Thousands of wakeboard enthusiasts lined the shores surrounding the Orlando Watersports Complex today to watch the sport’s top athletes go head-to-head on the final day of the Nautique Wake Games.
Drama ran high in the men’s pro final, which included defending King of Wake Champion Harley Clifford going up against brothers Phillip and Bob Soven, Japanese standout Shotta Tezuka, up-and-comer Steel Lafferty and tour veteran Andrew Adkison, appearing in his first Nautique Wake Games finals since 2006. After two jaw-dropping runs that included massive aerials and highly-technical rail maneuvers, Phillip Soven slightly edged out Clifford to emerge victorious and claim the 2012 Nautique Wake Games crown.
“I’m really happy with this win. Everyone is riding at the next level this season,” said Nautique Wake Games pro men’s winner, Soven. “To start the season out with a W puts me right where I want to be going into 2012–the top. I’m excited to see what the rest of this season has in store for us. It’s going to be a good one.”
The pro women’s final saw a wire-to-wire demonstration of progressive riding at its finest. All eyes were on hometown-favorite Dallas Friday who made the finals in her return to competition after a two-year injury plagued hiatus. In what has to be considered a triumphant return, Friday placed fourth behind Melissa Marquardt, Raimi Merritt and division winner Meagan Ethell.
“Congratulations to the winners of all 23 divisions,” said Contest Director Chris Bischoff. “Throughout the entire event we saw amazing riding and one of the most impressive wakes ever ridden from Nautique’s new G23 boat.”
In the Overton’s Junior Pro Men’s Series, Mike Dowdy was the standout performer throughout the event. Saving his best for last, Dowdy put up a 100 point heat in the finals to claim victory in the division.
The only event of its kind, the Nautique Wake Games also includes a team format competition featuring 10 teams that includes riders from all 23 divisions. Based on results from day three and four at the NautiqueWake Games the athletes, which are separated by age, sex and skill level, accumulated points toward a team score based on their individual placement in that division. Team Austin Hair posted the highest collective score and will hold on to bragging rights for the next year.
As an added bonus Nautique sponsored a double-up contest and expression session immediately following the men’s pro finals. A handful of the top men’s riders took advantage of the G23’s massive wake to launch some of the biggest airs ever seen. Claiming the lion’s share of the $6,000 prize purse for the double-up competition was Jimmy Lariche. In a first-ever for the sport of wakeboarding, both Oli Derome and Harley Clifford landed wake-to-wake 1080’s in the expression session. To reward their historical performance, Nautique is giving both Derome and Clifford checks for $5,000.
For information on the Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, visit 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, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, PCM Marine Engines and TransWorld WAKEBOARDING magazine.
Nautique Wake Games Finals Results
Boys Beginner – Finals
1. Ryan Harris 60.00
Junior Pro Men Finals
1. Mike Dowdy 100.00
2. Joshua Twelker 85.75
3. David O’Caoimh 84.25
4. Freddie Wayne 70.00
Pro WakeSkate Men’s Finals
1. Reed Hansen 83.33
2. Brian Grubb 71.67
3. Brandon Thomas 53.33
4. Danny Hampson 38.33
Women’s Pro Finals
1. Meagan Ethell 81.67
2. Raimi Merritt 76.67
3. Melissa Marquardt 70.00
4. Dallas Friday 58.33
5. Nicola Butler 51.67
6. Amber Wing 43.33
Men’s Pro Finals
1. Phillip Soven 91.67
2. Harley Clifford 88.33
3. Bob Soven 87.33
4. Andrew Adkison 85.83
5. Steel Lafferty 58.33
6. Shotta Tezuka 35.00
Team Results
1. Team Austin 819
2. Team Steel 816
3. Team Harley 804
4. Team Dean 799
5. Team Rathy 788
6. Team Bob 784
7. Team Rusty 769
8. Team Phil 748
9. Team Oli 727
10. Team Shaun 667
