Fort Worth (May 23, 2005) – Triple digit temperatures scorched the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex this weekend and the wakeboarding action was equally hot Friday night “under the lights” at the private lake of Texas Mastercraft & Chaparral. The gates opened at 6pm and the party was on! Wakeboard enthusiasts from across the state lined the shores to witness 11 of the top Texas riders and 16 PWT tour pro’s battle it out for the $3000 purse at the LoveSac Big Air Double-Up Contest and Pro Wakeboard Tour pre-party.
In this first time event, the pro’s judged the locals and the locals judged the pros. The Texas riders were first off the dock and each had two attempts. At the end of round one, it was Richie Mckee, Joey Bradley and Dustin Shows advancing to the finals. When it was all said and done, it was Bradley’s clean HS 720 that captured the win and $1,500 cash. Dustin Shows took second and a $1000 prize pack from Kicker Audio with a lofty OHH and TXMC’s own Richie McKee landed a big, stylish 360 to take home third place and a new LoveSac Game Sac.
The pro division didn’t get started until about 10pm, but 16 of the top riders in the world were ready to take their shot at the first place cash. Split into two heats with the top three in each advancing, it was Chris O’Shea, Ricky Gonzales, Ben Greenwood, Kevin Henshaw, Dean Smith and Adam Errington that made up the six finalists. Canadian Kevin Henshaw landed a huge BS 720 to lock up the first place win and $1,500. Ben Greenwoods TS BS 360 was enough for 2nd place and Aussie Dean Smith took home third.
The event was pulled by the all new LoveSac 2005 Mastercraft X Star, affectionately named “Yo’ Mamma”, with Team Mastercrafts Zane Schwenk at the helm. LoveSac Founder/CEO, Shawn Nelson, was also on-hand to keep an eye on his new toy and to personally sign the oversized LoveSac checks for the winners.
The action on the water was exciting and the crowd, estimated at around 2,000, had a great time watching it all unfold. At the conclusion of the double-up contest, spectators and competitors were treated to the world premiere of the “Wave Theory” wakeboard video, the newest release from the TBKS series, projected on an impressive 20’ x 40’ inflatable outdoor screen provided by Blue Moon Cinema. The film featured some of the top riders in the state, most of whom were on-hand for the festivities.
In the words of one pro tour staffer, the event was “one of the best pro tour pre-parties in recent memory” and “an epic good time!”
The LoveSac Double-Up Contest and Pro Tour Pre-Party, organized by Texas Wakeboard Tour promoter, Geiger Media, and hosted by Texas Mastercraft & Chaparral, was made possible with support from LoveSac, Nissan North America, Mastercraft Boats, Chipotle Restaurants, the US Air Force, Kicker Audio, Alliance Wakeboard Magazine, KDGE Radio station, Liquid Force Wakeboards, Spy Optic, Da Hui Clothing, Krown Wakeboards, Reef, KMC Wheels, Wake Culture, Blue Moon Cinema, Owl Lighting and the Chiropractic Center at Tienna Health.
