Red Bull Harbour Reach 2014

Red Bull Harbour Reach unleashed a wave of excitement in Liverpool this weekend as the UK’s biggest wakeboarding event returned to Albert Dock. More than 10,000 people turned up to watch as Australian James Windsor took home the crown.

The level of competition was the highest that it’s ever been with 19 of the world’s best athletes going board to board in the Mersey waters, with obstacles such as the Glaciere of Liverpool and crane barge barrels keeping the stars on their toes.

After giving it their all and producing an awesome range of jumps and tricks, it was James Windsor, Oli Derome and Brenton Priestley who faced each other in a tense final, coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The judges, led by wakeboarding legend Parks Bonifay, debated their winner as the athletes faced an agonising wait for their decision.

Eventually it was James Windsor who cemented his place in Red Bull Harbour Reach history, delivering an incredible range of moves to win the competition for a 2nd year in a row. He also impressed the judges by mastering the toughest course features, including the 100ft Pool Gap.

On winning James said: “I’m so happy to win Red Bull Harbour Reach again and it’s a great feeling. Hopefully I’ll be able to defend my crown again in 2015.”

The purpose-built wake course was designed by Tim Woodhead, owner of Liverpool Wake Park, and pushed the riders’ to take their performance to the next level Tim said: “Red Bull Harbour Reach has continued to go from strength to strength and is a fantastic event for the city. The riders faced a difficult task this year and they didn’t disappoint, delivering some awesome combinations for the crowd. “Thousands of people have turned out again this year and it is testament to a growing and entertaining sport. Wakeboarding is the fastest growing water sport and it’s easy to see why.”

Photos from: Leo Francis & Nathan Gallagher
Video from: Red Bull

For more information check out: Redbull Harbour Reach 2014