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Wakeboarders Worldwide Head to Orlando for 2011 Nautique Wake Games
Orlando,Fla. -- Hailing from Italy, Russia, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands and a half-dozen more countries from throughout the globe, the top professional and amateur wakeboarders and wakeskaters on the planet will converge in Orlando, Fla., on April 28-May 1 for the 2011 Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. The four-day event, held at the Orlando Watersports Complex, is the largest teamed wakeboard contest in the world, with more than 200 riders expected to compete at the sixth annual Games.
The Nautique Wake Games attracts such large and diverse group of competitors due to the event's uniqueness, as it is the only wakeboarding contest where professional and amateur riders compete together in teams to affect an overall outcome.
"Wake Games is pretty rad because it's not just you competing against everyone. You're on a team with riders of all the different ages and skill levels, working together as a group to win,"said Nautique team pro wakeboarder JD Webb. "It's so different from every other contest out there and that's why so many riders travel long distances to compete in it."
The first two days of action at the Nautique Wake Games feature qualifying rounds, where only 90 eligible riders will be invited to join 10 preselected team captains for the live draft, held Friday evening, April 29, on site at the Orlando Watersports Complex.
During the draft, the 10 team captains will each select nine additional riders from the pool of 90 to field their 10-man roster with a mix of pro and amateur riders. Riders will compete in different divisions, separated by age and skill level, while still contributing points toward a team score based on their individual placement in that division. All 21 divisions will crown an individual winner, and the team with the highest total score will take home the team title.
Teams will begin accumulating points on Saturday,April 30, and continue through Sunday, May 1, when a winning team will becrowned.
Last year, Nautique team pro wakeboarder Jimmy LaRiche captained the winning team to capture the 2010 team title.
The Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all four event days. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under); or $7 (adult) if purchased online.
In addition to all the action on the water, on land the Nautique Wake Games features great food and music,athlete autograph signings, chances to win freebies, and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores offering water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.
For information on the Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar EnergyDrink, visit www.kingofwake.com.
The Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla.,and has the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton's, Peavey, Mona Vie, Fox, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, LiquidForce, Byerly, Oakley, PCM Marine Engines and TransWorldWAKEBOARDING magazine.
About Nautique
The Nautique by Correct Craft is the exclusive tow boat of the Wake Games. Celebrating 86 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft Inc. is the producer of the Nautique line of boats. The manufacturer of Nautique is known for delivering superior quality product, cutting-edge technology and exceptional service experiences.
About Rockstar Energy Drink
ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles - from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eighteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, Recovery Lemonade, Recovery Orange, Recovery Grape, Pink, and 2X. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, NewZealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Mexico, the Philippines and throughout the United Kingdom. Go to www.rockstar69.com or www.facebook.com/rockstar for athlete and event updates, videos, profiles, and product information.
About TransWorld WAKEBOARDING Magazine
TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine is the leader in wake-sports media by delivering the best instruction, latest product reviews, insider knowledge and finest photography. TransWorld WAKEBOARDING accurately defines the wake-riding lifestyle by offering a broad range of content, which helps wake enthusiasts become better riders and enjoy their time on and off thewater.
AboutKing of Wake
The King of Wake is the world's elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport's top athletes from across the globe. Over thecourse of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The 2011 series consists of the Wake Games, the WWA NationalChampionships, the WWA World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing-- the leading wake-events producer since 1988.
2010 Mastercraft Pro Tour Awards
Most of the awards at the 2010 Pro Tour awards are no secret even before the event. We all knew Balling Bob Soven would win Rookie of the Year. Everyone knew what Phillip Soven had to do to win the Tour Title. Thanks to twitter everyone knew who won 5minutes after the contest. Today there not much you can keep secret or a surprise.
When you put everyone on the Pro Tour into a theater with a bar and music you might get some surprises. As the night went on the surprises got better and better. There might have been some police called to the hotel at 2am because of some rowdy party goers too. Check out the gallery to see what all went down from start to finish.
Harley Wins PWT#5 But Phillip Wins Overall Title!
The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour wrapped up its fifth and final stop of the 2010 season today in downtown Knoxville, where the world's top professional riders hit the waters of Volunteer Landing for their last shot at the Pro Tour title. Just as the current points leader, Phillip Soven, predicted, the title came down to the wire in Knoxville. Six riders squared off in the Pro Men division final today, with top seed Phillip Soven and defending titlist Harley Clifford in the hunt for the overall win.
Soven and Clifford entered the Knoxville Tour stop as the frontrunners for the Pro Tour title, separated by 15 points in the standings. Both riders finished off the season with impressive runs, but Clifford took top honors in Knoxville, after landing a heelside frontside 900 off the double up. Soven and Olivier Derome rounded out the contest podium, respectively.
Clifford's first-place finish narrowed the points gap in the overall standings, but Phillip Soven still managed to maintain a five-point lead, giving the Florida native his third Pro Tour title in four years.
"I wish I could have ended the season with a win, but I'm still pretty pumped to get the title back," said Soven. "I want to be remembered as one of the greatest riders ever, and I think winning three titles in four years will help me with that."
Soven, Clifford and Rusty Malinoski finished as the top three riders in the Pro Men's division on the 2010 MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour.
The Pro Women's division saw a huge upset today during its final round of action. Top seed Nicola Butler had three uncharacteristic falls in her run, opening the door for the five other female finalists to win in Knoxville.
Aussie Amber Wing took full advantage of her opportunity on the water today, taking first place in the contest - her first win of the 2010 season.
"I didn't get to do everything I wanted to in my run, but overall I thought I rode pretty well," said Wing. "This is my first win on Tour this year, so tonight I need to go out and celebrate."
Emily Copeland Durham and Raimi Merritt rounded out the contest podium, respectively.
Wing's win in Knoxville places her second overall in the Queen of Wake standings - an all female pro wakeboarding series. Despite a poor showing in Knoxville, Nicola Butler still leads the series, with Raimi Merritt taking third overall. The Queen of Wake will wrap up its 2010 season in Orlando, Fla. next week.
Despite a hairline fracture in his right forearm, 18-year-old Steel Lafferty rallied to a first-place finish in the Jr. Pro Men's division finals - his first ever on Tour. Aussie Ryleigh Pfitzner and Nick Galotifore rounded out the top three, respectively.
"My arm was killing me, but I overall I was really happy with the way I rode today," said Lafferty. "I hurt arm riding in Orlando right before I came out to Knoxville, so I was a little to frustrated heading into the contest, but it all worked out."
Lafferty's win today places him third overall in the Jr. Pro Tour standings. Florida native Daniel Powers took second place overall, with Nick Galotifore claiming his first Jr. Pro Tour title.
"It's unbelievable," Galotifore commented on winning the title. "Not everyone gets to win it, so I'm really stoked about it. Next year I turn pro, so it's awesome enter my rookie season with a Jr. Pro Tour title under my belt."
All the winners in Knoxville, as well as the overall titlists received to trophies at the Tour's award ceremony and after-party, hosted by Indmar Marine Engines and the MasterCraft Boat Company at the Bijou Theater.
The Stage Is Set! Harley VS Phil For The Tour Title... Comes down to PWT #5
Harley Clifford chases Phillip Soven by 15 points
The top professional wakeboarders from throughout the globe are headed to Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville on Aug. 13-14 for the final stop of the 2010 MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour.
Over the past few months, more than 50 pro riders have been competing on the five-city tour in a points race for one of the most prestigious crowns in wakeboarding -- the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour title.
"We've been competing this entire season, waiting to get to Knoxville to see who wins it all," said current points leader Phillip Soven. "Knoxville is going to be a tough contest for sure, because it's everyone's last shot at winning. As the points leader, I just need to stay calm, stay focused and lay down my run."
Soven held the Pro Tour title for two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008, but lost it last year to Australian phenom Harley Clifford, who captured the 2009 title in his rookie year.
Clifford could repeat season champ with a successful finish in Knoxville. The young Aussie only trails Soven in the standings by a mere 15 points.
"Harley and I have been going back and forth this entire season, battling each other, trying to take the lead in the standings," Soven says. "It's going to come down to the wire. We're both hungry to win, we're both competitive and we both can't afford to hold anything back."
The season-ending event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, with Pro Men qualifiers set to begin at 12:30 p.m. The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour will kick off the morning in Knoxville with opening rounds for the Jr. Pro Men's division, followed by the Pro Women's division.
The Pro Women's division does not crown a Pro Tour titlist, as the female riders only compete at two stops on the five-city tour. However, Knoxville serves as the fourth event in the five-stop Queen of Wake series -- an all-female pro wakeboarding circuit.
Former Queen of Wake crown bearer Nicola Butler is poised to reclaim her title, as she currently leads the series standings with 290 points. With defending titlist Dallas Friday out the rest of the season with a leg injury, Butler's toughest competition comes from 17-year-old Raimi Merritt. Merritt sits behind Butler in the standings with 245 points and will look to overthrow Butler in Knoxville to take the lead in the series.
"Nicola is obviously a gifted rider, but I feel this is my season and I want to win it all," Merritt says. "My goal this weekend is to have fun and try to podium, but if I really want to turn things around, I know I need to win in Knoxville."
In addition to the Pro Men's division, the Jr. Pro Men will also be finishing their season in Knoxville. Florida native Nick Galotifore leads the Jr. Pro Tour standings with 370 points. Fellow Floridians Daniel Powers and Steel Lafferty stand in second and third place. All three riders are in contention to win their first Jr. Pro Tour title.
The Knoxville tour stop will wrap up on Saturday, Aug. 14, with the ticketed event starting at 11 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the event, Indmar Marine Engines and MasterCraft Boats invite the general public to join the athletes at the Bijou Theater for the 2010 MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour Party. Doors to the theater will open at 9 p.m.
Who's Hot / Who's Not - Knoxville
Who's Hot / Who's Not - Knoxville
HOT
Bob Soven +10 M
Big win for the younger Soven.
Andrew Adkinson +7 M
Best result of the year for AA - 2nd place.
Olivier Derome +5 M
First podium for the French Canadian.
NOT
Rusty Malinoski -2 M
Rusty has not won an event all year.
Danny Harf -1 M
Danny won Brostock, but has only managed 1 podium all year -a 3rd place.
Kyle Rattray -5 M
Kyle followed up his best finish of the year (4th)with placing 21st.
For a complete breakdown of Rider Values and Stats, click here:
http://www.fantasyactionsportsleague.com/wake/athletes
How To Get Wakeboarding Back Into X-Games!
At one point in history Wakeboarding was actually in the X-Games. After poor TV Ratings and the overall expense of having to have another location away, wakeboarding was dropped. In the years since wakeboarding's showcase at X-Games the sport has gone through some changes. Wakeboarding has found a way to not only entertain itself but a random TV viewer. I had a couple ideas that I am going to pitch to X-Games to get wakeboarding back for X-Games 17!
1. Apparatus! Red Bull Wake Lab is a perfect example of the type of setup that wakeboarding needs to get back into the X-Games. It allows spectators to get up close to the action. The action is non stop and the riders constantly push their selves to go bigger. Wake Lab could be setup in small bodies of water so it will be easy to find a venue.
2. DANGER! Everyone wants to see people risking their lives to perform sweet maneuvers . I am thinking that if we fill the pools with sharks, then that is gonna be a huge TV ratings boost alone. People are going to be sitting on the edge of their seats in fear of watching one of the riders get ate. Alligators would be a suitable substitution if the water is fresh. Water and Fire dont mix but if we were able to add some sort of fire to the event thats going to boost TV ratings as well. 
3. Girls In Bikinis! The sad fact is that girls in small bikinis would probably get more TV ratings then wakeboarding alone. So what we need to do is have tons of really hot girls in small bikinis everywhere at the event. Spectators are gonna come out just to see the girls. During the TV show we need to have camera men who only focus on filming the girls cause the more shots of hot girls the better. 
4. Fire Works! Have you ever been to rock concert with a 100,000 people in attendance? The reason people go to these rock concerts is because of the fire works. People love fireworks! I think we need to have fireworks launching off during the entire contest. 
5. Parks Bonifay! X-Games would not be extreme without Parks Bonifay there. So we gotta have Parks there and maybe if he does not ride to well in a heat it would be for the good of the sport to just rig it to put him through. Parks is a legend and people love to watch legends. I know for a fact that when Parks rides TV ratings will shoot through the roof. 
These are just some ideas that I think will not only get wakeboarding into X-Games but I think its going to legitimize the sport on a extreme level. Lets face it when it comes down to it most people think wakeboarding is something you do when your drunk on the weekend or when your to tired to tube anymore. If you have any good ideas that I should include with my proposal to X-Games please leave it in the comment section thanks!
Colorado Springs PWT Video! Finals Run!
Check out all the Pro Men's Finals Action from Colorado Springs PWT #4. Watch as Bob Soven rides to victory in the 6 man final.
2010 King of Wake Standings July.
After the fifth stop in the King of Wake series (Nationals), the top ten riders are separated from the rest of the pack and are assigned a new point value that depends on their rank after nationals only and does not necessarily reflect their performance relative to the other riders. The top ranked rider after Nationals (Harley Clifford) is assigned 960 points. The rest of the riders are assigned 950, 940, 935, 930, 925, 920, 915, 911 and 907 respectively. This eliminates the chances of winning King of Wake for any riders that are not in the top ten after Nationals. It also tightens up the points so that nobody in the top ten carries a big lead into the final three events of the series. As you can see from the rankings below, this system favors riders that do well in the last three events of the series. This is similar to NASCAR and is called "The Chase."
For example, Harley Clifford held a lead of 45 points over his nearest competitor, Phillip Soven, after Nationals. However, after the Chase points were assigned, Harley's point lead was reduced to 10. The rankings in parentheses after each of the top 15 King of Wake riders indicates the rank that rider would be at if the Chase points were not involved and you simply added up the points assigned for each event finish.
King of Wake
(after 6 of 8 events)
1. Bob Soven (3) - 1035
2. Harley Clifford (1) - 1030
3. Phillip Soven (2) - 1025
4. Rusty Malinoski (4) - 983
5. Danny Harf (7) - 980
6. Jimmy LaRiche (5) - 976
7. Austin Hair (6) - 973
8. Josh Palma (9) - 958
9. Bryan Hutton (10) - 954
10. JD Webb (15) - 907
11. Olivier Derome (8) - 300
12. Trevor Hansen (11) - 243
13. Adam Errington (12) - 243
14. Andrew Adkison (13) - 238
15. Keith Lyman (14) - 227
16. Shaun Murray - 206
17. Dean Smith - 195
18. Danny Burnstein - 186
19. Kyle Rattray - 180
20. Aaron Rathy - 163
21. Chad Sharpe - 162
22. Shawn Watson - 151
A Day Of Firsts! Bob Soven Wins First Pro Tour Stop! PWT #4
Fans lined the shores of Memorial Park today to catch the final rounds of action at the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour stop in Colorado Springs. Riders in the Pro Men and Jr. Pro Men division spent the day battling it out on the water behind the MasterCraft X-Star in hopes of winning the fourth stop of the 2010 season.
The pros kicked off the day with their quarterfinal round of action, where 20 riders hit the water in five heats of four to battle for a spot in the semifinals. Only the top two pros from each heat advanced, cutting the field of riders in half and creating some massive upsets in the process, as top seeds Rusty Malinoski (#2) and Austin Hair (#4) both failed to advance past the quarterfinals.
In the semifinals, the Aussies paved the way, as former Australia Pro Tour champs Dean Smith and Harley Clifford each won their respective heats. Brothers Phillip and Bob Soven also advanced to the six-man final, along with Olivier Derome and Andrew Adkison.
In the final round of action, all eyes were on Tour leader Phillip Soven, but younger brother Bob Soven came from behind to take the win. Adkison and Derome rounded out the podium, respectively.
"I've been waiting for this moment for while," said Bob Soven. "I got to give it up to my competition, they're all amazing, but I'm stoked to come out with the win."
Today's victory marks Bob Soven's first Pro Tour win in the Pro Men's division.
Though older brother Phillip didn't win today, he remains the points leader in the standings at 345 points. Clifford trails in second place at 330 points, while Rusty Malinoski rounds out the top three with 246 points.
Following the Pro Men's finals today, the Pro Tour went right into the Indmar Double Up contest where Rusty Malinoski was declared the winner.
Next, the Pro Tour hosted its Rockstar Energy Drink Big-Air Challenge where Bob Soven took top honors.
Malinoski and Soven each took home $1,000 for winning their respective events.
In the Jr. Pro Men division, 10 top amateur rippers hit the water in two heats of five for their semifinal round of action. With only the top two riders from each heat advancing, the field of riders was quickly narrowed down to Kyle Evans, Daniel Powers, Raphael Derome and current Tour leader Nick Galotifore for the four-man final.
All four rippers laid down some serious runs, but Powers proved to be unstoppable to win his first Jr. Pro Tour stop. Galotifore and Derome rounded out the Jr. Pro Men podium, respectively.
Powers' win now places him second overall in the standings with 340 points. Nick Galotifore remains the Tour leader with 370 points, while Steel Lafferty rounds out the top three with 310 points.
With Colorado Springs in the books, the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour will now head to its final stop of the 2010 season in Knoxville, Tenn., Aug. 13-14. Other venues included Acworth, Ga., Fort Worth, Tex. and Elizabethtown, Ky.
Kentucky Pro Tour Voice Over!!!
They're back again! The guys over at Aacadia.com bring you another entertaining episode of voice overs from the pro tour. This time we head to Kentucky for the Pro Tour where people discuss all sorts of funny things. Check it out. I wonder how the guys got microphones on everyone!
