Red Bull Double or Nothing powered by Mastercraft is bringing back the top wakeboarders in the world to Orlando in a winner-take-all, best trick competition behind the legendary MasterCraft XStar S. The competition pushes the envelope of what’s possible on a wakeboard, exemplified by Thomas Herman making history at last year’s event, landing the first triple flip ever in competition.
Read Next: Learn More About Thomas Herman’s Amazing Triple
More history will be made this year, as 7-time World Champion Meagan Ethell, who participated in exhibition runs last year, will officially compete. This will mark the first time a woman will be in the running for the $10,000, winner-take-all, grand prize. For Meagan, an Orlando local and major advocate for women’s equality in all sport, this means a great deal and she’s excited to get on the lake, and try to make history herself with some never-been-done tricks from behind a boat.
Parks Bonifay is the creator of Red Bull Double or Nothing and a certified legend. He’s recruited some of the best athletes in the sport to compete alongside Meagan on Saturday, September 7th. After last year’s showstopping Triple Flip, the athletes will be trying to go even bigger.
Parks, an Orlando resident, has retired from competing for the most part, but makes the exception every year for this event.
I came up with the concept for this event with Red Bull to push the sport of wakeboarding,” says Parks. “And the way last year went down with the first ever Triple Flip completed by Thoumas herman, riders are even more fired up. Anything can happen at Red Bull Double or Nothing and last year was proof.”
The event gets its name from the “double-up”, which is the moment when two wakes combine into one, growing more than three times the size of a usual wake. This allows the pros to get massive air, allowing for huge tricks, and risking huge crashes.
Thomas Herman’s previously mentioned Triple Flip won last year’s event, earning him the winner-take-all $10,000 prize. Thomas will be returning this year, as will other former winners like Guenther Oka and Sam Brown. Judges include wake stars Brian Grubb, Jimmy LaRiche and Jamie Lopina.
This year’s competition also includes a Wild Card submission. From August 2 to August 25th, riders that are interested in competing can submit their best trick in an attempt to be selected for a spot in the contest.
To see Meagan, Parks and nearly 20 of the best wakeboarders in the world in person, head to Gaston Edwards Park on Saturday, Sept. 7th from 9am-5pm. The day will be complete with food trucks, family-friendly games, and an open area for some of the best views of the lake to witness the greatest show in all of wakeboarding.
Confirmed Red Bull Double or Nothing Athlete Roster
- Sam Brown
- Guenther Oka
- Tyler Higham
- Luca Kidd
- Kai Distch
- Ulf Distch
- Cory Teunnissan
- Fynn Bullock
- Thomas Herman
- Massi Piffaretti
- Parks Bonifay
- Meagan Ethell
- Wild Card
Follow redbull.com/us-en/events/double-or-nothing to stay updated about this year’s event!
