Oklahoma City, Okla. - Nine amateur divisions hit the waters of the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City today for the final rounds of the 2008 Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra.
All eyes were on Edmond, Okla. native Rachel Orgill, as the 12 year old female ripper looked to win a world title on hometown waters in today's Girls division finals, but top-seeded rider Megan Ethell threw down some impressive maneuvers to take the top spot and win the world title. Orgill finished in third-place behind Ethell and Taylor McCullough.
Erica Dumeyer of Louisville, Ky. took the top spot in the Amateur Women finals today, claiming her division's world title, while fellow Louisville native Nick Link captured the world title in the Men's II division.
Aussie Sam Thomson took the top spot in the Men's I division finals today, crowning him the new world champion of his division and was the only international rider of the day to win a world title.
The Masters Women division featured a three-woman final with Allison Blaha taking the top spot followed by Annie Haroldson and Kat Laird, respectively.
In the Pro Women's Wakeskate division, Jennifer GilanFarr won the world title, while Matt Hayden captured the world title in the Amateur Wakeskate division.
Matt Vermillion took the top spot in the four-man Veterans division finals, while Chris Full managed to defend his world title in the Masters division. Full was the only rider to successfully defend his title.
The Jr. Men's division battled it out on the water today in three heats of six during the semifinals. Only the top-two riders from the three heats advanced onto the finals, sending most of the competition home. The six finalists will vie for the world title on Sunday.
The Jr. Women's division hit the water today in a seven-woman semifinal. Only the top-four riders advanced onto Sunday's finals with Anna Hajek as the top-seeded rider.
21 of the youngest male riders out on the water today, ages 10-13, faced off in the Boys division quarterfinals, where more than half of the competition was sent home packing, as only the top-two riders from each of the five heats advanced onto tomorrow's semifinals.
Eight of the world's top pro wakeskaters hit the water for their quarterfinals, where they would vie for seeding in tomorrow's semifinals. Leading heat one was former world champion Brian Grubb, while current world champ Reed Hansen paced the second heat.
The Rockstar Energy Drink WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra is a four-day-long carnival of water-sports action. But not all of the action takes place on the water. On land, fans will experience tons of great music and food, athlete autograph signings, chances to win free giveaways, 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. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all four days.
Tickets can be purchased on site Sept. 4-7 for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under). To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.kingofwake.com. General admission tickets are buy one get one free online only until Sept. 5, 12 p.m. noon EST.
To catch all the wakeboarding action from home, tune in to FUEL TV. For exact air dates, visit www.kingofwake.com.
If you cannot make it to the 2008 Worlds, bring the Worlds to you. Catch the exciting action LIVE with FUEL TV's webcast at www.fuel.tv/wakeboardworlds beginning Friday, Sept. 5 and wrapping up on Sunday, Sept. 7.
FUEL TV is a 24/7 action-sports lifestyle network for wakeboarding, skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX and freestyle motocross. A unit of Fox Cable Networks, FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003, and is seen in 25 million U.S. homes. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.
Supra is the official tow boat of the WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Celebrating nearly 30 years of excellence in the marine industry, Supra pioneered rider-friendly boats that feature innovative hull designs, adjustable wakes and versatile seating with sleek and sexy styling. Supra kicks up the fattest wakes with a line of 10 tournament-quality Launch Series boats, each with the attitude and ability to help you find more altitude than ever before.
Rockstar is the world's most powerful energy drink. Developed to improve the recovery time of those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles, Rockstar Energy Drink is available in 10 flavors -- Original, Sugar Free, Juiced, Zero Carb, Guava, Pomegranate, Punched, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Vanilla Light and Roasted Latte -- at convenience stores and retail grocery outlets across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom.
WakeBoarding, published by Bonnier Corp., is the official magazine of the World Championships. WakeBoarding is the definitive source on all things wakeboarding, with expert coverage of professional instruction, gear, boats and the latest news.
The WWA Wakeboard World Championships is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla. The Championships has the support of the following: Rockstar Energy Drink, Supra boats, Indmar, the U.S. Air Force, Reef, Mona Vie, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Gator Boards, Oakley, World Wakeboard Association, Cire, Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, theliquidcircus.com, wakeboarder.com and wakeworld.com.
