THIRTEEN ATHLETES QUALIFY FOR THE 60TH NAUTIQUE MASTERS

ORLANDO, FL (April 28, 2019) – The Nautique Masters Wakeboard Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) showcased an inspiring spectacle of athletic ability behind the 6X Wakeboard of the year, the Super Air Nautique G23. Thirteen talented riders across the Pro Men, Pro Women, Jr. Men, and Jr. Women divisions earned their prestigious invitations to go on to compete at the 60th Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine Engine Technology. Held annually at the legendary Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA the Nautique Masters is regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for watersports athletes worldwide. The riding seen out at the Orlando Watersports Complex for the LCQ was nothing short of amazing, proving that the 60th Nautique Masters is going to be the best event Robin Lake will see to date.

“The LCQ was my first event back since my knee injury and it was an awesome one at that. I was just so happy to be back out here with the boys behind the Super Air Nautique G23, and my goal was to really enjoy every moment today. Enjoy every handle pass, every grab of the board, enjoy the atmosphere out here and just be proud of myself for coming back after an injury that would probably retire a lot of people,” said Nautique athlete Mike Dowdy. 

In an effort to continue the growth of women’s wakeboarding, the Junior Women’s Wakeboarding division was added to the Nautique Masters deck for this year. Shannon Sahinbas (USA) took the top spot with a back roll and a wrapped T/S B/S 360 to take the win with a score of 76.67. Piper Harris (USA) also headed to Callaway Gardens, took second scoring 55.00 with a clean nose grab H/S 180. 

Four Jr. Men riders qualified on to the main event putting on a show behind the legendary Super Air Nautique G23 proving the talent of the next generation is something to not be missed. Leading the pack to Callaway Gardens Toya Ikeda (JPN) took the win in the final round, stomping an indy moby dick and a T/S 900 in his second pass for a score of 81.67.  Fynn Bullock-Womble (USA) put down a 75.00 in second place with a nose grab H/S 720. Kevin Duffy (USA) placed third throwing a huge melan crow mobe for a final score of 65.00, followed by Haydon Bru (AUS) in fourth with a 58.33.

Rebecca Gange (AUS) rose to the top of the Pro Women’s division earning a score of 83.33 throwing a moby dick and a super stylish indy tantrum to blind to seal the deal on her spot at the Nautique Masters. Solidifying her first invitation to the Nautique Masters Mary Morgan Howell (USA) threw a T/S off axis 540 in pass one, followed by a melan H/S 360 in pass two for a final score of 68.33. Dallas Friday (USA) came up in third punching her ticket with a batwing for a score of 61.67, followed by Tarah Mikacich (USA) in fourth with a final score of 57.33. 

“I’ve always wanted to go to the Masters and earning my spot today is such an honor. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been watching the Masters and really my entire family has always been there to watch it as well,” commented Pro Women qualifier Mary Morgan Howell. “The LCQ was such a cool experience and to have such a confident pass like I did today really topped it off. I’m honestly just so excited to be able to go compete at the Nautique Masters now!” 

Giving the crowd something to remember, Shota Tezuka (JPN) came out on a top with an epic performance behind the Super Air Nautique G23 to earn his winning score of 90.00. Tezuka put down a double half cab roll to take him over the edge along with a huge slim chance 540 to the flats to officially lock in his qualifying spot. In second, Nautique athlete Mike Dowdy (USA) brought out his signature “Dowdy 720” and a KGB 540 scoring 86.33. Tyler Higham (USA) rounded out the third open qualifying spot with a mute H/S 900 and melan back mobe for a third place finishing score of 80.00.

The 2019 Nautique Masters Wakeboard LCQ truly showcased the amount of talent that is seen on the water today.  Be sure to grab your tickets and watch the world’s top riders throw down on Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens May 24th -26th. The 60th Nautique Masters will serve as the second stop of the WWA Wakeboard World Series and Nautique Wake Series. 

LCQ FINAL RESULTS

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 with every major event held behind the Super Air Nautique G23. The Nautique Wake Series is the only event series that gives riders of all ages, gender and skill level the opportunity to compete at an elite level. 

For more information on the Nautique Wake Series Click Here.
For more information on the WWA Wakeboard World Series Click Here.