Pro Men riders began the day with the semifinals as they battled for the opportunity to become one of just eight riders slated to compete in the highly anticipated finals. Parker Siegele (AUS) rode strong in Heat 1 to grab the win and a transfer position, while Nic Rapa (AUS) controlled Heat 2. A huge run by Damien Adam (MRI) allowed him to emerge with the highest score in Heat 3 and Team Nautique Rider Mike Dowdy (USA) demonstrated his ability to uncork massive tricks with the G23’s perfectly shaped wake against the best riders in the world.
With the most talented field in wakeboarding history, riders from around the globe raved about the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23’s capability to launch riders higher and further than any other wakeboarding boat on the market. Cory Teunissen stunned the field with two stand up passes that included a Moby Dick 540 and huge Switch Nose Grab Heelside 900 during the Pro Men’s final to his claim his first World Championship and a score of 93.33. Teunissen also took home the $5K for winning the 2016 Nautique Wake Series Championship. Team Nautique Rider Mike Dowdy perfectly executed his signature double flip for a 87.67 to take second on the day and in the final Nautique Wake Series standings. The youngster Nic Rapa is one of the flashiest riders on the tour and kept fans on the edge of their seats with a stellar run and score of 85.00 to complete the podium in third.
“I’m beyond stoked to walk away as the Pro Men’s winner here at the 2016 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championship,” said Teunissen. “The WWA and Nautique put on a fantastic event and the entire Pro Men’s field left nothing on the table. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy and it feels great to accomplish one of my childhood goals.”
In the Pro Women’s finals, competitors shined behind the rider-favorite Super Air Nautique G23 with amazing performances that had the crowd roaring in one of the closest finals of the seasonDallas Friday (USA) kept the momentum rolling from a strong qualifying performance earlier in the week and successfully nailed technical tricks en route to the overall win and 2016 World Championship. It was an emotional win for Friday as she recently became a mother and made an impressive season debut by returning to competition with a statement. Narrowly missing out on the top spot, Giorgia Gregoria (ITA) rode well to earn the runner-up position with an 82.17. Despite the stiff competition, Amber Wing (AUS) continued her spectacular season by rounding out the podium in third and netting a score of 77.33. Team Nautique Rider Raimi Merritt (USA) used consistency throughout the entire five round Nautique Wake Series to score the overall series championship and take home $5K in prize money.
“It’s an incredible feeling to compete at the Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championship and come out on top at my first contest of the 2016 season,” said Friday. “The talent level is at an all-time high right now and all of the girls are riding flawlessly, which required me to stay focused and lay it all on the line each time I hit the water.”
Gregoria, who lives in Italy, made the long trek across the pond to compete in her very first Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championship and surprised many of her competitors with a second place finish.
“This is my first time competing at the World Championships, the water here at Lake Ontario is perfect and the wake is much bigger than what I am used to riding on back at home in Italy,” said Gregoria. “I loved everything about the event here in Toronto and I exceeded the expectations I set for myself. My goal was just to qualify for the finals, which makes being on the podium that much more special and gives me confidence when coming back in the future.”
The industry-leading Super Air Nautique G23’s flawless wake allowed Pro Wakeskate riders to push the limits and take their riding to an all-new level. Brian Grubb (USA), who placed second during yesterday’s qualifier, returned for redemption and consistently landed a variation of technical twists and flips to steal the win with an 83.33. Grubb’s win helped him secure the Nautique Wake Series Championship and an additional $2,500 bonus. Austin Polterock’s (USA) 71.67 was good enough to take second, while the final podium spot went to Danny Hampson (USA) with a 64.17 in third. The trio’s superb riding led the United States to a sweep of the Pro Wakeskate podium.
Future wakeboarding stars hit the water for the Jr. Pro Men (14-18) finals showcasing the insane level of riding coming from the next generation behind the Super Air Nautique G23. The riders were on fire and provided tons of thrilling action that included sheer determination from Guenther Oka (USA) who used a score of 87.67 to become crowned World Champion. The battle was intense for the final podium positions as Lewy Watt (AUS) and Jake Pelot (USA) went toe-to-toe in order to one up each other. In the end, Watt prevailed for second, just ahead of Pelot in third. Australia’s Cobe France was awarded the overall championship in the Nautique Wake Series and filled his pockets with a $2,500 scholarship fund courtesy of Nautique Boats.
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. The addition of the WWA Wakeboard World Championships provides athletes the perfect platform throughout the entire season with every major event held behind the Super Air Nautique G23. The Nautique Wake Series is the only event series in 2016 that gives riders of all ages, gender and skill level the opportunity to compete at an elite level.
Results
Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy
CNE Waterfront, Ontario Place Channel West – Toronto, Canada
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Pro Men’s – Finals
- Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 93.33
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 87.67
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 85.00
- Dean Smith (AUS) – 83.00
- JD Webb (USA) – 78.33
- Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 66.33
- Damien Adam (MRI ) – 6-.67
- Parker Siegele (AUS) – 8.33
Pro Women’s – Finals
- Dallas Friday (USA) – 85.33
- Giorgia Gregoria (ITA) – 82.17
- Amber Wing (AUS) – 77.33
- Tarah Mikacich (USA) – 73.33
- Jamie Lopina (USA) – 70.83
- Corrie Wilson (USA) – 67.33
- Nicola Butler (USA) – 59.00
- Alice Viraq (ITA) – 51.67
- Brian Grubb (USA) – 83.33
- Austin Polterock (USA) – 71.67
- Danny Hampson (USA) – 64.17
4. Tanner Champion (CAN) – 35.00
Jr. Pro Men – Finals
- Guenther Oka (USA) – 87.67
- Lewy Watt (AUS) – 82.00
- Jake Pelot (USA) – 79.33
- Elliot Digney (AUS) – 76.67
- Cobe France (AUS) – 55.00
- Bryson Hancock (USA) – 45.00
- Parker Siegele (AUS) – 76.67
- Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 71.67
- Bob Soven (USA) – 65.00
- Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 55.00
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 85.83
- JD Webb (USA) – 77.50
- Josh Twelker (USA) – 55.00
- Rusty Malinoski (CAN) – 28.33
- Damien Adam (MRI) – 82.67
- Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 78.33
- Jeff Langley (USA) – 73.33
- Danny Thollander (USA) – 51.67
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 86.67
- Dean Smith (AUS) – 80.83
- Aaron Rathy (CAN) – 76.67
- Andrew Adkison (USA) – 63.33
About Nautique Boat Company: Celebrating 91 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique is a subsidiary of Correct Craft and has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Nautique is known to push the envelope of possibility on the water, and our owners have come to expect nothing but the absolute best. The Ski Nautique 200 has changed waterskiing with 19 world records, the G-Series has won numerous awards for wakeboard boat and wakesurf boat of the year while unlocking new possibilities in wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and our Sport Series has given families endless days on the water without compromise. Through our Nautique Cares initiatives we’re dedicated to not only making a difference on the water, but to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more visit Nautique.com.
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: The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sports sanctioning. 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. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out www.thewwa.com
About the CNE: Founded in 1879, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community celebration and the fifth largest fair in North America. The event takes place on the northern shore of Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto, Canada, from August 19 to September 5, 2016. The CNE is affectionately embraced as an end-of-summer ritual by more than 1.6 million visitors annually, visitors who represent the rich diversity of Toronto and the region. Taking place over 18 days, the Fair offers a wide variety of interactive experiences including concerts, celebrity chef demonstrations, an acrobatic & ice skating show, daily Mardi Gras parade, exhibits, international performances, shopping and family entertainment. All the EXcitement culminates on the final weekend, September 3 – 5, when the Canadian International Air Show takes to the skies. For more information go to www.TheEx.com.