Vienna, Austria (September 2, 2017) – Intense wakeboard and wakesurf action has taken over the Danube river this weekend for the Malibu Vienna Pro presented by Rockstar Energy. As the massive wave behind the Malibu M235 took perfect shape, the world’s best wakesurfers kicked off the day with their qualifying rounds of competition. The Pro Men’s Wakeboard quarterfinal and Pro Women’s Wakeboard semifinal rounds had a new level of intensity with every heat having the potential to completely change the WWA Wakeboard World Series landscape. The second stop of the Malibu Evolution Pro Series, this premier event has brought the big stage of wake to Austria for the first time, beginning the final charge towards the overall series podium.
“The crowd has been amazing here at the Malibu Vienna Pro. The conditions are posing a challenge for riders as heavy rain in Germany caused an unexpected increase in current today with some rough water. These riders are all professionals and truly the best in the world. They’re putting on an amazing show and tomorrow’s competition is shaping up to be one you don’t want to miss,” said WWA Chief Judge Mike McComb.
The Pro Women’s Wakesurf opened the day with a field of six taking two into tomorrow’s final round along with two pre-qualified riders. Korina Smyrek (SUI) took the heat one win, linking together a combination of stylish tricks followed by Tara Kriz (GER) who will join her in tomorrow’s final round.
The Pro Men’s Wakesurf competition took two riders out of a field of seven to join our six pre-qualified riders in tomorrow’s final. Paul Krenn (AUT) threw down a smooth run of shoves and 360’s for the heat win, heading to the final along with Andy Schmahl (GER) who placed second. Making a late arrival to Vienna, pre-qualified surfer Noah Flegel entertained the crowd with a mind-blowing surf exhibition before taking the water in his wakeboard qualifying heat.
Pro Women’s heat one saw Malibu athlete Tarah Mikacich (USA) take the win showing her toughness and consistency in any conditions, scoring 75.67 with a wrapped KGB and T/S front roll. A solid run in heat two earned Nicola Butler (USA) the top spot with a H/S 540 and a stomped roll-to-blind to earn a score of 84.00. Jamie Lopina (USA) took the win in heat three scoring 78.67, stomping regular and cab 540’s a big T/S front roll.
“The conditions were definitely challenging on the Danube River here in Vienna. But I’m always happy to get to ride the awesome wake of the M235. For me there was a lot of uncertainty going into semis today because my board bag was missing for four days, but it arrived just a few riders before my turn! I was so happy to get my own gear and I’m looking forward to a great finals tomorrow at the Vienna Pro!,” said Malibu rider Tarah Mikacich.
The final day of action at the Malibu Vienna Pro begins at 10:00 a.m. CEST on Sunday, September 3rd.
CLICK HERE to download results from day 2 of the Malibu Vienna Pro.
CLICK HERE to view the daily schedule.
For more information on the WWA Wakeboard World Series Click Here.
About Malibu: Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, owning almost 50% of the worldwide market share. Malibu sells the Wakesetter, M235 and Response models — as well as the Axis Wake Research brand — through a global dealer network. With approximately 525 employees worldwide and three manufacturing facilities in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water. [NASDAQ: MBUU] | @malibuboats | #thetruthisonthewater
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: www.RockstarEnergy.com
About The WWA: Developed for riders by riders, the World Wake Association stands as a global network of passionate representatives dedicated to the growth of towed boardsports. Since 1989 our mission and values remain true to the core of our community. Our position as the authority on competitive standards has been earned through consistent development; sanctioning and producing more than 6,000 worldwide events and counting. We are the only organization solely focused on the best interests of the sport, spearheading a collective movement on the journey to discover where wake takes you. 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. For more information on the World Wake Association, check out www.thewwa.com.
