| LAKE ALFRED, FL (February 25, 2021) – The World Wake Association (WWA) and Malibu Boats are excited to announce the return of the world’s premier amateur development event series with five stops of action for the 2021 Malibu WWA Rider Experience Series. This season, amateur riders across the U.S. will come together yet again alongside the top Malibu Pro athletes for a weekend focused on the next generation in wake through family-friendly instruction and competition in a laid-back atmosphere that is open to participation from all who are interested. The WWA and Malibu are excited to showcase new talent, new divisions and continue the exponential growth of the sport as the Rider Experience series heads into its ninth season. |
| Photo: BTapes |
| “One of my favorite things about the Malibu WWA Rider Experience series is how it brings together old friends, new families, and brand new riders into the sport. Our educational and rider development programs both on and off the water give competitors and parents a unique opportunity to take their understanding of what judges are looking for to the next level. The progression we see during these events from riders in every division is unreal and we can’t wait to get this season started with everyone,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson. |
| Photo: WWA |
| Since 2013 the Malibu Rider Experience has hosted thousands of riders from first-timers to those making the transition to pro, while building local and national wake communities that fully encompass the spectrum of the sport that makes wake unlike anything in it’s path. New for 2021 Malibu is adding a Jr. Pro Women’s division to each event to be showcased alongside the Jr. Pro Men’s division as the main event of each WWA Wakeboard Regional Championship with $20,000 in travel scholarships divided equally towards the WWA Wakeboard National Championships for the top overall series finishers in each division. Each weekend will again kick off with ‘Shredin’ Saturdays’ featuring freeriding for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, product demos, instruction from Malibu Pro athletes and a Judges Experience. This fully inclusive day of all things wake will provide the opportunity for the entire family, friends and neighbors alike to familiarize themselves with the course, receive tips on the water and in the boat, and test out the industry’s latest products. The WWA Regional Championships and Pro Card Qualifiers will be held on Sunday giving amateur riders the chance to compete with riders in their region and qualify for the WWA Wakeboard National Championships and aspiring pros the opportunity to earn professional status. Continuing off the success seen in 2020, the final stop of the series will finish in the eastern region in Smithville, TN for the Rider Experience East in conjunction with Tennessee Wakefest. New for 2021, the top finishers from each region in all divisions will receive special invites to compete at Wakefest which will serve as the grand finale of the 2021 Rider Experience series. |
| Photo: BTapes |
| Malibu Boats dealers in each region will host the WWA Rider Experience events beginning on the west coast and working its way across North America. Information and registration can be found by visiting TheWWA.com/RiderExperience. All athletes must compete in their respective WWA Regional Championship in order to be eligible for the 2021 WWA Wakeboard National Championships (boat only). |
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| All riders must hold a current WWA Pro Card in order to register in the pro division at any WWA wakeboard event. The top 15 riders on the 2020 WWA Wakeboard World Rankings list will retain their Pro Card for the 2021 season. All other riders must obtain their Pro Card at one of six qualifying events. For a full list of rules visit TheWWA.com/ProCard. 2021 Malibu WWA Rider Experience Dates Rider Experience West Host Dealer: Taylor’s Boats Location: Quail Creek Reservoir, St. George, Utah April 23rd-24th Rider Experience Central Host Dealer: Waterski America Location: Marine Creek Reservoir, Ft. Worth, Texas May 15th-16th Rider Experience North Host Dealer: Chessie Marine Location: Mount Harmon Plantation, Earleville, Maryland June 19-20 Rider Experience South Host Dealer: Transition Watersports Location: Carney Island Recreation Area, Ocklawaha, Florida July 10th-11th Rider Experience East Host Dealer: TNT Watersports Location: Pates Ford Marina July 23rd-25th |