PINE MOUNTAIN, GA (September 29, 2019) – An international field of athletes arrived to the world-renowned Callaway Gardens to officially kick off of the final stop to the Nautique Wakesurf Series, the inaugural Nautique Masters Wakesurf Championships presented by GM Marine Engine Technology. Robin Lake provided great conditions, paired with perfect waves from the 7x Wakeboard and 5x Wakesurf Boat of the Year, the Super Air Nautique G23. Friday’s Last Chance Qualifier saw amateur athletes from around the world punch their ticket in to the main event while the pros debuted their flawless runs bringing them one step closer to the legendary titles that are on the line.
“When the WWA and Nautique announced there would be a Last Chance Qualifier event for the Nautique Masters Wakesurf Championships, I was so excited. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to the other stops of the Nautique Wakesurf Series, so still being able to compete at the beautiful Callaway Gardens for the final stop has been the most incredible experience,” commented O’Brien Watersports rider Ashley Inloes.
The crowds of Callaway Gardens witnessed some incredible performances from the amateur wakesurf divisions. The Girls division got things going with Stella Tracy (USA) coming away with the win landing both frontside and backside body varials for a final score of 90.67. Chelsea Caywood (USA) followed up in second with 81.00, followed by Sofia Caywood (USA) in third with 64.33. The Boys division saw the young ripper, Reed Cole-Tucker (USA) throw a super stylish mute shuv for a semifinal winning score of 76.67 sending him into Sunday’s final round in the top spot.
In the Jr. Men’s division Riku Suzuki (JPN) showed his signature style with a nice indy air and 360 scoring 86.67 to take the win. A stacked Veteran’s semifinal heat one saw David Williams (USA) take the win incorporating his classic longboard style making full use of the Super Air Nautique G23’s perfect wave for a score of 95.00. Mark Walser (USA) took the win in heat two showing full composition throughout his entire run and throwing a solid air for a score of 84.00.
Camron Swanson (USA) dominated the Pro Men’s semifinal heat one sticking a massive 540 backside big spin and a frontside gumby shuv to take the win with a score of 95.00. Locking in his second place finish Jacob Caster (USA) threw a clean air 360 for a score of 87.33. The pressure was on in heat two with Sean Silvera (USA) laying down a set of technical passes with a huge ollie north alley oop for a first place score of 92.00, ahead of Drew Drennan (USA) in second with 81.33. Moving on to the final round from heat three, Nautique team athlete John Akerman (USA) sealed off his semifinal heat win with a 360 shuv transfer for a score of 94.67, followed by Taylor Swanson (USA) in second with 90.67.
Ashley Kidd (USA) got things going in Pro Women’s semifinal heat one, as she became the first female to land a 360 shuv on surf style board in a competition. Kidd made history out on Robin Lake this weekend earning her semifinal win with a score of 91.67. Lily Anderson (USA) will join Kidd in Sunday’s final round securing her second place score of 78.00, along with Caroline Villeneuve (CDN) in third with 74.00. Heat two saw Jodi Grassman (USA) throw down a variety of technical moves including a huge air 360 earning her spot in the finals with a score of 87.00, followed by Camille Goodwin (USA) with score of 77.33 and advancing to the finals just ahead of Bailey Rush (USA) in third with 70.67.
The final day of the Nautique Masters Wakesurf Championships presented by GM Marine Engine Technology begins at 9:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, September 29th with amateur and professional wakesurf final rounds.
For full results from the inaugural Nautique Masters Wakesurf Championships CLICK HERE.
The Nautique Wakesurf Series provides the pinnacle of wakesurf competition, creating a platform for athletes to come to define themselves as the sport’s elite with six stops spanning the globe.
For more information on the Nautique Wakesurf Series CLICK HERE.