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Nautique Wake Open Kicks Off WWA Wakeboard World Series Saturday

Lake Alfred, Fla. (April 16, 2015) – The second round of the Nautique Wake Series got under way Thursday at the Nautique Wake Open at BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas. Amateur riders as young as nine years old hit the water behind the award-winning G-Series boat, the Super Air Nautique G21 with Nautique’s Kyle Rattray behind the wheel, shaping the wake. The Jr. Pro Men’s quarterfinals put the top four from each heat into tomorrow’s semi final round. Nic Rapa from Australia took the first heat followed by Mac Schramm winning Heat 2, and James Loisel taking the third and final heat.

“The weekend is shaping up to be a great way to start the World Series,” said Rattray. “I drove the G21 all morning towing the amateur riders from beginners to veterans. The lake here at BSR Cable Park is nice and deep and out of the wind so the wake behind the industry leading Super Air Nautique G23 is going to be huge for Saturday’s finals. The competition is going to be stiff and will set the stage for the rest of the year.”

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The Pro riders started trickling in on Thursday as Nautique Team riders, Meagan Ethell cheered on the Junior Women, and Brandon Thomas scoped out the wake for the Pro Wakeskate division that begins Friday.

“Nautique always goes the extra mile to include all elements of wake-sports and the Nautique Wake Open is the perfect event for riders of all levels,” said Thomas. “Wakeskating continues to gain popularity and the Nautique Wake Series is where the best riders come to throw down behind the best wake in the industry.”

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Friday will see the amateur divisions move into finals, while Jr. Pro Men and Pro Women semifinals will hit the water and the Pro Men quarterfinals will line up. To finish the day Rockstar Energy Drink is hosting a Best Trick Contest at the Royal Flush Slide and Cable Park on site at BSR.

“The Nautique Wake Series is such a game changer for women’s wakeboarding, because we have a great company backing us up and supporting our progression,” said Nautique Team Rider Raimi Merritt. “I was in Australia last month for the kick off to the Nautique Wake Series, the Moomba Masters, and it was one of the coolest events that I’ve ever been to with great exposure for our sport. I am looking forward to another great event this weekend at the Nautique Wake Open. All of the girls are riding great and I’m hoping for another podium.”

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Results

Nautique Wake Open
BSR Cable Park – Waco, Texas
Thursday, April 16, 2015

Amateur Wakesake Semi Final
Tyler Sommer – 59.33
Carl Erickson – 43.33
Francisco Cabezas – 35.00

Women’s Wakeskate Semi Final
Natalie Graham – 83.33

Amateur Women (18-24) Semi Final
Morgan Crescent – 68.33
Nicole Steele – 41.67

Junior Women (14-18) Semi Final
Jamie Lopina – 80.00
Ashleigh Blake – 70.00
Mackayla Petrie – 61.67

Adaptive Sitboarding Semi Final
Connor Aguilar-Pogetto – 83.33

Junior Boys (9 and under) Semi Final
Brett Powell – 66.67

Junior Boys Beginner Semi Final
Laird Stidham – 76.67

Boys Beginner Semi Final
Maarten Van Vilet – 73.33

Masters (30-39) Semi Final
Kevco Michael – 75.00
Francisco Cabezas – 51.67

Veterans (40 and over) Semi Final
Mike Vanpatten – 76.67
Carl Erickson – 60.00
Darren Holsey – 56.67

Men’s 1 (19-24) Semi Final
Jack Guenther – 71.67
Sean Weidner – 58.33
Nolan Savage – 33.33

Pro Veterans Semi Final
Billy Garcia – 73.33

Jr. Pro Men’s Quarterfinals
Heat 1
Nic Rapa – 70.67
Cobe France – 63.33
Jason Soven – 60.00
Robby Holihan – 57.33

Heat 2
Mac Schramm – 77.00
Jake Pelot – 74.33
Guenther Oka – 66.67
Tyler Higham – 49.00

Heat 3
James Poisel – 79.00
Juan Mendez – 75.00
Gunner Daft – 71.00
Lewy Watt – 60.00

About Nautique Boat Company
Celebrating 90 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique Boat Company, Inc. has been on the waters of the world with a passion for progression since day one. Nautique is known to push the envelope of possibility on the water, and our family of owners have come to expect nothing but the absolute best. Time and time again we’ve proven that our boats are built to push boundaries. Each time a new Nautique is released it sets a series of events in motion that continue to have a profound impact on watersports. The Ski Nautique 200 has changed waterskiing with 17 world records, the G-Series has unlocked new possibilities in wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and our Sport Series has given families endless days on the water without compromise. Countless awards, mind-blowing moments, and seeing what the world will do next with our creations is what keeps us dedicated to staying on the cutting edge. Through our Nautique Cares initiatives we’re dedicated to not only making a difference on the water, but to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more visit Nautique.com. Follow us at: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Rockstar
Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com
Find us at:

http://www.Facebook.com/Rockstar ~ www.Twitter.com/RockstarEnergy ~
http://www.Instagram.com/RockstarEnergy ~ http://www.YouTube.com/Rockstar

About the WBWS
The Wakeboard World Series will offer the largest payout the sport has seen in its 26-year history with a total of $425,000 to be handed out to the men and women throughout the series. This increase is just one of many avenues that the WWA have stepped up to further legitimize wakeboarding along with an increased focus on attracting media, sponsors, and consumers. This year’s Wakeboard World Series is the largest World Series in recent years, making it the only true global wakeboard series. The 2015 Wakeboard World Series will travel to four rounds within the United States as well as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, a return to Japan, and for the first time, the WWA World Championships will be held in Portugal.

About the WWA
The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sports sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out www.thewwa.com