ORLANDO (April 24, 2016) – Harley Clifford (AUS) took home the top spot and overall win in the Men’s Pro Finals at the 2016 Nautique Wake Open presented by Rockstar Energy at Orlando Watersports Complex. He put on an impressive performance while riding behind the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23, including pulling one of the biggest tricks of the day with a double half-cab roll.
With great conditions on the water, the competition in the Wakeboard World Series Pro Men’s Finals provided plenty of action-packed performances throughout the afternoon. Clifford put together the best run of the finals earning a score of 94.0, while Nautique rider Mike Dowdy (USA) captured the runner-up position as he was awarded with a score of 91.0. A strong-consistent performance by JD Webb (USA) helped him secure the third and final podium position for Nautique.
“I couldn’t be more happy with my riding today,” said Harley Clifford. “Mike and JD crushed their runs and left me with no choice but to go out and pull out big tricks. I’m looking forward to carrying the momentum from this weekend into the remainder of the season.”
For the third year in a row, Team Nautique rider Meagan Ethell (USA) showed that she has been putting in the work and remains the one to beat by winning the Women’s Pro Final at the Nautique Wake Open with a score of 83.33. Finishing behind her was fellow Nautique rider Raimi Merritt (USA) and Amber Wing (AUS), who finished second and third respectively.
“I’m stoked to take my third win at the Nautique Wake Open,” said Team Nautique Rider Meagan Ethell. “Today could not have gone any better with the awesome weather, a great crowd, and most importantly an awesome wake behind the G23. Having all of my family and friends out here made the day that much better.”
The Rockstar Energy Big Air Kicker contest provided thrilling action for the fans in attendance, which consisted of riders leaping to massive air off of the ramp. Chad Sharp (CAN) went on to become the eventual winner with his stylish tricks. Pro Wakeskate Finals witnessed Brian Grubb (USA) nail an amazing run to take the victory behind the incredible wake of the G23.
A talented field of riders filled the Jr. Pro Men’s (14-18) lineup, but James Loisel (USA) used a variety of tricks to out duel his competition and claim the event win. A clutch performance by Zoe Luquette (USA) carried her to the victory in the Jr. Women’s (14-18) Finals.
Jared Franco (USA) consistently nailed technical flip variations off the G23’s wake en route to the Men’s 1 (19-24) division win, followed by Dylan Wittman (USA) and Woody White (USA). In the Men’s 2 (25-29), Bob Chinn (USA) laid it all on the line to emerge victorious over Corbin Blanton (USA) in second.
The Nautique Wake Open featured four days of intense competition at Orlando Watersports Complex with riders providing some of the most challenging and innovative runs in the history of the sport. The Super Air Nautique G23 provides the pull for every Nautique Wake Series event giving riders the platform to perform at the highest level pushing the sport to new heights each season.
As the organizer and sanctioning body of the 2016 Nautique Wake Open presented by Rockstar Energy, the World Wakeboard Association would like to thank all of its partners for their support in making the event possible, including Nautique Boat Company, Rockstar Energy Drink, FOX, Ronix, CWB, PCM Engines, Performance Ski & Surf and Roswell Marine.
For more information on the 2016 Wakeboard World Series CLICK HERE.
Results
Nautique Wake Open Presented by Rockstar Energy
Orlando Watersports Complex – Orlando, Florida
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Men’s Pro – Finals:
- Harley Clifford (AUS) – 94.00
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 91.00
- JD Webb (USA) – 87.67
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- Oli Derome (CAN – 81.33
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 74.67
- Rusty Malinoski (CAN) – 70.00
- Phil Soven (USA) – 65.67
- Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 58.67
Women’s Pro – Finals:
- Meagan Ethell (USA) – 83.33
- Raimi Merritt (USA) – 77.33
- Amber Wing (AUS) – 70.00
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- Nicola Butler (USA) – 69.33
- Larisa Morales (MEX) – 55.00
- Erika Lang (USA) – 34.33
Pro Wakeskate – Finals:
- Brian Grubb (USA) – 86.33
- Reed Hansen (USA) – 82.67
- Brandon Thomas (USA) – 63.33
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- Coco Mendez (USA) – 55.00
- Austin Polterock (USA) – 48.33
- James Balzer (CAN) – 38.33
Jr. Pro Men (14-18) – Finals:
- James Loisel (USA) – 87.33
- Cobe France (AUS) – 81.67
- Jason Soven (USA) – 72.33
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- Guenther Oka (USA) – 64.33
- Lewy Watt (AUS) – 59.33
- Elliot Digney (AUS) – 55.00
Jr. Women (14-18) – Finals:
- Zoe Luquette
Men’s I (19-24) – Finals:
- Jared Franco (USA) – 78.33
- Dylan Wittman (USA) – 61.67
- Woody White (USA) – 55.00
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- Cole Harms (USA) – 48.33
- Adam Rahman (USA) – 28.33
- Jordan Plummer (USA) – 16.67
Men’s II (25-29) – Finals:
- Bob Chinn (USA) – 78.33
- Corbin Blanton (USA) – 68.33
- Josh Summers (USA) – 56.67
Men’s Pro – Semi Finals Heat 01:
- Cory Teunissen (AUS) 81.67
- Oli Derome (CAN) – 77.67
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- Noah Flegel (USA) – 65.00
- Bob Soven (USA) – 44.67
Men’s Pro – Semi Finals Heat 02:
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 68.33
- JD Webb (USA) – 61.00
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- Tony Carroll (USA) – 56.67
- Austin Hair (USA) – 48.33
Men’s Pro – Semi Finals Heat 03:
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 91.67
- Rusty Malinoski (CAN) – 84.33
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- Dean Smith (AUS) – 80.00
- Raph Derome (CAN) – 50.00
Men’s Pro – Semi Finals Heat 04:
- Harley Clifford (AUS) – 85.00
- Phil Soven (USA) – 74.33
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- Jeff Langley (USA) – 72.33
- Danny Harf (USA) – 53.33
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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 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