WWA: Tony Iaconni and Amber Wing Declared 2016 Nautique U.S. Wakeboard National Champions

Tony Iaconni and Amber Wing Declared 2016 Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Champions in Georgia

ACWORTH, Ga. (July 30, 2016) – The fourth and final day of competition at the 2016 Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships took place on Saturday at the Dallas Landing Park as the world’s best riders competed behind the three-time wakeboard boat of the year, the Super Air Nautique G23 towboat. Gorgeous weather and perfect conditions on the water treated thousands of spectators along the shorelines to an epic showdown that witnessed champions crowned in the Pro Men, Pro Women, Jr. Pro Men and Pro Wakeskate divisions. The G23’s incredible wake and industry leading pull continued to elevate the sport as the star-studded lineup threw down massive hits throughout the afternoon.

Following yesterdays Pro Men’s division Quarterfinal qualifying, athletes resumed with their respective Semifinal Heats for a chance to earn a position in the final showdown. Italian Massi Piffaretti (ITA) led the way during Heat 1, while Nautique Rider Noah Flegel (USA) stole the glory and a transfer position in Heat 2. A stacked lineup filled the roster for Heat 3, but Tony Iaconni (AUS) prevailed with the highest score. The final Heat of the day watched Nautique Rider Mike Dowdy (USA) show exactly how far the Super Air Nautique G23 has taken the sport with an insane run heading into the finals.

When the Pro Men riders kicked off their Final runs of the weekend, fans littered the beach to watch the sports brightest stars uncork the biggest tricks of the entire weekend. Australian Tony Iaconni (AUS) emerged victorious by nailing his run with a variety of technical tricks, including a front blind mobe to score a 92.67. The runner-up position went to Nic Rapa (AUS), who rode consistently all day to score 88.67. Team Nautique Rider Noah Flegel (USA) performed spectacular behind the G23’s massive wake to secure the third and final podium spot.

“I’m so pumped to walk away with the win today at the U.S. National Championship,” said Tony Iaconni. “The entire field is absolutely stacked right now and there are so many talented riders when it comes down to the finals. This is one of my favorite stops of the season, which motivated me to give it everything I had and go huge for the crowd.”

The Pro Women entered the final day of competition determined to showcase their talent in front of a large crowd while competing behind the three-time boat of the year, Super Air Nautique G23. After a confidence inspiring performance in her qualifying run on Friday, Amber Wing (AUS) kept the momentum rolling as she landed big tricks to outduel the competition with an 86.67. Narrowly missing out on the victory, Team Nautique Rider Raimi Merritt (USA) recorded a near flawless run to earn a solid second place finish with a score of 81.67. Despite an intense battle for the final step on the podium, Nicola Butler (USA) nailed a strong run to beat out her competitors as judge’s awarded her with a 77.50.

“It’s an amazing feeling to come out on top with my sixth-career U.S. National Championship,” said Amber Wing. “All weekend the girls were performing brilliantly, forcing me to stay on my toes and step up my game. It was rad having all of the fans come out to enjoy the awesome weather and check out the action!”

Pro Wakeskate riders took full advantage of the G23’s perfectly formed wake to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Brian Grubb (USA) won in convincing fashion by displaying a remarkable run to grab the high score of 81.67. The battle for the final podium positions was at an all-time high, leaving riders forced to hold nothing back as they approached their final runs. Reed Hansen (USA) and Austin Polerock (USA) went head-to-head for the second and third positions, respectively.

The Jr. Pro Men (14-18) division boasted the youngest group of riders to compete on the day, while featuring a teaser of some of the sports up-and-coming future stars. A very determined Elliot Digney (AUS) landed the first-ever double flip in Jr. Pro Men’s competition, adding to the long list of ground breaking moments behind the Super Air Nautique G23, ultimately jumping to the top of the leaderboard and never looking back en route to the Finals win. Jake Pelot (USA) looked amazing all weekend keeping every trick stylish and clean to finish second, while Cobe France (AUS) overcame adversity earlier in the week to join his two rivals on the podium in third.

Dedicated to progressing the sport from the ground up, the Nautique Wake Series puts riders first, developing the stars of tomorrow and showcasing the top athletes of today. The addition of the WWA Wakeboard World Championships provides athletes the perfect platform throughout the entire season with every major event held behind the Super Air Nautique G23.

For more information on the Nautique Wake Series please Click Here.

As the organizer and sanctioning body of the 2016 Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships presented by Rockstar Energy, the World Wakeboard Association would like to thank all of its partners for their support in making the event possible, including Nautique Boat Company and Rockstar Energy Drink.

For more information on the 2016 Wakeboard World Series Click Here.

Results

Nautique WWA U.S. Wakeboard National Championships Presented by Rockstar Energy
Dallas Landing Park – Acworth, Georgia
Saturday, July 30, 2016

Pro Men – Finals Heat 01

1. Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 92.67
2. Nic Rapa (AUS) – 88.67
3. Noah Flegel (USA) – 78.83

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4. Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 75.00

5. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 69.33

6. Mike Dowdy (USA) – 66.83

7. Dean Smith (AUS) – 64.67

8. Steel Lafferty (USA) – 52.33
Pro Women – Finals Heat 01

1. Amber Wing (AUS) – 86.67
2. Raimi Merritt (USA) – 81.67
3. Nicola Butler (USA) – 77.50

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4. Larisa Morales (MEX) – 73.33

5. Tarah Mikacich (USA) – 68.33

6. Melissa Marquardt (USA) – 50.00
Pro Wakeskate – Finals Heat 01

1. Brian Grubb (USA) – 81.67
2. Reed Hansen (USA) – 63.33
3. Austin Polterock (USA) – 62.67

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4. Danny Hampson (USA) – 48.33

5. Coco Mendez (USA) – 31.67
Jr. Pro Men (14-18) – Finals Heat 01

1. Elliot Digney (AUS) – 91.00
2. Jake Pelot (USA) – 85.00
3. Cobe France (AUS) – 77.33

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4. Mac Schramm (USA) – 73.00

5. Guenther Oka (USA) – 68.33

6. Lewy Watt (AUS) – 35.67
Pro Men – Semifinals Heat 01

1. Massi Piffaretti (ITA) – 80.00
2. Steel Lafferty (USA) – 77.33

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3. JD Webb (USA) – 63.33

4. Damien Adam (MRI) – 30.00
Pro Men – Semifinals Heat 02

1. Noah Flegel (USA) – 76.67
2. Dean Smith (AUS) – 65.00

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3. Jeff Langley USA) – 55.00

4. Austin Hair (USA) – 33.33
Pro Men – Semifinals Heat 03

1. Tony Iaconni (AUS) – 91.67
2. Nic Rapa (AUS) – 80.00

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3. Parker Siegele (AUS) – 70.00

4. Joel Bartley (AUS) – 60.00
Pro Men – Semifinals Heat 04

1. Mike Dowdy (USA) – 95.33
2. Cory Teunissen (AUS) – 81.67

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3. Bob Soven (USA) – 66.67

4. Danny Thollander (USA) – 56.67

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About Nautique Boat Company: Celebrating 91 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique is a subsidiary of Correct Craft and has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Nautique is known to push the envelope of possibility on the water, and our owners have come to expect nothing but the absolute best. The Ski Nautique 200 has changed waterskiing with 19 world records, the G-Series has won numerous awards for wakeboard boat and wakesurf boat of the year while unlocking new possibilities in wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and our Sport Series has given families endless days on the water without compromise. 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.

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

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