Orlando, FL (June 3, 2018)– The Malibu Rider Experience South brought together the region’s wake community, with a taste of Florida sunshine, for a non-stop weekend at Freedom Wake Park in Orlando, FL. Malibu Pro athletes were at the lake all weekend long to give riders an all-access experience to the best of the best in instruction and competition behind the world-class Malibu 25 LSV.
Freeride Friday saw everyone from first-time riders, to wake’s top up-and-comers, to veteran riders hitting the water to push their skills to the next level. The Malibu WWA Regional Championships South kicked off on Saturday including the Malibu Pro Card Qualifier #1 and all WWA Amateur, Jr. Pro, Adaptive, and Wakesurf divisions. Surf Gate Sunday kept the stoke high with contagious smiles up and down the dock, paired with flawless blue walls from the Malibu 25 LSV. The shoreline was buzzing all weekend with spectators and competitors enjoying support from WWA partners; Malibu Boats, Rockstar Energy Drink, Ronix Wakeboards, Best Flag, Tommy’s Florida, and Up In Smoke All American BBQ.
“Thank you to Malibu Boats for yet another great event! We had an awesome turnout and we can’t wait to see how the Rider Experiences continue to progress the sport and riding abilities throughout the nation. We look forward to seeing everyone in a couple weeks in Missouri,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson.
Saturday’s Malibu WWA Regional Championships South was full of incredible performances all thrown with the goal to represent the South this year at the WWA Wakeboard National Championships. In the Boy’s division, defending champion Fynn Bullock (NC) threw down a whirly 540 and back to back 720s in his final pass to secure yet another first-place finish with a score of 88.00. In second, Jamie Huser (SWE) scored 78.33, followed by Alex Albin (CA) in third with a 61.67. Jordan Wolfe (NC) earned her first-place finish in the Girls division, throwing down a wrapped H/S 360 to take the heat with a score of 89.00.
Aaron Cutler (FL), one of the most innovative adaptive riders out there, brought his unique style to the South with a tantrum and T/S F/S 180 in the Adaptive Standing division for a final score of 65.00. The Wakesurf competition became a battle of the families produced from the incredible wave behind the Malibu 25 LSV. Mitchell Inloes (FL) gave a surf and skim style run with multiple airs paired with flat-water spins for the win with a score of 79.33. Coleman Vaughan (TX) placed second scoring a 54.00 and Dayle Cartwright (FL) placed third with a 41.67. Ashley Inloes (FL) further proved the Inloes family talent, with her stylish carves and technical spins for the win scoring 85.00.
More incredible performances were brought to the water by the Jr. Pro division with the riders taking an aggressive approach, showcasing the continued progression within this division. With a fast-paced final round, Luca Kidd (GBR) brought it all together with a nose grab B/S 720 paired with a H/S mute roll to blind, taking the heat with a final score of 92.67. Lorenzo Soprani (ITA) followed close behind throwing a massive back mobe with a nose grab scoring 81.67, followed by Bryce Grey (AUS) in third with a score of 75.00.
Mizuki Takahashi (JPN) led the pack of the four riders who punched their Pro Cards this weekend, with a winning score of 84.00. In second, Elliot Digney (AUS) scored 74.67, followed by Mike Conrady (USA) in third scoring 72.67, and Daniel Miles (USA) in fourth with a 61.67.
The Rider Experience continued past Saturday’s regionals, as Surf Gate Sunday brought newbies and veterans alike back to the water to shred behind the endless Malibu wave. As the Malibu WWA Rider Experience continues across the nation, our community of wake continues to grow with this unique series dedicated to the progression of all things wake. To find a Rider Experience event near you visit: https://www.thewwa.com/rider-experience/.
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About Malibu: Founded in 1982 with headquarters in Loudon, Tenn., Malibu Boats, Inc., is the world’s #1 manufacturer of watersports towboats. Malibu also designs and manufactures Axis Wake Research—together, the two brands control 50% of the worldwide inboard boat market through a global dealer network. In 2017, Malibu acquired Cobalt Boats, the leader in stern drive boats and growing in other segments. Malibu Boats, Inc., has four locations worldwide, including facilities in Tennessee and California, Cobalt Boats in Kansas and Malibu Australia, employing more than 1,200 people in total. Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water. [NASDAQ: MBUU] | @malibuboats | #thetruthisonthewater
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: 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 12,500 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 www.thewwa.com.