Scroll to 3:33 in this video to see Ethell’s history-making trick!
Meagan Ethell made history at the 2025 Nautique Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament, presented by GM Marine, when, on her last run, she wrapped up and pulled off an NBD, landing an X-Mobe 540 in a contest.
The event was held at Calloway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia, over the Memorial Day Weekend.
Ethell is a nine-time Master’s champion, and the first woman to land this trick in a contest behind the boat.
The champ was effusive on her Instagram account (@meaganethell):
“Landing an NBD in a comp has been a dream of mine forever. This moment will be replaying in my mind for the rest of my life!
A month ago, I tried a wrapped Pete 5 off the kicker and landed it. After that, Guenther looked at me and said, “First woman to do a Mobe 5 at Masters?” I looked at him and laughed because I didn’t actually believe that I could make that happen.
About three weeks ago, I landed my first one behind the boat, then I landed another, and another. It started to feel real… like wait, maybe I can actually do this???
Yesterday, everything came together and I was able to put it down.
It just goes to show what can happen when someone believes in you, and that belief helps you have the confidence to believe in yourself.“
Ethell counts MasterCraft Boat Company and Red Bull among her sponsors.
Japan’s Hinata Yoshihara (@hinata_yoshihara) earned the silver medal and Euge De Armas (@eugedea) from Argentina garnered the bronze medal with an injured arm. Also of note: Kira Lewis (@kira.wake), who made it into the pro women’s final at the most prestigious event for her very first time.
Men’s Wakeboarding Results From the 2025 Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament
In the Men’s Wakeboard division, Australian NIc Rapa (@nicrapa), took first place, followed by Tyler Higham (@tylerhigham) and Trent Stucky (@trentstuckey), both from the USA, who earned second and third place respectively.
To see other results from the 2025 Nautique Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament presented by GM Marine, visit: masterswaterski.com/masters-standings-finals.
