Orlando, Fla. — The competitive return of Orlando-native Dallas Friday, the most accomplished woman wakeboarder of all-time, and the unveiling of the massive-wake producing G23 boat from Nautique highlighted an action-packed day of competition from the world’s best wakeboarders during day one of the Nautique Wake Games at the Orlando Watersports Complex.

By posting a heat-winning 76.67 score today in her first competition since 2010, Friday advanced through the qualifying rounds of Wake Games and will compete in the main stages of the event on Friday and Saturday. “It’s been a long comeback from the knee surgeries and I am so thankful and grateful to be back on the water with everyone today. I thought this day was never going to come. I’m stoked to win my heat and can’t wait for the next round,” said Friday.

A loaded field of the world’s top professional men wakeboarders also made the most of the massive G23 wake during the first day at Wake Games. Leading the way with an assault of high-flying aerials and technical rail maneuvers was Raphael Derome (Canada), who posted the day’s high-score with an 80.00.

“The G23 definitely didn’t disappoint today, we were seeing riders from all the divisions go huge,” said Competition Director Chris Bischoff. “I think we can expect to see some really progressive riding during the upcoming rounds at Wake Games.”

The Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will continue through Saturday, April 14. Tomorrow and Friday’s free event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday will remain a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the gate: $13 (adult); $5 (ages 6-12); free (ages 5 and under); or $7 (adult) if purchased online.

In addition to all the action on the water, on land the Nautique Wake Games features great food and music, athlete autograph signings, chances to win freebies, and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores offering water-sports equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.

For information on the Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, visit www.kingofwake.com.

The Nautique Wake Games, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Correct Craft, Rockstar Energy Drink, Overton’s, Peavey, Mona Vie, Fox, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, Oakley, PCM Marine Engines and YOUR MOM magazine.