Vienna, Austria (September 3, 2017) – Competitive strategy and true grit defined the final day of the Malibu Vienna Pro presented by Rockstar Energy. The world’s best wakeboarders and wakesurfers proved that the rising waters and current of the Danube river were no match for the experience and exceptional talent of riders on a mission for victory. The Malibu M235 was tested and proven today with world-class performance that kept the action cranking. With only one stop remaining on the WWA Wakeboard World Series and Malibu Evolution Pro Series, the intensity continued as overall titles come down to every trick.
In the Pro Women’s Wakesurf final, Stacia Bank (USA) brought everything she had with massive airs and powerful turns before getting technical with some 360’s for the win. In second, Tara Kriz (AUT) kept the judges on their toes with some solid combinations followed by Korina Smyrek (SUI) in third who showed some sick style to round out the podium.
“Thank you to Malibu Boats and the WWA for a great event in Vienna. Things got exciting as the Danube water level rose over 7ft in 2 days with the fastest current I’ve ever surfed, but the M235 plowed through creating a mighty wave. I was fortunate to land on top. Fun to see Wakesurf friends like Korina Smyrnek and meet many new ones,” said 2017 Malibu Vienna Pro Champion Stacia Bank.
The multi-talented Noah Flegel (USA) crushed the Pro Men’s Wakesurf final for the win, hitting a massive B/S bigspin that dropped jaws. Dom Lagace (CDN) placed second, keeping an incredible pace with a mixture of shove-its and spins followed by local hero Markus Lahmer (AUT) in third who threw down big airs in his run.
“After all that happened pre-event, I’m stoked to be able to finally make it to Vienna and do well. I’m stoked to win Wakesurf but my main goal was to get the double win; Wakesurf and Wakeboard. Either way, I’m super pumped to walk away with a double podium and to be in a country I’ve never visited. It’s been a blast!” said Malibu Vienna Pro Men’s Wakesurf Champion Noah Flegel.
It’s been said that there is something about the Malibu Evolution Pro events that work for Nicola Butler (USA) and today it once again proved to be true. After sweeping the series in 2016 and winning the Malibu Factory Pro this season, Nicola has added a 5th consecutive Evolution Pro event win here at the Malibu Vienna Pro. Battling some harsh water conditions, Nicola scored 88.00 points with a roll-to-blind and a big H/S 540. Meagan Ethell (USA) placed second with a tootsie roll and an indy tantrum for a score of 78.33. Chiara Virag (ITA) placed third with a roll-to-blind and scarecrows both ways for 71.00.
“Vienna has been awesome and I’m super stoked on taking the win! Everyone had to bring it today in some tough conditions and I’m just happy it all came together. I’ll see everyone in Japan!” said 2017 Malibu Vienna Pro Champion Nicola Butler.
The Pro Men’s final was truly unbelievable with the river and crowd reaching their peak, putting the pressure on the world’s best to perform. Mike Dowdy (USA) took his first Wakeboard World Series event win of the season in style. With various strategies at play, Dowdy threw down his first pass as if it were a sheet of glass on the Danube, landing a Moby Dick, 900, and a double backroll all in his first pass. Pass two saw 720’s and a KGB, earning him a score of 91.67. Harley Clifford (AUS) came in second with 86.00 after landing a T/S 900, tail KGB and a double tantrum. Noah Flegel (USA) is a machine, taking his second podium of the day with a third place Pro Wakeboard finish landing a Moby Dick 540, crow 540, and 900 to score 83.67.
“Stoked to take the win at the Vienna Pro. The conditions were less than favorable but everyone charged it and the crowd was awesome all weekend. Thanks to everyone who put the event on. I look forward to coming back!” said 2017 Malibu Vienna Pro Champion Mike Dowdy.
