<iframe src=”http://ift.tt/2fAOUjn; width=”560″ height=”315″ style=”border:none;overflow:hidden” scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ allowTransparency=”true” allowFullScreen=”true”></iframe>
We go live on Facebook and at thewwa.com with the 2017 WWA Wake Park World Championships presented by Nautique Boats tomorrow morning at 8:00 am PHT.
The 2017 WWA Wake Park World Championships is the fourth stop of the WWA Wake Park World Series (WPWS).
CLICK HERE to download results from day two of the WWA Wake Park World Championships presented by Nautique Boats.
CLICK HERE to view the daily schedule.Learn More
The third issue of WWA Rideline is now available for download through the FREE WWA Rideline App, delivering the latest in wake focused on your country, your riders, and your stories! Explore each of our global editions with exclusive region specific articles alongside features from the front lines of wake that explore where wake takes today’s riders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 29 – October 1
The WWA Wake Park World Championships kicks off next week in paradise at the Camsur Watersports Complex in Naga, Philippines. The heaviest riding of the year will go down in every heat as the top wake park riders from around the globe compete to be crowned the 2017 World Champion. Make sure to stay tuned to the WWA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter throughout the event as we keep you up-to-date on all of the action.
CLICK HERE for the WWA Annual Membership
CLICK HERE for the Bio Sheet
Accommodation:
View rates for accommodation packages HERE
See page 2 of the document HERE for transportation options from Manila to CWC.
Nearest Airport:
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Naga Airport (domestic only)
Wakeboarding had existed for a few years before Chuck Morrow founded Ambush Board Co. and Buywake.com, but it was still a small, burgeoning industry. The products were being improved at a rapid clip with major innovations taking place in design, function, and construction for both boards and bindings. But, how wakeboards were being sold at retail was stuck in the dark ages.
Boat dealerships and were the primary source of distribution for wakeboards until Chuck established Ambush Board Co. (http://ift.tt/20rGA4n) in the summer of 1997. Most boat dealers would relegate an unused corner of the sales floor to a few of mid-grade wakeboards and call it a “pro shop.” Enthusiasm for wakeboarding was rising, but the dealers at the time were more focused on selling boats than boards, and their knowledge of the products and of the sport itself were minimal at best. If wakeboarding were going to grow, it needed a focused, passionate advocate at the retail level.
Chuck founded Ambush Board Co. on the idea that all action sports were kindred and should be celebrated and marketed together. He brought wakeboarding, skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing together harmoniously under one roof. Chuck added products from the subcultural elements of action sports, including Punk Rock CDs, band merchandise, and indie collectables, and made them staples in his store. Most importantly, Chuck single-handedly rebranded wakeboarding and how it was viewed by potential new participants. Chuck separated wakeboarding from waterskiing and boating and aligned it with skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. To Chuck, wakeboarding was an “extreme” sport that deserved the respect of the action sports community, and the community took notice. This ushered in a new era of legitimacy and respect for wakeboarding and helped the sport reach its new potential.
Chuck thrived on change and made it his personal mission to buck the status quo. He energetically looked for ways to improve on ordinary ideas and transform them into groundbreaking retail concepts. The Internet gave Chuck the vehicle to again alter the course of wakeboard retail when he launched BuyWake.com (https://www.buywake.com) in 2001, when online retail was still very much in its infancy. At the time, retailers were cautious to enter the online realm. Most websites were rudimentary virtual brochures and wakeboards were either being sold in brick and mortar stores or through mail order catalogs aimed at recreational boaters. BuyWake.com came to market with a fresh new way to buy wakeboards and brought with it a whole new attitude. The introduction of BuyWake.com and its “No Skis, No Tubes, No Bullshit” maxim solidified itself as a thought leader and tastemaker while simultaneously casting everyone else as kooks. BuyWake.com also blew the international market wide open by making it easy for riders purchase wakeboards overseas, thus creating a worldwide wakeboarding boom.
As the Internet evolved into a perfectly connected collection of individuals, ideas, and resources, Chuck sought to disrupt wakeboarding again, this time through simplification. To Chuck, the customary way of selling wakeboards online was becoming inefficient, slow, and costly in a rapidly progressing digital retail landscape. To combat his concerns and better serve his customers, Chuck developed what he called i2, an organized network of data feeds that bring wakeboards and riders closer together than ever before. Chuck’s vision was to lithely adapt to how, when, and where wakeboarders wanted to buy, and make sure their wants and needs were met with ultimate speed, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Chuck Morrow will be remembered for his radical approach to retail, unwavering beliefs, commitment to his principles, and his often brutal honesty with everyone around him. He strived to do his best and expected the same out of others. He compelled the industry around him to question conventional wisdom and demand more out of themselves and their respective brands. Chuck forever changed the way wakeboards were sold at retail three times in twenty years, while bringing Ambush Board Co. and BuyWake.com to the pinnacle of the wakeboarding industry. Chuck Morrow was a will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, and wakeboarding will be forever grateful for his contributions.
Shiga, Japan (September 18, 2017) – A dramatic day of action concluded the 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series (WBWS) and Malibu Evolution Pro Series at day three of the Malibu Lake Biwa Pro presented by Rockstar Energy. The residual winds of Typhoon Talim, which passed by parts of Japan’s coast late last week resulted in challenging conditions throughout the day. With the highest stakes of the 2017 season on the line, riders were forced to treat each run as if it were the very moment that could decide their season’s fate.
A priority of rider safety due to the distant storm’s effect on the course brought the entire series down to semifinal performances. After exhausting all options and available waiting periods; as fate would have it the already storybook nature of the semi’s would indeed become the final round of the 2017 season. Heats were stacked in a way that created the most dynamic of scenarios with WBWS points leader Harley Clifford (AUS) and Mike Dowdy (USA) together with heavy hitter Raph Derome (CDN) in heat four. Professionalism and the spirit of a true warrior of wake shined as Clifford secured his 2017 title with intelligent riding and amazing determination. Raph Derome (CDN) proved to be the dark horse, coming through once again, to place just ahead of Dowdy through the chop. Mike Dowdy (USA) displayed tactical composure from the dock to the water taking third in the heat and the overall 2017 WWA WBWS. Nic Rapa (USA) took the win in heat three, earning him second overall for the WWA WBWS season.
“I honestly can’t believe I’m standing up here. Watching from the sidelines last year due to injury I knew that I had to come back better than I left and I’m just so happy it all went my way. Thank you to all the boys who pushed me all season long, the WWA for putting on these awesome events and to all my sponsors!” said 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series Champion Harley Clifford.
On the Malibu Evolution Pro Series standings, Nic Rapa’s consistency all season long led him to the overall win followed by Noah Flegal (USA) in second and Harley Clifford in third. The 2017 Malibu Evolution Pro Series was comprised of three WWA WBWS stops in 2017 with the Malibu Factory Smoky Mountain Pro, the Malibu Vienna Pro and the Malibu Lake Biwa Pro. Towed exclusively behind the world-class Malibu M235, the Malibu Evolution Pro Series takes wake to new, beautiful locations each year with a growing international fan base.
“It’s really been an unreal year and I can’t thank everyone enough. Thank you to my sponsors, the WWA and all of the fans that come out to support us and the sport of wakeboarding. This has been the most insane year with the level of riding higher than it’s ever been and I’m so stoked to be a part of it and take home the Evolution Pro Series win,” said 2017 Malibu Evolution Pro Series Champion Nic Rapa.
The Pro Women’s 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series season was absolutely on fire. As the bar was continuously raised in every round, we saw these world-class athletes dig deep in an incredibly close race for the overall title. In the end, consistency reaped the rewards as we brought the most progressive season in history to a close.
Taylor McCullough (USA) won her first WWA Wakeboard World Series title, making it through to every final round of the 2017 season. Leading the WBWS standings all season long, Jamie Lopina (USA) finished second overall followed by Meagan Ethell (USA) in third who charged back from injury with insane riding and big finishes.
“It’s an honor to be standing up here with these girls who killed it all year long and it’s a dream come true to win my first ever Wakeboard World Series title. Thank you to my sponsors, the WWA and everyone who had a part in putting on these amazing events!” said 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series Overall Champion Taylor McCullough.
Nicola Butler (USA) continued her undefeated reign on the Malibu Evolution Pro Series this season, taking home her second consecutive overall win. Butler has not lost an Evolution Pro event in the last two seasons with a go for broke approach that found her on top of the podium with amazing riding that just keeps getting better and better. Meagan Ethell (USA) took the overall podium in second followed my Malibu team rider Tarah Mikacich (USA) in third.
“I’m so honored to be here taking my second Evolution Pro Series win and to have the chance to compete with these awesome ladies all season long. Something about me and these Malibu Evolution Pro Series events just works and I can’t wait for next year!” said 2017 Malibu Evolution Pro Series Champion Nicola Butler.
The 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series hosted the most intense competition in our sport’s history with eight worldwide stops that set a new standard in wake once thought to be impossible. A close title race all season long brought each event down to intense final rounds, giving fans a front row seat to the most rapid progression in watersports. Double flips, wake-to-wake 1080’s and mobe 720’s once considered impossible have now become a necessity for any athlete hoping to make it on a Pro WWA Wakeboard World Series podium.
“The WWA is honored to have the most talented athletes in the world representing our sport and to work with our amazing partners in continuing to grow wake around the globe. Each year we take the next step in delivering the highest level of competition and 2017 has been beyond anything we had ever dreamed,” said WWA President Shannon Starling. “There has never been a more exciting time in wake and our passionate team is looking forward to 2018 as we continue to inspire new people to begin the journey to discover where wake can take us.”
CLICK HERE to view the Pro Men’s 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series rankings.
CLICK HERE to view the Pro Women’s 2017 WWA Wakeboard World Series rankings
# # #
About Malibu: Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, owning almost 50% of the worldwide market share. Malibu sells the Wakesetter, M235 and Response models — as well as the Axis Wake Research brand — through a global dealer network. With approximately 525 employees worldwide and three manufacturing facilities in California, Tennessee, and Australia, 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: http://ift.tt/18oEiwP
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 www.thewwa.com.
A $50 late fee will be added to registrations submitted after September 19th at 5 p.m. EST
All riders must have current WWA membership to be eligible to compete.
Athletes will not be able to register on the day of the event, so please take notice of the deadlines listed.
View The Complete Prize Money Breakdown Here
September 29 – October 1
CLICK HERE for the WWA Annual Membership
CLICK HERE for the Bio Sheet
Accommodation:
View rates for accommodation packages HERE
See page 2 of the document HERE for transportation options from Manila to CWC.
Nearest Airport:
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Naga Airport (domestic only)
Learn More
Shiga, Japan (September 17, 2017) – The final journey of the WWA Wakeboard World Series (WBWS) and Malibu Evolution Pro Series brought the world’s best riders by planes, trains, and automobiles to the Malibu Lake Biwa Pro for 2017’s final showdown. With yesterday’s qualifying rounds in the books, the official event opening ceremony kicked off day two of the Malibu Lake Biwa Pro. Although Typhoon Talim coming up Japan’s coast threatened to affect conditions, luck was on our side today with calm winds, amazing action and a shakeup in the heats for tomorrow that will bring the overall title race down to the thinnest wire.
“We are excited to be in Japan at this beautiful site here on Lake Biwa. Just when we thought the Wakeboard World Series couldn’t get any tighter, some surprises in today’s heats set the final rounds up to be insane with everything riding on each trick. I can’t wait to see how it all shakes out,” said WWA Executive Director Corrie Wilson.
In Pro Men’s quarterfinal heat one, Dean Smith (AUS) attacked the wake for his last pro event to take the top spot, landing a massive B/S 180 and a T/S 900 for a score of 80.00. Parker Siegele (AUS) took down heat two with 71.00 landing a H/S 720 and a Moby Dick. In heat three, Shota Tezuka (JPN) put on a show as the crowd cheered him on, hitting a big nose grab H/S 720 and crail T/S roll-to-blind. Heat four went to Cory Teunissen (AUS) who threw down two stand-up passes that included a switch T/S 900 and a stomped mute mobe to score 90.00. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) kept it smooth to win heat five with 90.00, putting down the most stylish roast beef tootsie in the game and a nose grab KGB.
Raph Derome (CDN) won heat six, fighting through some tough mid-day conditions and getting technical with a wrapped T/S B/S 540 for 71.67 points. This kept podium contender Mike Dowdy out of the top spot in the heat, putting him in a serious semifinal tomorrow with Raph, Harley Clifford and Japan’s Asada Issei.
“It wasn’t easy out there for sure but the M235 wake was on point as always and I took the win in a tough heat. I was happy to stand it up today and I’m stoked for tomorrow!” said Malibu team rider Raph Derome.
The final day of action at the Malibu Lake Biwa Pro begins at 10:00 a.m. JST on Monday, September 18th.
CLICK HERE to download results from day 2 of the Malibu Lake Biwa Pro.
CLICK HERE to view the daily schedule.
For more information on the WWA Wakeboard World Series Click Here.
About Malibu: Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, owning almost 50% of the worldwide market share. Malibu sells the Wakesetter, M235 and Response models — as well as the Axis Wake Research brand — through a global dealer network. With approximately 525 employees worldwide and three manufacturing facilities in California, Tennessee, and Australia, 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: http://ift.tt/18oEiwP
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 www.thewwa.com.
