will host the live finals event on Sept. 10-11 at Buena Vista Watersports in Orlando, Fla. The Live Finale will bring together top professional riders from pro divisions of the three sports in a pro-am style contest to battle for the top podium spot behind the new and innovative Tigé Z3. To register for the contest and submit a video visit http://mywake.tige.com.

Branson, Mo – Thousands of fans lined the shores of Moonshine Beach at Tablerock Lake to witness the world’s best wakeboarders compete during the final day of the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. While there was no shortage of massive aerials and technical rail tricks throughout the day, Phillip Soven reined supreme taking first place in the Men’s Pro division.

The win, his first victory of the season, places him in a good spot to make a run at the season title. Also, putting in podium worthy performances were Harley Clifford and Steel Lafferty who finished in second and third place respectively.

“The vibe was great the entire contest and everyone was riding sick today, I’m stoked to come away with the win,” said Soven.

The Women’s pro division also saw some very progressive riding in their final. Meagan Ethell put in the run of the day and walked away victorious, followed by Haley Smith and Dallas Friday in second and third. The victory was her first of the 2012 season.

The ultra-competitive Junior Pro Men put on an impressive demo today as well, giving the crowd a glimpse of the future of the sport and also determined a winner today.  Tony Iacconi won his second consecutive Overton’s Junior Pro Series event by edging out Jacob Valdez with a final round score of 92.00.

Following the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour divisional heats, fans were treated to the jaw-dropping Sony Big Air Contest.  Being pulled behind the new XStar, the top Men’s Pro athletes stuck gravity-defying tricks that are rarely pulled off in a traditional contest setting. The top performances came from Dean Smith who took first place.

For more information on the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour, please visit: KingofWake.com

The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour, presented by ROCKSTAR is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: MasterCraft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton’s, Indmar, Peavey, Billabong, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, Sayiwon’t, Epiphone and TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine.

Final Results from the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour Branson:

RESULTS                                                  Branson PWT #3

Men’s Professional                     Men’s Professional                      Men’s Professional

Quarter Finals        Heat #:   01             Quarter Finals        Heat #:   02             Quarter Finals        Heat #:   03

1  Rathy, Aaron               CDN  73.33       1  Tezuka, Shota              JPN   75.00       1  Malinoski, Rusty           CDN  75.00

2  Lafferty, Steel              USA  66.67       2  Smith, Dean                AUS  63.33       2  Carroll, Tony                USA  66.67

3  Thollander, Danny          USA  61.67       3  Adkison, Andrew           USA  62.50       3  Sharpe, Chad              CDN  56.67

4  Smeele, Bradley            NZL   50.00       4  Bradley, Joey               USA  51.67       4  Rattray, Kyle               CDN  36.67

Men’s Professional                     Men’s Professional                        Junior Pro Men

Quarter Finals        Heat #:   04             Quarter Finals        Heat #:   05               Semi Finals          Heat #:   01

1  Powers, Daniel             USA  71.67       1  Clifford, Harley             AUS  83.33       1  Valdez, Jacob              USA  90.00

2  Soven, Phillip               USA  66.67       2  Webb, JD                  USA  71.67       2  Buss, Joey                 USA  89.25

3  Lariche, Jimmy             USA  56.67       3  Prideaux, Dylan            AUS  63.33       3  Iacconi, Tony               AUS  76.25

4  Liesmann, Kirby            USA  48.33       4  Hair, Austin                 USA  53.33       4  Primrose, Christian                74.00

5  Piffaretti, Massi                   70.50

Junior Pro Men                        Men’s Professional                      Men’s Professional

Semi Finals          Heat #:   02              Semi Finals          Heat #:   01               Semi Finals          Heat #:   02

1  Dowdy, Mike               USA  95.75       3  Malinoski, Rusty           CDN   DQ         1  Clifford, Harley             AUS  80.00

2  Flegel, Noah                USA  89.75       4  Rathy, Aaron               CDN   DQ         2  Tezuka, Shota              JPN   70.00

3  Harrison, Gordon           USA  84.50       1  Soven, Phillip               USA   DQ         3  Powers, Daniel             USA  67.50

4  Siegele, Parker                    65.00       2  Lafferty, Steel              USA   DQ         4  Carroll, Tony                USA  65.00

5  Allen, Keenan               USA  56.00       5  Webb, JD                  USA   DQ         5  Smith, Dean                AUS  55.00

Junior Pro Men                     Women’s Professional                   Men’s Professional

Finals             Heat #:   01                  Finals             Heat #:   01                  Finals             Heat #:   01

1  Iacconi, Tony               AUS  92.00       1  Ethell, Meagan             USA  80.00       1  Soven, Phillip               USA  90.00

2  Valdez, Jacob              USA  85.50       2  Smith, Haley               AUS  70.00       2  Clifford, Harley             AUS  87.50

3  Flegel, Noah                USA  78.75       3  Friday, Dallas              USA  65.00       3  Lafferty, Steel              USA  85.00

4  Dowdy, Mike               USA  76.00       4  Marquardt, Mellissa        USA  60.00       4  Malinoski, Rusty             CDN  82.50

5  Buss, Joey                 USA  63.25       5  Butler, Nicola               GBR  48.33       5  Tezuka, Shota              JPN   70.00

6  Harrison, Gordon           USA  54.50       6  Wing, Amber               AUS  43.33       6  Powers, Daniel             USA  40.00

Big Air Kicker:

1. Dean Smith: BS 720

2. Chad Sharpe: FS 360

3. Rusty Malinski: FS 540