Orlando, Fla. – The most memorable rail contest in wakeboarding, The Carnival, is returning this summer to The Projects in Orlando, Florida where the world’s top pros will be battling for the belt on May 10-12, 2007. Jumping on board to bring the event back to the limelight is presenting sponsor Fox Riders Co., as well as Alliance Multimedia, Sea-Doo, Hyperlite, Gator Boards, Slingshot and Rockstar Energy Drink.

Known as the first rail contest in the history of the sport, and the event that put The Projects on the map in 1999, riders like Thomas Horrell, Gator Lutgert and champion Scott Byerly proved that rail riding was a category within the sport that deserved attention.

After two years of absence, The Carnival rose again in 2001, also at the Projects, with some incredible rails, gaps and even unimaginable structures like a full-size quarter pipe. With increasing popularity in rail riding, the vibe was heavy and another one of the sports biggest names walked away with the belt, Mr. Parks Bonifay. This year, Bonifay will be defending his belt and will not ride until the final round, head-to-head with the rider who qualifies all the way through.

For 2007, The Carnival will have another first by having more than a dozen rails in a comp. Here are the invites for 8 riders and there will be a challenge day with 30 spots open, where eight riders will make it through to hang with the best.

For more info, including registration, go to http://thecarnivalcontest.com

2007 Invited Riders

Shane Bonifay — WBM rail rider of the year 06’

Keith Lidberg — First place Wakestock rail competiton 06’

Danny Harf — Best Trick Wakestock pool jam 06’

Erik Ruck — Best Trick X-Games pool Jam 06’

Rob Jacques — Best Trick Surf Expo pool jam 06’

Keith Lyman — Best Trick Black top oasis pool jam 06’

JD Webb — Current Gap distance record holder
(Aka jumped a fountain and has his own day)

Chad Sharpe — Project Pats pick ( This is one rider I would love to see in
the carnival)
“Chad is an amazing rider and the way here approaches
rails, from building them to hitting them, is defiantly not the norm” “If my calculations are correct he was on the podium in the last Carnival”