MONROE, WA (July 24, 2018)– Headed to the Pacific Northwest, this week kicks off one of the most important Wakeboard World Series (WBWS) events of the season with the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships presented by Rockstar Energy. Pulled by the 5x Wakeboard and 4x Wakesurf boat of the year the Super Air Nautique G23, this event could be a turning point in the WWA Wakeboard World Series rankings. A look on social media proves the progressive movement continues to gain speed post Stop #4 in Knoxville, TN with the top ten riders in both divisions hitting new tricks and not being afraid to show it.
As we sit today, there is a 60-point spread among the top four ranked riders on the Men’s WWA Wakeboard World Series with only one remaining event after the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WBWS Stop #5. With the final stop, the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships just over thirty days away, the riders know there is now no place for playing it safe.
A shuffling in the rankings took place in Knoxville, TN, as Tony Iacconi moved up one spot into 4thranked position after his third place podium finish, solidifying 295 points on the WBWS overall rankings. The WBWS 3rdranked rider, Cory Teunissen put on a huge show so far this season putting up some massive double cab rolls, riding on the heels of Nic Rapa in second place.
Nic Rapa came away with his second Factory Pro title gaining valuable ground in the rankings, however, his final score wasn’t quite enough to take thetop spot on the leaderboard. Sitting in the top spot on the WBWS rankings, Harley Clifford remains focused as he heads to the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, an event he has claimed multiple Nationals Titles. Despite his second place finish at the Factory Pro and with Rapa only 20 points behind Clifford on the rankings, the pressure remains to perform to his full potential.
The Women have been absolutely charging it this season and the shuffling of the overall rankings in Knoxville can speak to it. Jamie Lopina torched the fire at the Factory Pro, throwing down the only crowmobe seen in the Women’s final. This performance moved Lopina up two spots on the leaderboard heading to Washington with a solid 5thspot on the WBWS rankings. Dallas Friday, known for her clean tricks and signature style sits 4thon the rankings, just 30 points short of Zahra Kell holding down the 3rdranked spot.
Going into the Factory Pro a few weeks back, Meagan Ethell was a mere 5 points behind Nicola Butler with the two going head to head, proving to the fans that women do in fact run the world. Ethell’s win sent her into 1stplace on the rankings as the reigning WWA Wakeboard National Champion looks toward another National Title this week.
The ranking’s shakeups prove that with two stops to go, the race for the Title is far from over, setting the stage for a showdown at Lake Tye Park at the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships. Stay tuned all week long for updates from the heartbeat of the sport with athletes from around the globe focused on driving progression.
Follow @thewwa on Twitter for up-to-date scores and on Instagram for continuous event updates. Be sure to catch the WWA World Series Rundown show Friday and Saturday evening directly following the event on the World Wake Association’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
To learn more about the current WWA Wakeboard World Series rankings Click Here
CLICK HERE for the schedule of events.
This event is FREE to the public.
Location:
Lake Tye Park
14964 Fryelands Blvd
Monroe, WA 98272