Miyoshi City, Tokushima, Japan (September 2, 2018) – 5X Wakeboard and 4X Wakesurf boat of the year, the Super Air Nautique G23 pulled the world’s greatest to victory in the final day of competition at the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships presented by Rockstar Energy. With World titles, Wakeboard World Series and Nautique Wake Series overall titles on the line, today’s competition was filled with amazing moments on beautiful Ikeda Lake.
The remaining Amateur final rounds kicked off the day with some stellar amateur performances. Maggie Kofke (USA) earned her first WWA World title after throwing multiple airs and 180s for a top score of 91.67 in the Jr. Girls division. The Jr. Boys Beginner final round saw Hudson Haynie (USA) take the top podium spot and first WWA World title landing many technical tricks for a score of 90.00.
Reed Hansen (USA) kept it smooth this weekend with his line of 360s to take home the Pro Wakeskate WWA World title with a score of 96.00. Brian Grubb (USA) took second, scoring 77.67 with multiple wake to wake shuvs. Finishing off the podium in third, Tony Iacconi scored 48.33.
“It’s pretty nostalgic to look back over all of the world’s we’ve experienced, whether individually or together as a wake family,” said 10x WWA World Champion Reed Hansen. “This year has been an awesome experience being welcomed in by the Japanese culture, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Luca Kidd (GBR) was the man to beat this season, taking the Jr. Pro Men’s WWA World title and Nautique Wake Series overall Jr. Pro title, bringing his technical perfection to the water at each event. Putting down an 87.00 with a wrapped H/S B/S 540 and a nose grab H/S F/S 720, everything came together for Luca sending him to the top of the standings. The Ditsch brothers representing from Argentina rounded out the podium with Kai Ditsch (ARG) placing second scoring 80.00 points, landing a big T/S B/S 540. In third, Ulf Ditsch (ARG) gave it everything he had finishing with 75.67.
Nautique rider Meagan Ethell (USA) put together a stand up run in the Pro Women’s Final, leaving the crowd cheering and taking the win with an 89.00. Her first pass consisted of a huge whirly and tootise roll before coming back on pass two with a KGB and T/S off axis 540, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that she had just won the World title, Wakeboard World Series overall title and Nautique Wake Series overall title. In second Bec Gange (AUS), scored 83.33 with a stylish indy tantrum to blind, followed by Zahra Kell (AUS) and rounding out the podium in a very close third, Zahra Kell (AUS) threw a switch H/S 540 for a score of 73.33.
“It’s awesome to be crowned World Champion here in Miyoshi City, Japan and I can’t believe how quickly the season flew by this year,” commented Nautique team athlete Meagan Ethell. “All the ladies really progressed the sport this year, and the wake behind the Super Air Nautique G23 proved to be nothing but the best yet again.”
Harley Clifford (AUS) had a great afternoon, proving that under pressure and as a true champion he has everything it takes to bring it home. Showing the locals of Miyoshi City what wake is all about, Clifford threw a double indy tantrum and KGB to the flats to capture the 2018 World title with a score of 96.67. In second, Nautique athlete Tony Iacconi (AUS) pulled out all the stops, landing a huge switch front mobe to the flats and a nose grab front mobe 540 to score 94.00. Cory Teunissen (AUS) placed third with 91.33 points after annihilating his run, landing an indy T/S double back roll.
“I’m super stoked to win the WWA World Title this year, all the boys rode really well this week and it was a really tight race,” said 8x WWA Wakeboard World Champion Harley Clifford. “I was lucky enough to muscle the courage to finish the run after my fall today on the last event of an amazing season and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for our sport.”
Harley Clifford (AUS) also took home the 2018 Nautique Wake Series overall title with three first place finishes this season. Grabbing the fourth title win, Clifford was also crowned the 2018 WWA Wakeboard World Series overall champion. 2018 being one of the most competitive years of the sport, riders were forced to continue bringing new and perfected tricks to every event in an attempt to keep up with wakeboarding’s rapid progression.
“We are proud and thankful for such a widely successful event here in Japan at the Nautique WWA Wakeboard Worlds,” said Nautique President Greg Meloon “The G23 performed perfectly and provided the world’s best wakes, while the best rider’s from around the globe put on a show and took home World Championship titles. Congrats to all the winners!”
For a full list of results from of the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships presented by Rockstar Energy Click Here.
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 2018 WWA Wakeboard World Series Click Here.
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About Nautique Boat Company: Celebrating 93 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 has been reinvented as the lightest ski boat on the market, the G-Series has won numerous awards for wakeboard boat and wake surf boat of the year while unlocking new possibilities in wakeboarding and wake surfing, and our GS-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: RockstarEnergy.com.
About The WWA: Developed for riders by riders, the World Wake Association stands as a global network of passionate representatives dedicated to the growth of towed boardsports. Since 1989 our mission and values remain true to the core of our community. Our position as the authority on competitive standards has been earned through consistent development; sanctioning and producing more than 6,000 worldwide events and counting. We are the only organization solely focused on the best interests of the sport, spearheading a collective movement on the journey to discover where wake takes you. 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. For more information on the World Wake Association, check out TheWWA.com.