The Super Air Nautique G23 has changed what’s possible in wakeboarding and the deepest field in the history of the sport puts its capabilities on display. Today kicked off Pro Men’s quarterfinals and re-ignited several rivalries among competitors throughout the paddock. The opening heat witnessed an insane run by Andrew Adkinson (USA), who nailed both of his passes to lead the way with a score of 81.67. In Heat 2, Team Nautique Rider JD Webb (USA) kept the tradition alive of impressive, stylish riding during this week’s event and rode solid at the front with a 85.00. One of the closest battles of the day took place during Heat 3 as Damian Adam (MRI) and Team Nautique Rider Dean Smith (AUS) went all out in order to top one another. In the end, Adam grabbed the win and higher score of 85.00.
The excitement level was at an all-time high with the world’s best riders going huge off of the G23’s incredible wake. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) put down a consistent run to edge out the competition in Heat 4 with an 81.33 and prove he is a threat for the championship heading into the remainder of the weekend. An extremely determined group of riders filled the lineups in the fifth and sixth heats with hopes of securing a transfer position and the opportunity to keep the championship dream alive. Cory Teunissen (AUS) and Nic Rapa (AUS) emerged at the top of the score chart to claim their heat wins, respectively.
After one of the most electrifying runs of the day, back-to-back WBWS event winner Tony Iaconni (AUS) took the quarterfinals round win in Heat 7, while Nautique Wake Series points leader and Team Nautique Rider Mike Dowdy (USA) laid down a clutch performance in Canada’s most glamorous city with a 89.67 to come out on top in Heat 8.
“The Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships rounding out the Nautique Wake Series season behind the G23 couldn’t be more perfect,” said Team Nautique Rider JD Webb. “I absolutely love the city of Toronto and I’m looking forward to showing everyone exactly why the Super Air Nautique G23 has taken my riding, along with every other competitor to the next level. This setting is picture perfect and I’m carrying the momentum from my heat win into the final showdown against the best riders in the world.”
In the Pro Women’s semifinals, the Super Air Nautique G23 demonstrated its world-renown performance as top female riders showcased the most progressive riding we’ve seen all year. It did not take long for the competitiveness of the world’s best riders to take over as Giorgia Gregoria (ITA) started her week off with a spectacular run en route to the win in Heat 1 with a 73.33. Due to the depth of the field, the women were forced to bring the heat in order to guarantee themselves a spot in the finals. Amber Wing (AUS) aggressively attacked both of her passes with near perfect conditions on the water to score the win in Heat 2 with an 85.83.
WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson proudly represented the United States as she laid down a spectacular run by scoring an 80.00 to advance to the finals and sit atop the score charts in Heat 3. An intense battle and the bid for the top spot in Heat 4 took place between riders from all over the globe, including the United States, Australia and Mexico. When the judge’s revealed their final scores, the nod and score of 83.33 was given to Dallas Friday (USA) who returned to competition for the first time since nearly one year ago.
“It’s incredible to have the Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships apart of such an iconic event like the Canadian National Exhibition and located at one of the best venues in wakeboarding history,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson. “I’m stoked to walk away from today with two stand up passes and a heat win in the semifinals. The crowd has been awesome here in Toronto and all of the girls are riding great heading into tomorrow’s finals.”
Competing behind the three-time wakeboard boat of the year, the Super Air Nautique G23, amateur divisions hit the water for the final time this week and several World Champions were crowned on the day of various ages and skill levels. Canadian Phil Kerr claimed the overall victory in Adaptive Sitboarding, just ahead of Nathan Smith (AUS) who rode well for the runner-up position. A solid ride saw Marcelo Giardi (BRA) win the Master’s (30-39) finals, followed closely by Nicholas Cankar (USA) and Mathieu Lizotte (CAN) who rounded out the podium in second and third.
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.
The final day of competition at the Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships is set to kick off at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, August 28. Professional Men and Women riders are set to contest their respective finals as they battle for the chance to become crowned World Champion.
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Results
Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy
CNE Waterfront, Ontario Place Channel West – Toronto, Canada
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Pro Men’s – Quarterfinals: Heat 01
- Andrew Adkinson (USA) – 81.67
- Jeff Langley (USA) – 76.67
- Shota Tezuka (JPN) – 70.83
- Kirby Liesman (USA) – 60.00
- JD Webb (USA) – 85.00
- Aaron Rathy (CAN) – 68.33
- Austin Hair (USA) – 61.67
- Christian Primrose (CAN) – 53.33
- Damian Adam (MRI) – 85.00
- Dean Smith (AUS) – 71.67
- Robbie McMillin (CAN) – 70.83
- Jimmy Lariche (USA) – 66.67
- Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 81.33
- Danny Thollander (USA) – 72.00
- Steel Lafferty (USA) – 68.83
- Vinny Knapp (USA) – 29.33
- Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 78.33
- Rusty Malinoski (CAN) – 68.67
- Nicolo Caimi (ITA) – 49.33
- Joel Bartley (AUS) – 48.67
- Nic Rapa (AUS) – 92.00
- Parker Siegele (AUS) – 77.67
- Danny Harf (USA) – 56.67
- Ryan Galea (CAN) – 42.67
- Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 94.67
- Bob Soven (USA) – 86.00
- Dary Znebel (CAN) – 61.67
- Ian Cole (USA) – 57.33
- Mike Dowdy (USA) – 89.67
- Josh Twelker (USA) – 79.17
3. Chad Sharpe (CAN) – 71.33
Pro Women’s – Semifinals: Heat 01
- Giorgia Gregoria (ITA) – 73.33
- Alice Viraq (ITA) – 68.33
- Taylor McCullough (USA) – 61.67
- Raimi Merritt (USA) – 41.67
- Amber Wing (AUS) – 85.83
- Jamie Lopina (USA) – 81.67
- Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 71.67
- Chiara Viraq (ITA) – 33.33
- Corrie Wilson (USA) – 80.00
- Tarah Mikacich (USA) – 75.00
- Eugenia De Armas (ARG) – 66.67
- Abby Delgoffe (USA) – 38.33
- Dallas Friday (USA) – 83.33
- Nicola Butler (USA) – 79.17
- Chloe Mills (AUS) – 75.00
- Carolina Rodriguez (MEX) – 63.33
- Chelsea Clark (USA) – 58.33
- Austin Polterock (USA) – 81.67
- Brian Grubb (USA) – 78.50
- Danny Hampson (USA) – 75.00
- Tanner Champion (CAN) – 60.83
- Reed Hansen (USA) – 58.17
- Coco Mendez (VEN) – 54.17
- James Balzer (CAN) – 53.33
- Guenther Oka (USA) – 89.17
- Lewy Watt (AUS) – 81.00
- Elliot Digney (AUS) – 77.50
- Callan Starr (AUS) – 73.33
- Erik Schroeder (CAN) – 46.67
- Jake Pelot (USA) – 85.83
- Cobe France (AUS) – 81.67
- Bryson Hancock (USA) – 65.83
- Sam Brown (AUS) – 50.00
- Luca Kidd (GBR) – 50.00
- Marcelo Giardi (BRA) – 90.00
- Nicholas Cankar (USA) – 73.33
- Mathieu Lizotte (CAN) – 70.00
- Emilio Martinez (MEX) – 55.00
- Billy Allen (CAN) – 80.00
- Woody White (USA) – 73.33
- Henrique Daibert (BRA) – 67.50
4. Sebastian Santacroce (CAN) – 58.33
Adaptive Standing – Finals: Heat 01
- Jesse Deemer (USA) – 83.67
- Phil Kerr (CAN) – 87.67
- Nathan Smith (AUS) – 71.67
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.