SPARKS, NV. (July 1, 2016) – Today, the Malibu Sparks Pro presented by Rockstar Energy kicked off the first of three days scheduled for this weekends Fourth of July festivities at the Sparks Marina. The beautiful weather, consisting of blue-sunny skies and temperatures in the high 90’s greeted riders with epic conditions on the water behind Malibu’s all-new revolutionary M235 towboat. The event serves as the first round of the second annual Malibu Evolution Pro Series and the third round of the 2016 Wakeboard World Series (WBWS).
A talented lineup in the Men’s Pro Wakeboarding division began their initial qualifying runs for a chance to advance into tomorrows Quarterfinals. Leading the way using a variety of big air tricks was Joel Bartley (AUS), who narrowly edged out a strong run by Chad Sharpe (CAN) and Parker Siegele (AUS), which made it a podium sweep for Malibu’s riders.
In the Women’s Pro Wakeboarding, Erika Lang (USA) rode brilliantly behind the M235’s incredible wake to grab a score of 87.00. The runner-up position went to Larisa Morales (MEX), while Melissa Marquardt (USA) completed her impressive run on the water by finishing in third.
Malibu’s world-class surf wake featuring Surf Gate will be used exclusively for all Pro Skim and Surf division throughout the weekend. A strong, consistent run by Raya Walker (USA) helped her top the Pro Women Skim charts. Jordan Wolfe (USA) nailed huge tricks to qualify first with an inspiring run in the Pro Women Surf, just ahead of Allison Sos (USA) and Raya Walker (USA).
The Pro Men Surf division engaged in an intense battle as they went head-to-head in the qualifying round, but AXIS Wake Research team rider Johnny Steig (USA) emerged with the highest score of 75.00. In the second position, Hunter Clement (USA) outdueled Aaron Witherell (USA) to round out the top three. Parker Payne (USA) had the crowd on the edge of their seats in the Pro Men Skim heat, repeatedly pulling technical tricks off of the M235’s Surf Gate.
The second day of the Malibu Sparks Pro is set to kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, beginning with Pro Skim Semifinals and wrapping up with the Pro Wakeboarding Quarterfinals.
For FREE admission throughout the weekend, Click Here to print your ticket.
As the organizer and sanctioning body of the 2016 Malibu Sparks Pro 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 Malibu Boats and Rockstar Energy Drink.
$65K in prize money is up for grabs as Professional riders hit the water throughout the weekend. To view the complete prize money breakdown Click Here
Click Here to view more details on the 2016 Malibu Evolution Pro Series.
For more information on the 2016 Wakeboard World Series Click Here.
Results
Malibu Sparks Pro by Rockstar Energy
Sparks Marina – Sparks, Nevada
Friday, July 1, 2016
Men’s Pro Wakeboarding – Qualifying: Heat 01
- Joel Bartley (AUS) – 81.00
- Chad Sharpe (CAN) – 69.33
- Parker Siegele (AUS) – 58.00
- Josh Twelker (USA) – 56.67
- Ian Cole (USA) – 44.33
- Toshiki Yasui (JPN) – 33.33
- Raph Derome (CAN) – 25.00
- Erika Lang (USA) – 87.00
- Larisa Morales (MEX) – 83.67
- Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 80.67
- Raequel Hoffman (USA) – 71.00
- Corrie Wilson (USA) – 64.67
- Shawna Hoffman (USA) – 51.67
- Chelsea Clark (USA) – 42.33
- Johnny Steig (USA) – 75.00
- Hunter Clement (USA) – 72.00
- Aaron Witherell (USA) – 70.00
- Jordan Wolfe (USA) – 67.00
- Allison Sos (USA) – 60.50
- Raya Walker (USA) – 58.50
- Parker Payne (USA) – 60.00
- Raya Walker (USA) – 49.00
About Malibu Boats
Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, known for leading the industry with major innovations, including the first onboard computer system in 1993, the ingenious Power Wedge hydrofoil in 2006 (completely redesigned in 2014), the industry’s first wake-maximizing hull in 2000, and Surf Gate, the innovation that changed the face of wakesurfing forever, in 2012. Malibu markets the Wakesetter and Response models – as well as the Axis Wake Research brand – through a worldwide dealer network. With some 450 employees and three manufacturing facilities, in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water. (NASDAQ: MBUU) | @malibuboats | #evolutionproseries | #thetruthisonthewater www.malibuboats.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