_Event Features 24 Divisions of Men’s and Women’s Wakeboarding and Wakeskating __ _
Orlando, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2014) — The Nautique Wake Open presented by Rockstar, a newly added stop on wakeboarding’s elite King of Wake series, has opened competition at one of the sport’s most iconic venues, Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC). The prestigious event, running through the weekend, features a large contingent of the best professional men and women wakeboarders and wakeskaters as well as many of the world’s top amateur riders competing across 24 total divisions.
The event kicked off today with a lot of the semi-finals rounds in the amateur divisions ripping behind the perfect wakes of the Super Air Nautique G23 and G21. OWC set the stage with perfect water and hot temperatures throughout the day, but the action on the water was where the heat really turned up!
In the morning it was the Men’s 1 division that saw some mind-blowing tricks out of local ripper, Morgan Pedersen, who won the heat and will go into the Final round tomorrow as the top seeded rider. The Junior Men division also took to the water with two heats of shredders as Cobe France and Lewy Watt both grabbed the top spot in their respective semi-final heats.
The Boys division took off the dock in the afternoon with two heats of young riders driven to make it through to the finals. This is one of the most exciting divisions to watch throughout the weekend, as these young riders are all hungry to make a name for themselves. Sam Brown won his heat landing a perfect indy tantrum to blind, Kevin Duffy landed a backside 540, and Elliot Digney rode super smooth for his two passes won his heat as well.
One of the highlights of the day was Nautique athlete Erika Lang’s run, who was making her second appearance in a wakeboarding competition after her already accomplished career as a waterskier. “I love being around the sport– it’s a fun atmosphere and the people are the best part about it. I just started and everyone has been very welcoming which is great.” said Erika. Erika won her semi-finals heat with a huge front flip, a scarecrow and a tantrum into the flat and she looks to take the Junior Women division tomorrow during the Finals.
The action continues all weekend long including live music from Davis McGhee on Saturday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., and the funk, rhythm and soul tunes of Soul Taxi on Sunday, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Beat the heat in the new chill zone. In addition, fans can stay for the one-of-a-kind CONTOUR Big Air Contest on Sunday.
The Nautique Wake Open is stop number seven on the 2014 King of Wake Series. Additionally, it serves as the final stop on the Nautique Wake Series, a four-event professional and amateur wakeboard and wakeskate series. A season ending banquet, honoring the series’ top performers, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Downtown Orlando Embassy Suites located at 191 E. Pine St., Orlando, Fl. 32801.
Online adult tickets for the Nautique Wake Open are available for $7 (46% off the gate price) Gate prices are: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under).
Nautique Wake Open Day One Results
Masters ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Tim Pitschke 85.00
2. Emilio Martinez 60.00
3. Francisco Cabezas 51.67
Veterans ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Carl Erickson 56.67
Men’s 1 ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Morgan Pedersen 84.67
2. Woody White 80.00
3. Cameron Stiener 70.00
4. Nick Naccari 56.00
Men’s 2 ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Corbin Blanton 75.00
2. Korey Griner 68.33
3. Brandon Judd 38.33
Junior Men ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
Heat 1
1. Cobe France 88.33
2. Justin McMahon 70.00
3. Guenther Oka 64.00
Heat 2
1. Lewy Watt 68.33
2. Grayson Hart 53.33
Junior Boys Beginner ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Xavier Olea Vorhauer 66.67
2. Brett Powell 60.00
3. Pierce Ralston 51.67
Junior Girls ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Kyla Hendrick 78.33
2. Sydney Deary 56.67
3. Palmer Howell 53.33
4. McGowen Howell 28.33
Girls ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Holly Watt 68.33
2. Hollie Waldrop 59.67
3. Sarah Deary 55.00
4. Sofia Mendez 43.33
5. Mary Morgan Howell 36.67
Boy’s Beginner ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Rocco Ralston 73.33
Amateur Wakeskate ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Michael Fay 65.00
Junior Boys ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Daniel Johnson 70.87
Master’s Women’s ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Natalie Graham 75.00
Junior Women ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
1. Erika Lang 76.00
2. Jamie Lopina 62.00
**Boys ― Semi Finals (Riders in bold advance)
Heat 1**
1. Elliot Digney 85.00
2. Thomas Herman 71.67
3. Garrett Coleman 53.33
4. Tanner Higham 40.00
Heat 2
1. Sam Brown 81.67
2. Kevin Duffy 70.00
3. Jaden Reichl 58.33
4. Benjamin Brown 45.00
