Sparks, Nev. – The top wakeboarders and wakeskaters from throughout the United States converged today in the greater Reno area of Sparks, Nev. to kick off the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR. The event, which runs through Sunday, July 18, at Sparks Marina, opened with semifinal rounds for nine of the 21 division competing over the course of the five-day competition.

Among the 42 riders that competed today were two Nevada natives, who made a splash on their hometown water after winning their respective semifinal heats. Jen GilanFarr of Incline Village paced the Women’s Wakeskate division with a score of 63.33, while Amanda Schwartz from Minden led her Amateur Women’s division with 50 points.

“I’m stoked be back at Sparks Marina, competing so close to home,” said GilanFarr, a two-time world champion wakeskater. “I lived near Tahoe for 18 years before moving to Florida and it feels great to be back. I rode really well today and feel comfortable out here; I just need to keep it up through finals.”

Both GilanFarr and Schwartz enter tomorrow’s finals as the top-seeded riders within their respective divisions. Should both Silver State natives win tomorrow, it will mark GilanFarr’s third U.S. national title and Schwartz’s first at the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships.

The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard Nationals will continue tomorrow, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where nine divisions will host finals and six more divisions will kick off their opening rounds. The event is free to public through Friday, July 16, with Saturday and Sunday will be a ticketed event.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).

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

Also be sure to pick up your share of $10,000 in free gift cards from Overton’s, the official water-sports retailer of the King of Wake series. Fans can also register to win a $500 Overton’s catalog shopping spree.

For more information on the Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR, visit www.allisports.com.

The Air Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships, presented by ROCKSTAR 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, MonaVie, FOX, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Liquid Force, Byerly, PCM Marine Engines, WakeBoarding magazine, FUEL TV and Allisports.com.

About Air Nautique

The Air Nautique by Correct Craft is the exclusive tow boat of the WWA Nationals. Celebrating 85 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft Inc. is the producer of the Nautique line of boats. The manufacturer of Nautique is known for delivering superior quality product, cutting-edge technology and exceptional service experiences.

About ROCKSTAR

ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in thirteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, and Recovery. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.

About WWA

The World Wakeboard Association (WWA) is a rider formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers, and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and events, check out www.thewwa.com

About FUEL TV

FUEL TV is the action sports lifestyle network for skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross, and wakeboarding. Through its original and commissioned series and specials, short-form content, films, and prestigious event coverage, the channel features action sports athletes, emerging musicians, celebrities, and breaking news. FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 30 million U.S. homes. FUEL TV has networks in Australia (FUEL TV Australia) and Portugal (FUEL TV Portugal) and its content is viewed in more than 50 countries around the world.

About King of Wake

The King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from throughout the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The 2010 series consists of the Wake Games, the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, the WWA Wakeboard World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing – the leading wake-events producer since 1988.